Author Topic: The Technophobe Reader - Technology Help (Read 213627 times)

HaroldArnold · « **Reply #280 on:** September 15, 2011, 11:32:49 PM »

Welcome to The Technophobe Reader

Cartoon used by permission of the artist

Confused about Ihpones, Ipods, Ipads, Itouch, Androids, or anything else electronic? Don't know what a "text" message is? Don't have a Nook or a Kindle and don't know the benefits of an e reader? Feel left out of the rush of the new technology and wonder what all the shouting is about?

Have a new Iphone, Ipod, Ipad, Nook, Kindle, or I headache or are considering same?

Ask your question here! Other sufferers may be able to direct you to a source for help or help with their own experience.

This discussion has no "expert" moderator, we offer here no professional advice but we may be able to answer out of our own experiences, so ask or comment away!

I am typing this post from my I-pad connected to a Belkin physical keyboard. The connection is wireless through the Ipad's bluetooh feature. It is certainly easier typing for me than the virtue key board but for me I would not want to use it for a multi page writing.

The devices called a Keyboard Folio. The I pad is held firm in the frame giving it the appearance of a small 10 inch mac notebook.

HaroldArnold · « **Reply #281 on:** September 16, 2011, 11:38:04 AM »

What happened to my above post made from the I-pad last night. It appears to have been in line to be the first post on the new page 8 but the way it appears on both the I-pad and desktop it is a part of the heading without identifying the posting party?

ANNIE · « **Reply #282 on:** September 16, 2011, 02:23:57 PM »

YOU ARE IDENTIFIED AT THE TOP LEFT OF THE WHOLE HEADER. DO YOU HAVE A IPAD II?

ginny · « **Reply #283 on:** September 19, 2011, 05:27:32 PM »

Harold, your post was taken up when the heading was inserted, it's still there, and, as Ann says, it's in the upper left hand corner of the screen.

I just bought an IPAD2. I am interested in this Belkin keyboard thing. Does the IPAD (it hasn't come yet) have a USB port?

ANNIE · « **Reply #284 on:** September 20, 2011, 08:27:23 PM »

My gosh, Ginny, I would think so. Does it take a USB port to use the Belkin keyboard?

ginny · « **Reply #285 on:** September 21, 2011, 06:41:54 AM »

Apparently not according to the Apple site, you need a wireless and you activate the Bluetooth feature but Apple also makes a keyboard FOR the Ipad, but it lacks some things. I'm going to get a Belkin today and see if I can do it. I'll let you all know, I can't wait for this to come, it will end my dependance on the satellite in a storm. I hope! Fingers crossed!

pedln · « **Reply #286 on:** September 21, 2011, 09:40:42 AM »

Ginny, I 'm really confused about how the iPad communicates. A friend has one and she says she has DSL from ATT&T just like I do, but that doesn't make sense to me. She's kind of new at Internet so we may be speaking of apples and oranges.

When you say wireless do you mean like in cell phones -- 3G and 4G, whatever that means?

mabel1015j · « **Reply #287 on:** September 21, 2011, 11:54:02 AM »

Pedln- there is something called a router that is attached to our cp and server. Ours sits on the book case, near the computer, it's about 5"x6". With no attachments to it my DH can use a laptop upstairs and i can use my ipad anywhere in the house or on the patio. Yes, like a cell phone.

Jean

ginny · « **Reply #288 on:** September 21, 2011, 09:12:15 PM »

I don't know, Pedln!~ It came today and I wasn't here so Fed Ex will bring it tomorrow. So maybe I will know what Jean does tomorrow. I didn't know it worked on DSL but I don't have DSL, so I hope what I end up with (but I have no contract so can cancel any time) is either wireless or...is it 3 G with Verizon?

I don't know but I'm about to find out!

pedln · « **Reply #289 on:** September 21, 2011, 10:44:17 PM »

Jean, I have a router and wireless similar to what you speak of. My DSL connects to it, but I can use my laptop anywhere in the house, and when family come to visit they key in a WEP code to their laptops and they can be used anywhere in the house.

What confuses me is how the iPad gets to the Internet because Ginny has said they don't have that kind of wireless out in the country where they are. So is it the cell phone kind?

