Everything you always wanted to know about Web surfing in easy to read, jargon free language: Must-see sites, quick Web tips, sites especially for seniors and more!
Want to make a difference in the lives of others in the new year but not sure where to start? A new Web site called I Am The Solution aims to make it easier for you to make that important difference. From a recent press release:
The I Am The Solution initiative is challenging people to make at least one selfless resolution-to volunteer, give money, refer people to needed services, or acknowledge a personal need for help. And, because resolutions are easy to make but often difficult to keep, the initiative hinges on an interactive, online community --http://www.iam-thesolution.org/ -- where people can stay accountable by creating profiles, setting deadlines, tracking their progress and engaging with others who are making similar resolutions.
Using the power of the Web to help you help others, this one looks like a promising idea! Check out their Web site for more details.
Happy New Year!
Note:The Senior Surfer will resume on Monday, January 5, 2009.
Got a special resolution for 2009? Here's something unique you can do with it: Submit your resolution to the 2009 Virtual New Year's Eve Wishing Wall on the official Web site of Times Square. According to the site, it will be included in the confetti that rains down on the famous New Year's Eve celebration!
Check out the Times Square Alliance for more information. So, what are your New Year's resolutions?
Last year around this time, we pointed out several notable Hanukkah Resources online worth checking out. Those resources are just as worthwhile this year. And here are a couple more that might interest you:
Computers, the Internet, video games-you name it-technology is everywhere. And with all the tech gifts popular this time of year, it's hard to stay on top of all the lingo. Here's a short multiple choice quiz on the kinds of technology terms you're likely to encounter amidst the popular gadgets and gizmos of the holiday season. Are you a tech whiz? Let's see!
Still haven't made the move to download the free Google Earth program? Here's one more reason you might want to-especially if you're a history buff. The Google produced video below introduces you to a new feature in Google Earth: The ability to explore Ancient Rome in 3D!
If you have someone on your gift list that likes tech gifts, and you're not up on the latest gadgets-that can be a problem. But thankfully, the Web can help!
Several sites have put together holiday gift guides to help you make the gadget lovers on your list happy this Christmas season. A good example is CNET'S 2008 Holiday Gift Guide. They've rounded up a list of the latest gadgets that are sure to please everyone on your list!
These types of Web based holiday gift guides, especially from authoritative sites like CNET, can be a big help if you're in the market for tech gifts and not sure where to start!
Running a Windows operating system on your home computer and want to check your computer's security status? Here's a how-to video from Microsoft that shows you how to do that by accessing the Windows Security Center.
Here is the final online safety video from the collaboration of AARP and Google. This one offers tips on how to avoid the growing Internet threat known as "phishing."
Instant messaging is one of the most popular applications on the Internet, so it makes sense to become more familiar with it. Here's a short T/F quiz to test your IM smarts:
Here's a nice demo video from Microsoft on how to start using Windows Mail, the e-mail program that comes with Microsoft Windows software. The video covers all the basics of the program including, how to send e-mails to multiple recipients, how to attach files, sort e-mails, etc.
A while ago I wrote about Blurb.com, a Web based service that lets you turn yourdigital photographs into coffee table books. Well, recently I used their service myself to create a photo book called I'm Dreaming Of A Bronx Christmas. Generally, I found the software easy to use, and making the book was more fun than I expected. You can see a preview by clicking on the link in the left hand sidebar, if you're interested.
If you want to make your own book and give it as a unique gift for the holidays, you'd better hurry! According to the shipping deadlines posted on Blurb's Web site, you still have time to get it for Christmas if you choose an express shipping option and order no later than December 12th(if you choose 2nd Day Air) or December 15th(if you choose Next Day Air)!
Want an easy way to get started with video chatting? Did you know that Google offers voice and video chat capabilities through their Gmail service? All you need to get started is a Gmail account and of course a Web cam and microphone. Watch the Google produced video below to learn just how easy it can be!
Do you ever get frustrated when you have a computer problem or when you'd like more information about Microsoft Windows but are not sure where to look? Perhaps Microsoft Windows and Support can help. The video tutorial below from Microsoft, shows you how to get the most of this helpful feature of your Windows software.
Here's the fourth video from the six-part series about online safety that Google and AARP collaborated on. This video demonstrates how to find out what kind of information is available about you online and recommends the steps to remove it, if you find it objectionable.
Today is "Cyber Monday," the day the online holiday shopping season "unofficially" takes off, so it's appropriate to point out a game designed to test your skills at spotting risky online offers. The game is featured at OnGuardOnline.gov, a government Web site that educates the public about online security. Here's the link: