INFORMATION

EVER CONSIDERED

From time to time people have asked if I have ever considered writing a book of my history and experiences. The answer has always been a very definite No!.

However the other day my grandson asked me the same question but from a different view- point. He said that he would like to know more about his paternal grandfather and their family but that is now too late. He suggested that I could write with the idea of making a reference for him and his new son and anyone else who in time to come could be interested in finding out more of what their families did, where they were brought up, worked, played, experienced and saw through their lives.

And of course, that is something that we should all think about doing. Writing a book that would be of interest to anyone would be quite difficult however writing in a way that it was a record of value to someone researching the family in the future should be a lot easier. Computers mean that we have the tools and the ability to add photographs and video make this even more exciting.

I intend to do so and invite you to consider it as well for your family.

Bruce Smart

ONLINE CLASSES

Due to the fact that we are going to have to move to rooms that will be rented just for the sessions we are conducting at the time and the fluid and uncertain nature of the Covid 19 pandemic we will need to also move to an online component of our operations if we are to be able to consistently present classes to our members.

The SeniorNet Federation have been preparing recorded class material called Senior Hangouts for some time now to assist tutors to present classes. These recordings can be streamed by learning centres as the basis of a class or by members to watch at their leisure.





COULD THIS BE AN ANSWER FOR YOU.

Perhaps you already have a mobile phone but find that it’s size means that it does not really satisfy your needs as a computer, or perhaps you are thinking of buying a computer but don’t want to spend big dollars on a windows based laptop or have the hassle of choosing or updating programs and virus protection, and you certainly are not going to be editing video’s or photo’s or doing heavy media work. Then perhaps a Chromebook could be the right choice for you.


A few years ago Chromebooks were basically a simplified web browser aimed predominantly at school students and others learning online. Nowadays they have come of age and for many of us provide a cheap and useful means of being able to carry out computer functions while holding their head high amongst the alternatives.


So why are they possibly a great answer for seniors. First of all the price which ranges from about $350 to just over $1000. Generally speaking the cheaper ones have slower processors and smaller screens (11.6”) but about $500 brings you into the range of faster processor speeds and 14 inch screens.


Many computer manufacturers produce Chromebooks and in a number of styles, from the normal clamshell laptop to tent formats, touchscreens, tablet formats to mention but a few.


Chromebooks are web based in other words they need to be connected to the internet to work, but this is not strictly true as many programs can be set to work without being connected to the internet and update any altered files once the machine and internet are reconnected again. In reality most of what we do today requires any computer to be connected to the internet.


Chromebooks start quickly and often simply by lifting the lid and entering a password, giving quick access to all your programs and files. The same can be said when shutting down, press the power button, select close down and in seconds the machine shuts down.


Both the Chrome OS operating system and most programs are stored in the cloud in Google Drive. When you have a Google account you get 15 Gigabytes of free storage in which to store your data, and more can be purchased as required. If you are using G- Mail then you already have a google account.


Being web based means that the operating system and any programs can be updated in the background so that you always are using the latest of both. No longer do you have to worry about which virus protection you need, is the latest update of an operating system or a program worth buying, all of these things are dealt with automatically for you by Google. Many apps are also available from the Play Store usually for free.


Google Drive gives access to a suite of free programs which are very like Microsoft Office, in the way that they operate. These include Google Docs for word processing.

Google Sheets for spreadsheets

Google Slides for presentations

Google Forms for creating forms and gathering replies.

And many others:


Being web based with programs and data stored in the cloud there is no need for a Chromebook to have a hard drive for storage or a large amount of RAM (Random Access Memory), a high speed processor or a fan to keep it all cool meaning longer battery life. While no computer is bulletproof the fact that most of the programs are online and data stored on the cloud there is less need for data protection as any risk is considered to be very low.


There can be no question that should you wish to be doing work such as mentioned in the first paragraph then a more expensive laptop or desktop would be the way that should be looking. But for many particularly seniors this is not ever going to be the case and a Chromebook is seriously something that you should consider.


This article and the pages of this website have been produced and are maintained using a Chromebook.


SeniorNet South are currently looking at tutorial programs and classes for Chromebook as we consider that these are particularly well placed to meet the needs of most seniors. We have also made an approach to a supplier which could result in a discount to members.


Should you wish to have more information or answers to questions please contact me or SeniorNet through the contacts on the home page.


Bruce Smart


Other videos

Chromebook Myths Debunked: Click Here.

Windows 10 V Chromebook Click Here

Comparison Windows and Chrome. Click here

$300 Chrome V $300 laptop Click Here

5 More Reasons to buy a Chromebook Click Here

Why I bought two Chromebooks- Leo Notenboom. Click Here

The Guardian - Esther Rantzen article: The Guardian



https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/mar/10/old-lonely-internet-zoom-video#comment-155375583