Gail Eddy, Nederland. Over time, we have found some great resources to help our older customers.
Here are just a few:
* Set up your Alexa /Echo /Siri to call a trusted contact when you can’t get to the phone. Keep in mind that it won’t be able to call 911 for you, but it could call a family member or neighbor. Check out this blog I wrote about why you can’t use Alexa to call 911. www.geekforhireinc.com/dont-use-alexa-to-call-911/
* At your next family gathering, ask your grandkids to show you how to use Facetime. That way you can have video chats with them very easily throughout the year.
* You should also make sure your computer keyboard fits your needs. I’ve talked to several people who have a separate keyboard and mouse even though they have a laptop. Laptops are getting smaller and the keyboards are almost too small to type on! After I made many (way too many!) fat-finger mistakes on my laptop, I got a wireless keyboard and mouse which helped immensely.
* Head over to your local bookstore browse some of the “Dummy” or “Idiot” books for help with specific topics. I like David Pogue’s “Missing Manual” series. I got turned on to them when I got my first iPhone and couldn’t figure out how to do anything. It was very helpful!
* Check with your local senior group and library. They probably have classes on social media, photography, email, and other subjects that you may need help with. (Save the phone calls to your daughter for the tech emergencies!)
* Cultivate a relationship with a patient tech expert that can come to you. They’ll be able to fix problems and provide some training. Ask your friends for recommendations.
Conclusion:
You know how they say that age is a state of mind? Take the process of learning new technology one step at a time. Learn it in little bits and be open to finding out new ways to do things. Before you know it you’ll be teaching your kids a thing or two!
Information about Geek For Hire, Inc. Chris Eddy of Geek For Hire, Inc. has been providing computer service to families and small businesses with Mac’s and PCs for the past eighteen years. Angie’s List and the BBB rate Geek For Hire very highly. You can find more on our website, or give us a call 303-618-0154. Geek For Hire, Inc. provides onsite service (Tier 3 support) in Nederland and Gilpin, as well as the entire Denver / Boulder / Front Range area.
Summer residents should know that we provide remote service throughout North America.
(Originally published in the October 10, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)
