Senior's Guide to Computers

Breaking News

jeff@seniorsguidetocomputers.com (Seniors Guide to Computers) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:42:00 +0000

Microsoft support for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) ended on July 13, 2010. Support for Windows Vista without any service packs ended on April 13, 2010.

If you do not upgrade to Service Pack 3 (SP3) in Windows XP, then you will no longer receive security updates from Microsoft. This is not a situation you want to be in.

Download Service Pack 3

FamiliLink

jeff@seniorsguidetocomputers.com (Seniors Guide to Computers) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:57:00 +0000

Empowering families to more easily provide care and support to older loved ones by including them in the “digital loop”.

No need to join another group site…all digital content (photos, videos, messages and more) from friends and family is collected into one friendly place for your loved one to easily enjoy.

· Simple email system

Older loved ones can now feel part of the “digital loop”. They will have their own FamiliLink email address; family & friends can use their own preferred email to stay in touch with older loved ones.

· Photos and videos in one location

Photos and videos sent as email attachments or from other sites (Picasa or Youtube) will automatically display…no need to follow confusing links, go to multiple websites or download anything.

· Private calendar with reminders

The easy to use private calendar will show the daily schedule and provide reminders for important appointments, events, and daily medications. Others in the family can easily update the calendar using their own calendars (Outlook, Yahoo or Google Calendars).

· Access your contacts

Have at your fingertips the contact information of the people that matter most and see the weather at their location. Keep all your doctors, neighbors and family contact information accessible.

· Support when needed

Be a “FamiliLink Helper/Administrator” to help your loved one become more familiar with FamiliLink. You or your older loved one can send an urgent message to those who you trust can help you.

An example of a typical FamiliLink homepage:

Microsoft Security Essentials

jeff@seniorsguidetocomputers.com (Seniors Guide to Computers) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:41:00 +0000

Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) was created by Microsoft because many Windows computers were unprotected with outdated anti-malware products. Many new PCs come with time-limited security programs so many users believe they're protected even though the initial subscription period may have ended. Some don't even activate the free, bundled solutions at all.

MSE is easy to install and use. MSE is small and light and runs quietly in the background. It's absolutely free as long as you have a genuine copy of Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7. There's no registration, no annual fees. You install it and forget it, and it keeps you safe.

MSE is updated when needed and delivered through Windows Update. Microsoft publishes new malware signature updates three times each day. None of it impacts the user at all. You just install it and forget it.

Windows guru Paul Thurrot concludes in his review:

"There's been a lot of interest in Microsoft Security Essentials and I think it will prove quite a hit with users. It's free, effective, lightweight, and quiet and is, in other words, exactly what I'm looking for in a security solution. And it comes with no strings at all. As long as you're running a genuine Windows version, you can install this product without worrying about up-sell advertisements, yearly renewals, or other silliness. And you can do so on as many Windows-based PCs as you own. I'd like to see it just included with Windows, but what the heck: Free and easy is the next best thing. Microsoft Security Essentials is highly recommended, to all Windows users." -- Paul Thurrott September 29, 2009

If you don't wish to spend the money on dedicated security software like NOD32, BitDefender, Spysweeper or Spyware Doctor, then Microsoft Security Essentials is a good alternative. If you're already using free software like AVG or Microsoft Defender, then a switch to Microsoft Security Essentials would be a good idea.

Welcome to Seniors Guide to Computers

jeff@seniorsguidetocomputers.com (Seniors Guide to Computers) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:53:00 +0000

The Senior's Guide to Computers web site is a step-by-step, plain English tutorial for the Windows PC. It's perfect for the seniors, juniors, kids, moms and dads who don't want to study for a degree in computer science in order to use their computer.

This companion blog is open to all computer users who want to discuss hardware and software problems, reviews, security or any other technology questions.