Why would I even want a computer?

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© April 2010 Anthony Lawrence

This is a preliminary outline for a very basic presentation to seniors. Some of you may want to use this yourselves and of course I appreciate any suggestions or additions.

This came up because I manned a table at a "Fun over 55" fair yesterday showing some of things we've talked about at our community Computer Club. There were too many people expressing doubt that they'd want a computer at all or if they had one (sometimes forced upon them by children), they expressed fear and confusion.

I thought I'd offer this to help out some of those folks.

Why do I even want a computer?

• Email
• Video Chat
• Google and the Internet
• Facebook, Twitter
• Games
• Movies
• Books
• Forums
• Photos
• Learning new things
• Looking up what we've forgotten
• College Lectures
• Art and Museums
• Hobbies
• Sell stuff
• and more?

What kind of computer should I buy?

• Notebook
• Laptop
• Desktop
• Wireless
• iPhone/iPod/iTouch/Smart Phone
• Apple, Windows, Linux?

How much Ram? How much disk space? How fast?
Geek-speak - what do these things mean?

• RAM
• Hard Drive or Hard Disk
• CPU
• Gigahertz
• Megabytes, Gigabytes
• Quad Core
• Screen size and resolution
• Dual screen?

How much money should I spend?

• Gaming vs. casual use
• Dog years and Computer Years
• It's last years model right after you buy it
• Construction quality

(If you have a computer now)
Should I upgrade what I have or buy new?

Where should I buy it?

• Online
• Best Buy, BJ's, Costco
• Apple Store
• Local computer shop

What software should I buy?

• Microsoft Office
• Free Office Suites

What about a Printer?

• Laserjets vs. Inkjets
• All-in-one printer/scanner/fax disadvantages

What kind of Internet Service?

• DSL and Broadband
• 3G/4G
• Comcast Cable
• Verizon Fiber Optic
• Direct TV
• Dial Up

What about Viruses and Malware?

• Viruses vs. Malware - what's what?
• Protecting yourself and your computer
• Privacy (nothing wrong with lying to Facebook)
• Why do people write these viruses?

Buying on line - is it safe?

• Internet safety vs. a restaurant or a store.
• Using Secure Credit Cards
• PayPal

More than one computer?

• Routers and switches and hubs, oh my
• Sharing printers

If you found something useful today, please consider a small donation.

Got something to add? Send me email.

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