Library Hours

Winnetka Public Library

Northfield Branch

Keep It Simple

Posted by on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 11:57 AM

One of my friends is a SuperSeniorita — she was head of Information Technology for 28 years for a large, national insurance firm until her recent retirement.

I asked her what she thought seniors should be doing with computers and technology in 2012. Her advice: "Learn one feature a week or month and get that one down pat. Also focus on only one way to do something and continually use that method. The old adage about 'keeping it simple' is very applicable to technology. Technology is only good when you use it to make a task easier or to enable a capability you did not previously have. Less is more!!!"

How simple is that? Why not carve out a few hours to learn Excel? The Library offers quarterly classes in both Basic and Intermediate Excel. The classes are announced in The Source, the library's newsletter, at the beginning of each quarter. You can also see the list of computer clases on the library's website and register online. When you register, you will receive a confirming email about the class.

If the class is full, you can work at your own pace through one of the tutorials offered on the library's website. Click on the "Research" tab, then on "24-hour Resources," then scroll down to the "Computers" section.

Seniorita (seniorita@winnetkalibrary.org)

All I Want For...

Posted by on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 10:33 AM

It could be two new front teeth, but a better bet is that someone in your family wants to give you an e-reader as a holiday present. You might want to drop a hint about which gadget you'd like — a Kindle, Nook, or something else. Scroll down for a comparison of the many available devices. Please keep in mind that some of the information may be inaccurate because the technology changes so fast.

You'll need access to a computer to do the initial setup for the device you choose, but once you're set up, it's a cinch to download books. If you're traveling this winter, you won't have to clutter up your suitcase with heavy books. Maybe you'll even have a new device before your grandkids do!! That would please Seniorita no end!!

The library has instructions for downloading to your new device or you can bring it to the library for hands-on personal assistance.

A word of advice: Be patient and read the device instructions carefully. Yes, you will be able to understand them! One of our library visitors brought in his disabled device, plunked it down on the Reference Desk, and said it was the worst present he ever got. Turns out too many helpers at home tried to fix a small problem and managed to temporarily hobble his device. (The solution was a simple hard reset!) If you get in a mess, trust your own good sense and don't for a minute believe the technology is beyond you. It isn't!

Have a great holiday.

Seniorita (seniorita@winnetkalibrary.org)

A Brief Comparison

E-Ink

Tablet