Computers for Seniors For Dummies

Checklist for Purchasing a PC

Shopping for a computer can be daunting no matter what your age or experience. If you’re a senior shopping for your first computer, see the following list for terms you’ll hear and the issues you need to consider:

• Graphics and sound cards: If you want to use multimedia or game software, you want more sophisticated sound and video features than the average user.

• Included software: Some computers come with utility programs such as antivirus software or productivity software.

• Input ports and drives: Computers may come with CD or DVD drives, USB ports for connecting peripherals and USB sticks, and ports to connect to monitors and printers.

• Keyboard: Make sure the keyboard feels comfortable to you.

• Manufacturer support: Check the warranty and technical support available.

• Memory: Your computer should have at least 1 gigabyte (GB) of RAM.

• Monitor: Monitors come in different sizes and quality of resolution. A 15-inch monitor is comfortable for most people, but if you do work with higher-end images or watch videos on your PC, consider a larger monitor.

• Price: Set a budget.

• Processor speed: Look for a minimum of 1.6 GHz processor speed.

• Size/footprint: If you’re short on space, a minitower or laptop might
  be better.

• Wireless capability: To connect to some wireless devices and networks, you need wireless capability.

Tips for Efficient Internet Searching

Part of the reason to venture into computers in your senior years is so that you can search the Internet and make use of its information. The following tips can help you get faster, more accurate results from search engines (note that some search engines use slightly different approaches):

• Avoid search terms that are too general. The term golden retriever would get you more specific results than dog, for example.

• By default, if you type two keywords such as Vacation Italy, search engines generally look first for sites that contain both words.

• Most search engines generally don’t take into account words such as and, or, and a.

• Some search engines, such as Ask.com, allow you to type in questions as sentences rather than using keywords.

• If you want to find an exact phrase, such as “To be or not to be”, put it in quotes.

The same tips work if you’re just searching your computer for a file.

Keystroke Shortcuts for Windows

Seniors know the value of saving time and effort, and getting to know keyboard shortcuts on your new computer helps you do both. The Windows keyboard shortcuts in the following table can help you handle common activities on your PC, such as cutting and pasting text, quickly and easily.

If you’re using a Mac, substitute the Apple command key for Ctrl for the same effect.

Ten Useful Web Sites for Seniors — And All Ages

If you’re using a computer and the Internet for the first time as a senior, you may find the links to Web sites in the following list good starting points for various types of online activities.

• ancestry.com: Genealogy database

• CNN: News site

• Consumer Reports: Consumer advice and comparisons

• doityourself: Do-it-yourself home projects

• DowJones: Stock prices

• flickr: Photo sharing

• Motley Fool: Financial news and advice

• movies.com: Information on current movies and stars

• tucows: Shareware download site

• Wikipedia: Online encyclopedia that anyone can edit