I’ve mentioned before that I host a weekly computer club at the local community center once a week. For an hour and a half, we talk about problems, achievements, and all things computer related. I had been feeling a little frustrated last fall because it seemed that people just dropped in to fix a specific problem and then didn’t come back for awhile.

But this year the club is finally starting to take off in the way that I’d intended. We have a group of six or seven regulars that work together, help one another, and delight in learning more about computers and all the great things we can do with them. A few of the group have started blogging as well and are getting interested in Internet marketing too. Since that’s one of my favourite subjects, I’m enjoying the time we have together.

I often take in books and software to share with the group. Now that publishers have realized how many older people are eager to learn about computers and especially the Internet, there are a lot of choices. I prefer the books that are fairly large print, easy to understand, and contain a number of screenshots to follow along. One such publisher is Visual Steps and they’ve published manuals on Windows, Internet and Email.

One of the titles that I purchased and recommended to the computer club is called “Interesting Online Applications For Seniors”. It contains tutorials on Youtube, Google Earth, eBay, Google Maps, Skype, RSS Feeds and Podcasts, Facebook, Hotmail, Messenger, web photo albums, Wikipedia and Online Dictionaries, and even creating a blog on Blogger. The Blogger tutorial is so detailed that I used it when teaching a workshop on creating a free website with Blogger.

Most libraries will probably carry the book, or you can order it from Amazon and have it delivered to your door. Let me know how you like it, and if you start a blog, share the link so we can visit. Oh, and don’t think you have to be a senior to benefit from the information.

Technorati Tags: online applications, Internet, social media

I will be leaving for Atlanta in a couple of days to attend a four day Internet Marketing workshop. I’ll be taking a lot of notes and will try to share some of what I learn when I get back.

As well, my computer club is finally taking off this year. People are getting more involved and are helping one another rather than just asking their questions and then leaving. They bring laptops or use the computers at the community centre, we talk about everything from email, to google earth, to blogging. A few of the guys have started their own websites and are trying their hand at affiliate marketing. One of them is retired and his enthusiasm is great to see.

I’d like to take this opportunity to send get well wishes to one of my loyal readers. Robert is always taking the time to write encouraging comments and I’d wondered why I hadn’t heard from him lately. Turns out he’s had pneumonia, although it is now finally on the mend. So Robert, all of us here at Creative Home Computing are sending prayers for your quick recovery. I hope you feel better very soon.

I did it! I went and bought myself a new little  ——-.

No, I think I’ll keep you guessing for a day first. I like gadgets, non-techie ones, that is. So this is a non-techie gadget I can take anywhere, use anytime, looks great, it’s easy, and it wasn’t very expensive – well, more than a dinner at a restaurant, but comparatively speaking – I was a good shopper indeed.

It’s not too big and not too small,
Just the perfect size is all.
I’ve looked for months to find a deal,
With the perfect look and feel.

There was just one left at my local store,
I checked around, there were no more.
So I made a decision on the spot,
Would I risk not buying? I sure would not!

I’m no Doctor Suess as you can see
But I enjoy being geeky old me.
Now if you can guess what I just bought
I might get you one – but probably not!

See if you can guess and I’ll tell you tomorrow!