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Dale Tincher 64
USA
485 Posts |
 Posted - 02/03/2006 : 11:03:19
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Hello everyone. One of the ideas regarding this discussion board was that we could exchange general information that might be interesting and helpful to the group. I put together some thoughts about the Internet. Those who have been using the Web for some time will be aware of this information, but some of the new users may find it interesting.
How The Internet Can Open Up One's World
One of the best ways to open up an older or younger person’s world is to get them onto the Internet and help them start communicating with friends and relatives. I am sure many of you have discovered that. Several years ago, I decided to give my mother, Leora Tincher, an old computer that I was no longer using (due to its slow processor speed), but would work fine for e-mail and limited Web surfing. I took the computer home and set it up. Mom initially looked at it with trepidation and wouldn’t get within three feet of it. She watched as I sent a few e-mails and checked my e-mail on it. I explained, as best I could, how the Internet worked. I had to return to Raleigh. My sister-in-law, Susan and my brother Denny encouraged her and helped her. After a few days, I got an e-mail from her. I replied and she promptly responded. I gave her updates on what we were all doing. Her e-mails began to get longer. Soon, I was hearing about who died, who married, who divorced, how the relatives and complete strangers were doing. She connected with sisters in California, Michigan, Arizona and family members and friends in numerous states. Soon, they were exchanging photos and other information. I was able to send her a lot of information about my family. She communicated with grandchildren and got to know them better even though they were far away. She even learned some netspeak such as LOL, use smilies such as  etc. She forwarded a lot of humor and stories that others had forwarded to her. Many of her e-mails were written at odd hours. She got to where she would visit a few Websites.
Mom passed away two years ago, but when I visit her sisters in other states, I am amazed at how much they know about me and my family. They all talk about how the Internet broadened all their lives. Her sisters still write to each other and to me, as do some of my cousins.
Cautions and Suggestions on Moving Forward
Many children do require some supervision since there is so much trash on the Internet. That is a problem. However, the good can outweigh the bad.
If you use the Internet often, most cable TV companies offer reasonable high-speed Internet connections. If you have more than one computer, LinkSys http://www.linksys.com offers very affordable wireless connectivity that is not difficult to install and will quickly provide wireless connectivity to multiple PC’s. PC’s and notebook computers have dropped dramatically in price. Refurbished computer are available from Dell www.dell.com and other companies for a few hundred dollars. For buying PC’s and electronics, I like Best Buy http://www.bestbuy.com or Dell.
I bit the bullet and bought my daughters discontinued model Toshiba notebook PC’s at Best Buy for a very good price. I bought a LinkSys router, loaded the CD that came with it, plugged it to my PC and everyone instantly had wireless connectivity. It was one of the best investments I have ever made. They leave my PC alone and do homework and social communications on theirs.
Ways Young People Are Using The Internet
Teens and young adults do much of their social planning and interacting on the Internet through Instant Messaging and e-mail. My youngest daughter (17-years-old) gets home from school and quickly has multiple chat sessions gone, is checking e-mail, finding out the latest happenings, gossip, social schedules, etc. Her friends do the same. A surprising number of teens and young adults have free myspace.com pages www.myspace.com My daughters have discovered cousins’ and friends myspace pages in others states and are communicating with them.
Summary
In summary, the Internet has opened up the world in a marvelous way. This discussion board is an example of how we can renew acquaintances and reestablish friendships even though we live far away from each other.
I look forward to comments from many of you who have had similar experiences, plus comments from those of you are PC and Internet savvy and can offer tips to the group. Dale
Dale Tincher - Class of 64
919-272-8052
dale.tincher@rainellereunion.com |
Edited by - Dale Tincher 64 on 02/03/2006 11:59:32 |
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ML2006
USA
256 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2006 : 21:30:18
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| Re: computers and computer safety. I can say FIREWALL FIREWALL FIREWALL. The firewall installed on your computer is not enough protection. Along with a good firewall, at least 3 anti virus programs are a must. I don't know if I'm allowed to name any on here or not... |
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Dale Tincher 64
USA
485 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2006 : 22:48:53
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Marilyn, you, Gene Wiseman, Bill Bishir and any of our other technical Rangers are welcome to name e.g., firewall, anti-virus, Internet connection, photography software and other products. Folks are learning and, I'm sure, will appreciate the information and any advice you wish to pass on.
Dale Tincher - Class of 64
919-272-8052
dale.tincher@rainellereunion.com |
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ML2006
USA
256 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2006 : 14:15:51
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 Dale, I am certainly no expert on computers but after being severely hacked and ours taken over as a server last year I do know a bit about security now.
The best computer magazines and the computer geeks at Best Buy recommend using at least 3 spyware utilities in addition to your Firewall/virus protection suite. The ones that are currently recommended are: WebRoot Spysweeper, LavaSoft Adaware (make sure it is LavaSoft website- there is a bogus adaware that puts spyware in the computer). The Lavasoft Adaware is a free utility, however, the full program can be purchased online. The third recommended utility is Spy Bot Search and Destroy. It is also free. PC users can go to the website "Trend Micro" and download a free spyware scan there. It is safe and very good. Norton, Mcafee, ZoneAlarm Pro, are very good firewalls and the Mcafee virus protection is good also. However, to be as safe as possible (which is never 100%) it is wise to use 3 scan protections. Good luck computing! (oh, update and run those protections every single week). |
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Opening Up The World & Communications Via The Web
