The personal computer is, at best, a mixed blessing for many seniors. For instance, I'm amazed at how quickly and enthusiastically my 71-year old Mom grasped the concept of e-mail (believe me...you don't want to get on her spam list!), but at the same time is absolutely tortured by the maddening quirks of the world's dominant computer operating system. This video is a pleasant, slow, and steady introduction to Windows, going through the details at a (for me, anyway) excruciatingly detailed pace. But something tells me my Mom would love it, especially when it answers such questions as "Where did my window go?" and "How do I make this thing easier to work with?" as well as the ever-popular "Why does the mouse have two buttons? Which do I click? How many times...?" I also liked how the instructor promoted fun (in this case, the Windows Solitaire game) as a way to learn basic mousing skills. Although billed as a "beginning video guide for anyone discovering the personal computer," this will likely only connect with the older audiences referred to in the title and for that age group this is recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)
Computers for Seniors (and Kids of All Ages)
(2000) 66 min. $24.95. Labrador Films (dist. by Tapeworm Video). PPR. Color cover. Vol. 15, Issue 5
Computers for Seniors (and Kids of All Ages)
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