Ask Aunt B

Dear Aunt B,

This makes me feel like a dinosaur but I just don’t get computers. My children have bought me a computer and I have no idea what to do with it.

Old dog no new tricks

Dear Old dog no new tricks,

I do understand this. Things are changing at such a fast rate that it is difficult to keep up. It can seem like you learn one thing and quickly everything you have just learned changes. This is actually true. However once you get some sea legs on this computer learning, the old learning does seem to still make sense and still be valuable.

Once you get a little handle on the computer, you will wonder how you ever did without the many activities that are now available. There are so many entertaining and educating things to do on the computer. Many dangerous things available on the computer as well. I am sure some of the stories you have heard about the dangerous ones may be the very reason this task may seem daunting and just not worth the effort. I do think it is worth the effort, but proceed only with help.

First talk to your kids and grandkids. They know more about these computers than we will ever know. How did they plan on you using the computers? Ask for their help. Ask for help setting up protections for your data and the computer. Ask them what activities they enjoy on the computer. Just today we had some family time and I learned some very valuable things on my phone. By the way if you have a smartphone, you have a computer. There is more computing power in our phones today than the power in the computer that landed a man on the moon. Lots more power. If your family cannot help you, seek only qualified help.Be sure and find a company that is bonded. I have heard of Geek Squad but I don’t know enough about them to recommend or even know if they are bonded. It is just the only name I know. Check them all out and get opinions from other people you respect.

I would not suggest doing your banking on the computers without a lot of help from very reputable sources and until you really understand what you are doing. Never give out your personal information to people on the internet.

Love,

Aunt B

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