My Kindle works with my wireless. I don't have the 3G or 4G kind that downloads like cell phones.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #290 on:** September 22, 2011, 01:03:09 PM »

I think if you have a server - a computer service that brings the internet into your home, like Comcast or Verizon, or AT andT, etc, you can use arouter to give you access to ipads or laptops anywhere in your home. Whether it is regular, or 3 or 4 G, i believe it works the same. Wifi is contingent on the router, it is not a service to your house.

The only "output" USB-type on my ipad1 is the connection to the computer and/or the electrical source.

Jean

LarryHanna · « **Reply #291 on:** September 22, 2011, 04:51:13 PM »

Wi-fi (wireless) and 3G and 4G are entirely different things. The wireless operates from a modem that transmits the internet signal within a certain range like throughout your house or perhaps to the street. The 3G and 4G are done through data plans on your cellphone plan. Some devices (and I haven't checked on the iPad2) will have only Wi-FI to connect it to the outside world whereas the 3G and 4G connect through cell towers and would be available anywhere you have cellphone service. I hope this helps explain the different. Some of the devices have both Wi-FI and 3G or 4G connections. If you don't have a modem you should still be able to use the USB cable with your device and put content on your mobile device from the computer using iTunes for the iPad or having the device recognized when connected to the computer as another drive.

ginny · « **Reply #292 on:** September 22, 2011, 07:45:35 PM »

I don't know what I have here. The IPAD2 is going to require 4 hours of updates or something over the internet and unfortunately the weather is not going to permit that today or tomorrow, but I called them to activate it. He says it was activated yesterday. It says 3G in the top left hand corner and there is a WiFi turn on button just like the i phone. He says that 3G means nothing except that it just shows the coverage in my area which IS 3G. So I don't know a whole lot more than I did except I do like Apple and if I ever get to the point I can download without interruption from weather for 4 hours I will report back.

The plan I have is a monthly one, no contract, for broadband (this has no phone connected with it) you can get 2G per month for $30, 1 G is $20 and 5 G is $50. There are no other charges as Verizon is not our phone company, so I'll report back as I go. I just saw something interesting about international rates, I'll have to read that more carefully.

salan · « **Reply #293 on:** September 23, 2011, 03:01:12 AM »

I'm really, really a "techno-tard". I have DSL. What is the difference in DSL, Wi-fi, 3G and 4G? I have a Kindle that I programmed using my router #. I can use it here and at my library; but when I went to Dallas to visit my daughter
I had to program her #.

While I am at it, what is Blu-tooth?
Sally

pedln · « **Reply #294 on:** September 23, 2011, 10:09:25 AM »

Sally, we're in the same club, but I'm glad we're having this discussion, even if I don't understand all of it.

Larry, thank you for your explanation about the differences between cell phones and wireless. I think I'm beginning to understand, but am gong to have to write it out first for myself.

Ginny, keep us posted on your iPad.

Question No. 1, with more to follow ---

1. PCs are run by an operating system, such as Windows, Linux, whatever runs Macs. What is the operating system for an iPad?

LarryHanna · « **Reply #295 on:** September 23, 2011, 10:27:00 AM »

pedln, iPads use an operating system developed by Apple.

Sally, DSL is the way you get Internet to your home unless you use a cable provider for Internet. Wi-Fi is another device that sends that Internet signal out wirelessly so that other devices, such as laptops or other desk computers or wi-fi capable devices such as iPads can access. The 3G and 4G are related to data plans from cellphone providers that allow devices so equipped to access the Internet via their cellphone towers. 3G is slower than 4G and the companies keep enhancing and speeding up the service. You don't need to be where you have wi-fi to use the 3G or 4G. Hope this helps explain the situation.

ANNIE · « **Reply #296 on:** September 23, 2011, 11:19:09 AM »

Larry,
Doesn't using Airport make it easier? I have Airport and run all of my MACs plus my iPod wireless plus my printer. I can use the office laptop upstairs but can hit print and it will be printed by the downstairs printer. My upstairs printer is dead so this is very convenient.

pedln · « **Reply #297 on:** September 23, 2011, 11:45:15 AM »

I don't have an iPad and right now don't plan on buying one, maybe later, when my laptop dies.

Question2:

I have DSL, which of course has a monthly fee, and wireless -- if I had an iPad would I also need to have a monthly data plan, or would my wireless (and the wireless at other places I frequent) be enough?

