6x86 vs Intel's Pentium!
Old Folks Getting On-line
When do you become too old to learn computers and Internet? "Simple, you don't. Its all in the attitude", says Rob Smith of Doctor Computer Logick in Barrie. "I have helped quite a few people in their 80's get on to computers", says the Doc. "They're driven to this newer form of communication by their kids, wearing them down. Hey Mom, try the net, you can email us every day and its free.
Not everyone can afford a college education so they are finding alternative forms of learning inexpensively. Some retirement homes are putting in public internet to be shared among the interested residents...they teach each other. Sandy Cove has recently formed a computer club and its growing. A group in Gravenhurst has taken it upon themselves to learn computers and are teaching themselves and so it goes everywhere.
Here's where I see the trend forming. An older couple finally decides they want to investigate the idea of getting a computer, they are intimidated, no doubt. They wander thru a few stores checking out the sale prices on junk systems. Frustrated they return home and peer at their bank book. High pressure salesman have little effect on these warriors hardened by time. They start watching the papers talking to their friends, paying more attention to shows that talk about internet. One day someone mentions the idea of buying a computer from a consultant, someone they can call when it becomes overwhelming, someone who can sit down with them and teach them how to use the new fangled thing.
So they meet their new friend and discuss what kind of computer they should be investing in. Sometimes budget dictates where we go from here. A 386 can go on line if it has 8 meg of ram and a half decent modem. If the hard drive is too small a second can often by added. Clone computers always offer the best expansion possibilities. The subject of windows ‘95 often comes up. You need a very powerful computer to run it and the programs designed for it. Lots of ram and lots of hard drive space are also high on the list. 486's and pentiums are also looked at.
Once a suitable computer and modem have been selected (used or new), internet access has to be arranged. We formed a access plan that suits most of their habits to a tee. It costs $10.00 a month and can be used as much as they want up til 5:00pm, 7 days a week,. No Extra charges. Considering the possible savings over telco alone this makes great sense. Next the unit gets installed in their home....this takes about an hour. Often a family member is more than willing to help get their relative ONLINE spending visiting and quality time doing a family thing all over again. It can be quite a rewarding experience for all involved.
Internet can bring a new form of EXCITEMENT to an otherwise dreary existence of loneliness for many. Email is easy to use and can communicate world wide fast and cheap. Live chat lines can be very interesting. To learn the chat thing many have resorted to a the learning experience provided by the Internet café at 110 Anne St. S. Here the technician can show you various forms of chat lines and teach you how to use them effectively. This is also an excellent venue to learn how to surf the Net. Often they can sell the computer your using right then and there if you get used to one and decide you like it. It's how they keep their systems up to date, since they have so many. The Internet Café is comfortable and licenced too. Spending a few hours in this kind of atmosphere is an incredible new form of indoor sports. The most popular sport of the 90's. It gives a new meaning to the old adage, let your fingers do the walking. If you have any questions feel free to call Rob Smith, Computer Consultant @ 726-4063 or drop in to the Walk-in Clinic at 169 Bayfield St. Barrie.
For Now, Doc
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