Tech Talk

Do the terms motherboard, gigabytes and USB seem confusing?  Is there something about hearing the words firewire, MP3, and processor that leaves you scratching your head in bewilderment?  Does sending an email or a photo attachment seem like an accomplishment you will never be able to master?

If so, then this is the place for you.  For those of you who are just starting out on the information highway, Seniors Helping Seniors will help you understand all the ins and outs of personal computers.  The instructions are easy-to-follow and laid out in non-technical language accompanied by videos, diagrams and other visual aids to bring you up to speed on computer basics.

We cover every area necessary to turn a personal computer from an expensive paperweight or dust magnet into a useful tool for communicating with friends and family, increasing productivity in financial matters, entertainment and much, much more.

First, we explore the different types of computers and what may best suit your needs.  Is a laptop the best choice, or would you be better served by an all-in-one PC unit?  Do you want a PC or Mac, a laptop or notebook?  There are a number of options to choose from and educating yourself and selecting the right computer streamlines the learning process.

For the new computer user the basic section is an overview of what the most common computer terms mean, as well as the main components of a computer and how they all work together.  Another important element is setup.  We can help you learn how to set up the keyboard, the mouse, the monitor, and customize the settings to your personal liking.  In this section you will learn about the magnifier, the on-screen keyboard, how to use voice recognition software and the utility manager.

Perhaps the most neglected and important part of owning a computer is backing up your stored data and information.  We will discuss the benefits of offline storage sites, review different backup software, external hard drives and discuss making copies of data for exporting to CD or DVD.

Tech Talk tackles email programs and attachments, how to handle spam and phishing schemes, safe email practices and photo uploads.  Going further into web-base applications, you will find information on web browsers such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Safari, safe surfing, search engines and personal bookmarks for an easy return to a favorite site.

There is a lot to learn about the internet, so we provide information and learning modules for all types of connections.  We will help you learn the difference between cable modems, dial-up connections and DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), and which one may suit you the best based on what is available in your area.

We also look at computer security and explain the various anti-spyware software, firewalls, security settings for online banking and shopping and computer protection programs such as Avast and Microsoft Security Essentials.

We want Tech Talk to be the go-to place for learning about the computer and for discovering where to find additional information, product reviews and recommendations, and essential updates for your computer.  New and updated information is added as soon as it becomes available from manufacturers and retailers.