Why we all need a Computer in “This Age of Technology”

I have been asked to write a short article about the benefits of having a Computer with its multitude of facilities. So who am I to be telling you this?

Well I am in my early 70’s, retired but very involved in voluntary work across a broad spectrum with the common denominator of addressing problems of loss ( loved ones, job, home youth etc)

I decided to get a second hand computer 10 years ago, as I wanted to know what I was missing and now as a mainly self taught, by trial and error, home computer user, I am so pleased that I took that major leap into new technology.

So why have a computer when you are widowed?

I have a handout that I give to my “students” who come to the Computer Awareness Courses, that I currently run as a volunteer for my local branch of the U3A (University of the Third Age). This organisation is open to retired men and women, many of whom are widowed. There are many who are wary of computers but keen to learn more about the facilities they offer.

The Handout lists over 50 examples of the many things that a computer can do for you.

So let me pick one or two to get your taste buds working.

If you are now living completely alone, the Internet and E Mail will put you in touch with friends at home and abroad at the touch of a button. Ok, so the phone will do the same, but is more costly (unless you sign up to Skype via the Internet) and less intrusive than a phone call which might be received at an awkward time. Also we may have loads we want to say which is more acceptable to the recipient than a very long phone call. Additionally it can be re read and savoured by E Mail. A letter could do the same but there is delay and cost to take into account. With a once monthly fee to the internet provider, you can send as many E Mails as you want and can engage in exchange of news on a daily basis if you wish.

Maybe you will have an “off day” or the weather is inclement and the idea of walking round a supermarket and carrying all the shopping home is daunting. In these situations, you can do your weekly shop on line to the major supermarkets. You may not have the facility of a car now so “Home Shopping” avoids the difficulty of actually carrying your purchases on a bus or as you walk home along a footpath.

If you are now ready to think of finding a new companion, then there are reputable Internet Sites that can help you achieve this and I have very respectable friends who have made lasting partnerships this way.

You can still write letters using an appropriate programme but instead of paying expensive postage and having the delay between receipt of letter and the return of a reply, you can then attach it to your E Mail and it is received as soon as you friend “logs on”.

Do you like to visit the theatre or maybe need to book a flight/boat/train for a day out or for a holiday? Then all this can be done “on line” to save you the hassle of waiting around in queues.

You can choose, for example, your theatre seat from a plan and pay on line (ideally use a separate payment card with a small amount on it).

You may feel that you know all the answers where cooking is concerned but now you need to have enthusiasm for cooking for one or maybe having some friends round for an easy to manage lunch or dinner party. There are many recipe sites with new ideas, simple ideas, complicated up market menus and meals for one. Just click and browse and you will be delighted at the videos showing you exactly how it is done.

Although there are many more examples I will include just one more.

This is everything included in the term “Media.” You can use the Computer to play your DVD’s thus eliminating the need to house a separate DVD player. You can load on your favourite CD’s and play them from the computer. Your photos both old, from a digital camera or from a mobile phone can be loaded on to the computer and you can view them enhanced, enlarged cropped etc. and make prints if required.

To summarise, the Internet is like an enormous Library. You open its doors (log on), note what it is you want to know about e.g. how can I recycle certain items, what Menus does a selected restaurant have on offer, what Birthday events are coming up soon etc and you just type the keyword in and will be shown a number of “sites” that will provide the answer for you.

Believe me, you will never feel alone with a computer. It will become your friend, part of your life but like all friends it can be annoying, frustrating and rebellious, so a lot of patience has to be exercised.

There are a number of facilities in most localities for you to get some initial training on Internet access and E Mail for very little cost. However if you prefer to have full tuition, contact your local Colleges of Further Education and they will have a number of courses on offer but these will require some financial outlay.

If you don’t want to own a computer, your local libraries will have computer time available for a low cost and basic guidance given to beginners.

So what are you waiting for? I started at 64 years of age and have never regretted it. Do not be afraid of technology, just remember that it does what you tell it to do, you are its master. But always best to treat him/her gently resisting the temptation to give it the occasional thump if it misbehaves. As with all of us, it will work better with gentle encouragement and a kind word!

So Happy Computing!