Email Solutions

Email is part of life. 

There are numerous apps or programs to view email and depending on your mobile phone, ipad, tablet or desk top computer, some are better than others. 

Some people have a different email address for work or home. I recommend using more than one address. These days one is required to register online for purchases or some reason. If you have an address for infrequent use, it can make it easier to manage spam or private communications.  I use Yahoo and Gmail free addresses. 

When you set up a new internet provider, they usually give you a free email address with your account.  This is probably necessary for account info and advising of downtime etc, but it is NOT necessary to tell everybody that is your NEW email address.   If you set up with Telstra and change to Optus later the email address will change as well.  This why it is a good idea to use a free account like Gmail or Yahoo and you can be consistent with the same email address regardless of who supplies your internet. It does not matter if you have multiple email addresses but for your friends and family you can simply use one email address.

What program is best to view the email? I have used MS Outlook at home on a computer and work and found it is quite powerful and practical. I don't like MS license subscription style of expense, so I looked for the free programs.

There are numerous email programs (apps) but currently I am very happy with Bluemail. It manages multiple email addresses easily with a unified inbox, so you don't miss anything. Some phones have built in email programs like Apple or Samsung, and they work quite well. Bluemail does work on most devices. Ask for help if you want to set up email on your device.

Ipad or tablet or computer

Which is the best device for me?

This is a common question, but it actually depends on you. Depending on what you feel is important to you. Do you have a budget? Did someone give you a mobile phone, tablet or iPad? Do you want to Google items or use email?  Do you want to print out information?

These days you do not necessarily need a large computer sitting on a desk. We now have many options and the innovation of smaller screens like Ipads or tablets.  Mobile phones can also be used for the same tasks. Often you find a debate on what is better.  Some people are more comfortable with Apple or Samsung products, but each have their own quirks and learning challenges. Desktop computers are powerful but numerous brands and configurations. Printing often is easier but again challenging from tablets or phones. 

Talk to someone for advice before you spend any money.  There are many economical options that might fit your budget. 

What are Windows Updates?

What are windows updates?

This applies to Microsoft software - usually running on a laptop or desktop computer.  

Until recent versions, many users found the updates time consuming and performance hindering. You can now limit how they are installed and make more pleasant experience.  The default setting on your system is where updates automatically download and install affecting pc speed and performance.  Many users complained that for some reason they had a system that was slow or freezing, not realising that in the background their system was busy applying the updates.

Why do we need them?

Microsoft use these updates to fix bugs and issues that were found from time to time.  Some people debate whether it is necessary.  Why wasn't the system perfect out of the box - but this a separate debate.

How can we stop them?

Versions W10 and W11 now have switches where you have an option to delay/pause these updates (up to four weeks).  This is handy if you are having an important zoom meeting or presentation and do not have the patience for windows updates consuming your power and performance at a critical time.  You can't stop them indefinitely, but the pause button is handy.

Online shopping warnings

This link shows an interesting article from government fair trading website about some warnings on different scams and traps that are around. Sneaky web site design can try to manipulate you or mislead you.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/fair-trading/dark-patterns

Mygov easy application

There is a Mygov app, that simplifies connection.  It can be set-up so all you need is a pin and connects easily to singular inbox.  In the past there was too many steps - to see, for example Centrelink or Medicare mail.  Link shows info.  The app does allow complex digital log on, but I believe unnecessary to make more complicated particularly for users frustrated trying to simply see new notifications from Mygov. 

The app can be downloaded below.

https://my.gov.au/en/about/help/mygov-app 

A note on security - Be careful because there is an option to have a more complex secure log on as you go through the process of setting up the app.  I believe that using the simple pin option is easier to quickly access the services you need through mygov.  The alternative use of multiple devices to get a temporary code can be cumbersome and slow. Remember the services you can access include Centrelink, Medicare, Tax office, My Aged Care, My Health Record, Dept of Health Portal and Dept Veteran Affairs plus more. 

https://my.gov.au/en/about/help/mygov-website/link-services-to-your-account

Updated 1.8.24

Prepare your Documents before an Emergency

Prepare your Documents before an Emergency
The nature of disasters and crises means they can happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Store your documents ahead of time using digital or physical storage solutions.
Click on the link to find useful ways to help prevent document disasters.https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/prepare/emergency-doc-prep#:~:text=USB%20or%20portable%20storage%20device,so%20your%20documents%20are%20secure

A great cyber security resource

 A great cyber security resource 

Learn how to protect your identity and stay safe online.

Staying safe online is important but it can be hard to know where to start. These short learning modules will help you understand how to prevent your personal information from getting into the wrong hands so that you don’t become a victim of identity theft.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw/id-support-learning-modules

Videos that may help

 Videos (a small sample – there are lots more if you search)

Basics of the Desktop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwsKeoXOa9I

Basics of Windows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPvguaEjTAU

Computer basics on Windows https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e55EQ1xHYbI

Windows 7 basics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odLZiGf-6bY

Windows 10 basics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZqKyhfD7-E

Touchscreen basics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MewousGaE_Y

Seniors as Web Users: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/usability-for-senior-citizens/

My Support for Seniors http://www.mys4s.com/

Tech enhanced Life  https://www.techenhancedlife.com/

Internet Options

Internet Options

Some general information is provided at the link below or more specific advice from Internet Providers.

https://digitalunite.com/guides/using-internet-0/connecting-internet/how-connect-internet

If there is more than one device in the house the client may be interested in a home network – see: https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/news-opinions/video/Home-networking-Overview-why-a-home-network

Both these links will help you decide what type of internet connection plans and services you would choose to help ensure you make the best decision for the price and the outcome.

Things to consider for the main choices of device

 

Things to consider for the main choices of device

PCs https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/news-opinions/video/Computing-Which-computer-is-right-for-me

Tablets; https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/news-opinions/video/Tablets-An-introduction-to-tablets

For older people who can get there, free and low cost courses are available at TAFE, Libraries, Broadband for Seniors’ Kiosks, NSW Tech Savvy Seniors, WEA, ACE

These links will help you when deciding what type of device you should buy for the reasons and ways you would be using them.

Useful practice links

 

Useful Practice Links

Learn how to use your mouse and type things efficiently.

Using a mouse: http://www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/mousercise.htm

Typing: http://www.typingclub.com

Learn how to use popular websites

 Learn how to use popular websites

https://techboomers.com/

This website will help anyone in deciding the right places (website) to trust and rely on when making online decisions or purchases.