Software Updates

Do you ever wonder what this message really means? Is it really important?

The Answer is Yes.

Similar to the computer taking time to start up, the computer also takes time to shut down. Some updates require installation during the shutdown process of your computer which can cause the computer take even longer to shutdown.

Be Patient.....

If you see a notification window similar to the image above, be sure to not force your computer to turn off by unplugging the power cord while it is updating. Your Windows operating system is built with important registry files. If these registry files are corrupted (mixed up), your computer will not run properly, maybe not even at all. This also applies to you Apple users, too. Your OS X operating system also suffers if you don't allow software updates to install properly.

Tip: If you are trying to install software updates on a laptop, be sure to plug in the power cord before you begin. This will ensure the computer will not shut down unexpectedly due to a drained battery. Some laptops will prevent the update from starting if a power cord is not plugged in.

When To Run Disk Defragmenter

Disk fragmenting can help your computer system run more efficiently by re-organizing the filing system of your computer. Computer Tutor For Seniors recommends that you defrag on a monthly basis.

Other suggested times for defragging are:

1. You've added a large number of files to your computer recently.
2. Your free disk space totals 15 percent or less.
3. You've installed new programs or a new version of Windows.

Apple Mouse

Do you struggle using an Apple mouse?

Some people find the Apple mouse difficult to use. That's ok, there are alternatives out there. Instead of continuing to frustrate yourself, try plugging in a USB mouse that you prefer into your computer. Most USB mice work on Apple computers. Yes, that includes Microsoft mice, too.

Security Questions

Security questions are used to help distinguish who we are when accessing our account or as a reminder hint to a password. Whenever possible, choose to create your own security question or hint. The standard questions provided are not as secure in comparison to a question that you have created yourself. With so many resources at our fingertips, it isn't unheard of someone figuring out an individual's Mother's maiden name.

Is Your Website Senior Friendly

Technology, when successfully used, provides seniors with an invaluable tool to help alleviate isolation as they age, having a positive impact on their lives. I can attest to this as I am blessed with seeing it happen before my very own eyes everyday with my senior clientele. Yet the special interests and needs of seniors have been largely ignored. I believe increased participation by the government, non-profit and business communities to have more senior friendly and accessible websites can have a transforming effect on seniors experience online and the profitability of businesses.

Why should you care if your website is senior friendly and accessible?

1. Studies show seniors are online just as much as any other age group.
2. Seniors have the largest discretionary income.
3. Seniors are in need of many different services and products.
4. Marketers now see seniors as a separate focus group after realizing that senior’s special interest & activities are very varied.
5. There is now a worldwide precedent (Maguire vs SOCOG) that websites can be and are illegal if they are not accessible.

How can you provide a Senior Friendly Website?

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is the main international standards organization for the World Wide Web. W3C recommends websites use XHTML for the content of the website, CSS to display the content and JavaScript to make the content more dynamic. I have watched my clients first hand struggle to access websites of many local businesses that don’t follow the W3C standards. As a result, my clients were unable to access the business’ product or service being offered.

As the seniors population continues to grow so will the number of persons with disabilities. Adopt the W3C standards before you miss out on future clients.

This article can be found in the Chamber of Commerce's Business Matters Magazine Vol. 5 Issue 4

Alternative PDF Viewer

Adobe Reader isn't the only PDF viewer software on the market. In fact, there is a great open source product on the market that Computer Tutor For Seniors recommends called Foxit Reader. Not only will your PDF files load quicker but Foxit Reader only uses 11.12mb of disk space in comparison to the 222mb of disk space that Acrobat Reader 9 uses. Avoid the security flaws of Acrobat Reader, free up your hard disk space and try Foxit Reader.

Adobe Reader Has Security Flaw

Do you currently use Adobe Reader and Acrobat when you view PDF files? If so, you should know that Adobe Reader, Acrobat and all supported versions have a security flaw with no fix at this present time. Computer Tutor For Seniors recommends that you follow the steps below to protect yourself against these vulnerabilities until Adobe announces a fix.

1. Open Acrobat Reader application.
2. Click once on the Edit button.
3. Click once on the Preferences button from the drop down menu.
4. Click once on the JavaScript button from the menu on the left.
5. Uncheck Enable Acrobat JavaScript

Check back with us as we will post a link to the Adobe fix once it is made available.