Skype is a free application that lets you talk for free to other Skype users, or, to call landlines and cell phones at very inexpensive rates.
To use Skype, you must have some sort of microphone and speakers. Nowadays, speakers are pretty much standard equipment, but you may not have a microphone. A spare set of "earbuds" or really, any set of headphones can substitute for a microphone. All that you would have to do is insert the headphones into the microphone jack on your PC/Laptop.
To get started, you will have to 1. download the Skype application. 2. Open the application. 3. Start an account - you will just need a user name and password. You can decide later if you would like to put money into your account so that you can call telephones.
If you try Skype and decide you like it, you might want to get a headset that will allow you to speak and hear hands-free. Click here for a sample.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
How to adjust text size.
If you are using Firefox or Safari as your web browser, press "Control" "Shift" and "+" at the same time to enlarge font. Press "Control" "Shift" and "-" at the same time to decrease font size.
Useful Links
Independent Living.com has a variety of consumer goods for seniors.
The American Foundation for the Blind offers useful shopping advice.
Ministry of Tech has reviews of the latest in tech related consumer products.
The American Foundation for the Blind offers useful shopping advice.
Ministry of Tech has reviews of the latest in tech related consumer products.
Digital Voice Recorders?
A reader is looking for a Digital Voice Recorder with large, easy to use buttons. Any suggestions?
The Milestone 311 has just 5 large buttons and appears very simple to use. The only drawback: The price - listed at $369.
The Olympus 2300 looks to have relatively large buttons, but does not appear to be overly user-friendly.
Independent Living.com offers another Olympus Voice Recorder (I'm not sure of the model number). They claim this is user friendly, and costs $149.95.
The Milestone 311 has just 5 large buttons and appears very simple to use. The only drawback: The price - listed at $369.
The Olympus 2300 looks to have relatively large buttons, but does not appear to be overly user-friendly.
Independent Living.com offers another Olympus Voice Recorder (I'm not sure of the model number). They claim this is user friendly, and costs $149.95.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Thinking about upgrading to Microsoft Vista?
Microsoft's latest operating system is Vista, but many people are wondering if they should or if they must upgrade from Windows XP.
My advice at this time is to stick with XP at least until Microsoft releases a service pack which will hopefully solve some of the problems. As a result of the backlash against Vista, Microsoft has extended their support of XP for another 5 years. The other issue to consider is the amount of memory and the speed of processor in your machine. You will need at least 1Gigabyte of RAM in order to run Vista comfortably, and probably 2Gigabytes in order to take full advantage of Vista. A newer, faster processor also helps. You can find out how much RAM your computer has by going to Crucial.com and click "Scan My System". (If that does not appear, make sure 'memory upgrade' is selected in the upper left hand corner). Their utility will tell you how much RAM you have, and will offer upgrade options. (This may require you to download a small executable program - it is trustworthy). They even have a new utility which will tell you if Vista is a good option.
Click to read a list of pros and cons of upgrading.
My advice at this time is to stick with XP at least until Microsoft releases a service pack which will hopefully solve some of the problems. As a result of the backlash against Vista, Microsoft has extended their support of XP for another 5 years. The other issue to consider is the amount of memory and the speed of processor in your machine. You will need at least 1Gigabyte of RAM in order to run Vista comfortably, and probably 2Gigabytes in order to take full advantage of Vista. A newer, faster processor also helps. You can find out how much RAM your computer has by going to Crucial.com and click "Scan My System". (If that does not appear, make sure 'memory upgrade' is selected in the upper left hand corner). Their utility will tell you how much RAM you have, and will offer upgrade options. (This may require you to download a small executable program - it is trustworthy). They even have a new utility which will tell you if Vista is a good option.
Click to read a list of pros and cons of upgrading.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Blog Conventions
There are many Blog conventions or points of etiquette. I will point out just a few. On this blog, the text in red are links to other webpages. Click the red words to go to these new pages.
Cell Phones
While cell phones are getting smaller and more complicated, there are services for customers who want a simple, easy to use phone.
Click here to read a review of various phones recommended for Seniors. You may have to enter into a yearly contract to acquire one of these phones.
Jitterbug is a service that specializes in phones for Baby Boomers. You pay for the phone up front, and then can buy into various plans. They claim to have 24 customer service for assistance in using your phone. These phones do not necessarily include a service plan.
Click here to read an article about Seniors and cell phone usage that highlights Jitterbug.
UPDATE March 2008. Motorola has a simple, relatively cheap (<$50) phone called the 'Motorola Motofone F3'. The phone is for basic usage such as phone calls and text messaging. The phone appears to have relatively large buttons and a large screen that can easily be seen in daylight or dark. It also has a 'phonebook' so that you can save all your phone numbers. The phone comes unlocked which means you can just insert the little SIM card from ATT/Cingular or Verizon or whomever and the phone should work. The phone appears to be very durable and has a long lasting battery. It was initially designed for less affluent markets.
Some people don't like it because it does NOT have a color screen or internet capabilities. For basic calling and texting, this phone appears to be a winner.
Click here for the Pricegrabber.com review and availability.
Click here for the Amazon.com review and availability, BUT PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PHONE ADVERTISED ON AMAZON DOES NOT INCLUDE A WARRANTY FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS.
Click here to read a review of various phones recommended for Seniors. You may have to enter into a yearly contract to acquire one of these phones.
Jitterbug is a service that specializes in phones for Baby Boomers. You pay for the phone up front, and then can buy into various plans. They claim to have 24 customer service for assistance in using your phone. These phones do not necessarily include a service plan.
Click here to read an article about Seniors and cell phone usage that highlights Jitterbug.
UPDATE March 2008. Motorola has a simple, relatively cheap (<$50) phone called the 'Motorola Motofone F3'. The phone is for basic usage such as phone calls and text messaging. The phone appears to have relatively large buttons and a large screen that can easily be seen in daylight or dark. It also has a 'phonebook' so that you can save all your phone numbers. The phone comes unlocked which means you can just insert the little SIM card from ATT/Cingular or Verizon or whomever and the phone should work. The phone appears to be very durable and has a long lasting battery. It was initially designed for less affluent markets.
Some people don't like it because it does NOT have a color screen or internet capabilities. For basic calling and texting, this phone appears to be a winner.
Click here for the Pricegrabber.com review and availability.
Click here for the Amazon.com review and availability, BUT PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PHONE ADVERTISED ON AMAZON DOES NOT INCLUDE A WARRANTY FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS.
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