BBC's very basic level website giving a clear guided tutorial on using a mouse, keyboard and screen. Make sure that
you turn on the volume on your computer to hear the voice instructions.
Keyboard layout, a very simple diagram showing what the keys are on your computer keyboard. Click on each key to see its function.
A clearly presented, online tutorial to help you learn how to touch type. Look for the link down the left hand side that says
Keyboard Lessons, to get started. NB some small ads on the page which are not the tutorials.
AbilityNet's very clear site that helps you customise your computer to suit your needs. Practical help with things like making text
easier to see, and making the mouse easier to use. Especially good for the elderly computer user.
The basic search tools of Google and Yahoo are two of the most popular simple and straight forward "search engines"
to help you find websites. With practice you will become adept at choosing appropriate key words.
Microsoft's comprehensive site for setting your computer to help with special needs such as vision, hearing and dexterity. Covers
Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7, links to short tutorials. You may need help with this but it is a very useful resource.
A very comprehensive and attractive guide to broadband: what it means, who the providers are, what people say about the providers,
how to get started and a useful jargon buster. A good place to start if you are thinking about getting Broadband.
A direct link to AVG's very popular, free of charge anti-virus software. Download it from their site. NB you may need to scroll down
to find the download button. Make sure you choose the free version. Site is simple but you may need help to download and install.
Computing
The Silversurfer's Seventy
Simplicity Computers-a very clear and simple site about the 'Simplicity Computer'- a unique purpose built computer designed for the
older user , presented by Valerie Singleton . See what it looks like and how it works.
Reasonably simple site.
Not many categories.
Results in a few clicks.
Modest sized site.
A few more categories.
Medium sized site.
Several categories which may be multi-layered.
May require clicking back and forth.
Fairly complex site.
Multi-category, layered.
Requires clicking back and forth.
Large complex site.
Multi-category, layered.
Requires clicking back and forth.
We rate our own website as:
Internet help for the elderly
Copyright Silver Surfer's Seventy 2007
Updated July
2010
BBC's carefully structured elementary level website which includes tutorials on how to use email and internet. "Read and click"
learning moves you forwards screen by screen. Other useful features: an excellent jargon buster and section on Internet safety.
Excellent comprehensive guide to protecting your computer from all kinds of threats, and safe online shopping and banking. Tells you
what to do, why and how. Answers lots of worries about online safety.
Microsoft's comprehensive guide to online security. Gives advice on all aspects on protecting yourself, family and computer on
line. Very thorough and clear.Deals with all the main issues including email scams and passwords.