The digital world and OAPs ..

[Jomie]

It’s not that old people don’t like computers and don’t recognise the usefulness of them. One of the problems is that as we get older, we do not usually like change. Onewheeldave has alluded to this in his post. Security updates aside, the big system updates that come along are often unwanted and not needed. Windows 10 has been reliable for me but I still don’t feel as comfortable with it as XP and 7. I use it as a normal computer and don’t go anywhere near the Store.The two sides juxtaposed just muddles things up. Just think they need to bring out a simple OS like XP was. TBH I use my iPad more than the computer these days.

Edited September 9, 2018 by Jomie

[davyboy]

No

 

I'm actually OK with IT compared to a lot of people, but, sadly, much of modern software and systems are badly designed.

 

For example, one thing I'd appreciate as an autistic person, is a degree of stability: it's very stressful, once used to a system, when pointless changes are made to it- such as a logical and well understood menu system being replaced by a mobile- device-influenced collection of microscopic little icons.

 

Obviously security updates are an ongoing necessity, but this pre-occupation with altering the menus is really disorientating for many people.

 

Also the increase in things being forced on the user- Windows 10 being an example, with it being purposely designed to make it very difficult for the user to control updates. I have a laptop that cannot take one of the big updates and I've had to literally hack my own laptop to block Windows 10's constant attempts to install it.

 

It's a real shame, because well designed IT really could make life a lot easier, and, instead, it makes some things easier, whilst simultaneously making others very (unnecessarily) stressful.

Every time there is an update on my wife's phone I get blamed (but a stronger word) because as you say the way of doing something has changed.

So it is a good idea to get yourself a grandchild and ignore the pitying expression on their face as in 2 keystrokes the problem is solved.

This morning I took a form into a reception area.

"Put it in the letter box over there" The young lad said

I tried to open the lid pulled at the front nothing!!!

Is it locked ? No said the young lad lifting a flap on the front. There.

Exit Davyboy looking totally thick:blush::blush:

[little miffy]

I'm 'only' 45 and I have the same trouble! I'm so far behind with technology it's scary, I'm clueless! I don't want to do internet banking or social media or any of that stuff. I dread to think what I'll be like with it if I get to be an oap.

[Ontarian1981]

Anna, if you have any specific queries, you could always ask on here. Plenty of tech savvy users on this forum who'd be happy to offer advice.

 

Also, I'm wondering if you may benefit from using a password manager; it's a small investment (money, though some are free; and also time to learn it) but well worth while.

 

I just write all my passwords and pin numbers in a notebook as I was fed up with forgetting the damn things, same goes with my wi fi code number etc. Not concerned with identity theft as I have nothing worth pinching:D

[onewheeldave]

It’s not that old people don’t like computers and don’t recognise the usefulness of them. One of the problems is that as we get older, we do not usually like change. Onewheeldave has alluded to this in his post. Security updates aside, the big system updates that come along are often unwanted and not needed. Windows 10 has been reliable for me but I still don’t feel as comfortable with it as XP and 7. I use it as a normal computer and don’t go anywhere near the Store.The two sides juxtaposed just muddles things up. Just think they need to bring out a simple OS like XP was. TBH I use my iPad more than the computer these days.

 

I agree about XP- I used it as long as I could. I think there's a good business opportunity for someone to put out an operating system targeted towards subsections of the autistic population, and the elderly, whose unique selling point is that it'll pretty much stay the same.

 

It'll have the necessary security updates, but the interface and menus won't be tampered with. New menu items for new functions would be added in a logical place within the existing menu system.

 

The owner of the computer would have final say on when, and, whether updates are installed (it is, after all, their computer).

[altus]

I just write all my passwords and pin numbers in a notebook as I was fed up with forgetting the damn things, same goes with my wi fi code number etc. Not concerned with identity theft as I have nothing worth pinching:D

Do you have a credit rating they could run up lots of debt? Property they could secure loans on? Credit card details that could be used to pay for access to a child porn site? There are a myriad of things criminals use stolen identities for. If you think you're safe because you haven't got much money in your bank account you are very foolish.

[Ontarian1981]

Do you have a credit rating they could run up lots of debt? Property they could secure loans on? Credit card details that could be used to pay for access to a child porn site? There are a myriad of things criminals use stolen identities for. If you think you're safe because you haven't got much money in your bank account you are very foolish.

 

Well now I am convinced, especially now that two of you have pulled me up on various things, that my humour is not for everyone.

Btw, my son in law is a police detective who is currently working on internet fraud among other internet based things like child porn and keeps me informed on the ways of the criminal cyber crooks, without specifics of course. I am not quite as stupid as I appear sometimes and neither am I skint LOL

[davyboy]

I kept forgetting my passwords UNTIL I realised that my mac suggests a password (total gibberish) which it remembers and enters each time I go on that particular website.

The only password I have to remember is the one I login with.

[Padders]

Well now I am convinced, especially now that two of you have pulled me up on various things, that my humour is not for everyone.

Btw, my son in law is a police detective who is currently working on internet fraud among other internet based things like child porn and keeps me informed on the ways of the criminal cyber crooks, without specifics of course. I am not quite as stupid as I appear sometimes and neither am I skint LOL

 

Suits me Mr T. you"ve got nothing worth pinching:huh: I"ll ask Mrs T. that one.

[Ontarian1981]

I kept forgetting my passwords UNTIL I realised that my mac suggests a password (total gibberish) which it remembers and enters each time I go on that particular website.

The only password I have to remember is the one I login with.

 

I too have passwords that my computer remembers automatically and I used to rely on that alone, but it's not foolproof as I have had to change mine a few times for various sites, even this one. I was once asked on here for my password and didn't have a clue, but when I tried to change it I couldn't because forum emails would not reach me as I disabled the constant notifications of posts. So although it shows I am a relatively new poster I have been on here since 2012 under a different username which is now closed. Also , if you buy another computer you may have to do everything all over again Now I always have everything written down as back up.