The fee structure sounds complicated. Ginny's gigabytes -- is that at any one time or a total for the month. 1G isn't a whole lot any more.

ginny · « **Reply #298 on:** September 23, 2011, 02:53:08 PM »

Thats a month. It's for download broadband. I dont watch movies so it should be more than enough. At last I can sit here in the living room and enjoy typing here. My grand baby is on the computer.

My understanding is that the 5 Gs refers to the paid 3G download. Wifi would be free. I have a friend with an iPad and no plan but where she lives is wireless so she does not pay. I can't believe this day has come!

Now to s ee how fast it adds up. So far so good.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #299 on:** September 23, 2011, 11:36:13 PM »

We have DSL. Our monthly fee covers whatever gadget we have on it.

Jean

pedln · « **Reply #300 on:** September 24, 2011, 12:14:25 PM »

That's what I was wondering, Jean.

I think where I been confused is that I've always thought DSL was coming over on a phone line. It is or it isn't? It's just something else?

ginny · « **Reply #301 on:** September 24, 2011, 12:29:51 PM »

Oh man I love the IPAD, first thing this morning in bed yet I read the Times of London. It's lightning fast out here, it SAYS it's 3G and 2 bars but it's faster than lightning, and I can access the website in rain (last night) or shine. The 3 G thing is from Verizon as a phone company I guess, we have no cable or wireless here, and the IPAD has a phone number. But since I can't call on it as it HAS no phone, I have a monthly charge for the number of G's I think I'll need to download from Verizon with no contract. I don't use that many from wildblue so I don't think this will be an issue. Who knows? I may take up movies from Netflix.

I downloaded all the APPs and games and have them all arranged. I showed my husband the Dragon Dictation with a view to his mother who doesn't hear well and he was impressed.

I am impressed. And I love Angry Birds on this huge screen.

I had bought a keyboard which is intended for the IPAD and which operates in a kind of stand, that's next.

Free, I'm finally free of having to say storms are here I have to get off. I don't have to get off.

YAHOO!

jane · « **Reply #302 on:** September 24, 2011, 12:49:29 PM »

Pedln...our DSL comes over a phone line. The spliter has our phones attached in one plugin and the main line to the modem/router in the other plugin thingy. The router-modem is now one unit from the phone co. (they upgraded that when they bought the former phone co) so I can use wireless for my laptop and for my NookColor to get onto the internet.

We get our internet through our phone co. My neighbor gets his through the cable provider.

Here there's a constant war between the phone co. and dish network (for TV) against the cable company who provides TV, internet, and telephone.

It gets very confusing. The cable people, however, are out far more often the the phone people, so I've stayed with the phone co.

jane

LarryHanna · « **Reply #303 on:** September 25, 2011, 09:47:06 AM »

I believe all DSL is delivered via the phone line and just gets Internet to your home. From there you can attach it to a device called a router that that is what sends out the wireless (wi fi) signals around your home or business. Some folks receive their internet via cable and that also can be attached to a router to provide wi fi. I happen to have a combined box that is both the modem to receive the internet and the router to send out the wi fi.

Jenny, glad to see you finally have a good speed access to Internet via the 3G. You have had to wait a long time.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #304 on:** September 27, 2011, 01:59:13 PM »

For those of you with ipads, mine froze yesterday after updating an app. When i called, even tho my warranty had expired THREE weeks ago, the person was very helpful. To reboot hold the on/off bottom and the "home" button and hold for about 20 seconds. I hadn't read that anywhere in the guide.
Jean

mabel1015j · « **Reply #305 on:** October 02, 2011, 01:48:26 PM »

Do any of you use Blio? It's an ebook program that came on our new computer and i'm not sure how it's different from reading books on my ipad, or using the "kindle" app or the google books app? Anybody know?

Jean

ANNIE · « **Reply #306 on:** October 07, 2011, 09:46:59 AM »

For all of us who feel only the deepest love and affection for the way computers have enhanced our lives, read on.
At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated,
'If Ford had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon.'

In response to Bill Gates's comments, Ford issued a press release, stating:
'If Ford had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics (and I just love this part):

1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash......... twice a day.

2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.

3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.

4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.

5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only five percent of the roads.

6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single 'This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation' warning light.

(I love the next one!!!)
7. The airbag system would ask 'Are you sure?' before deploying.

8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.

9. Every time a new car was introduced, car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as in the old car.

10. You'd have to press the 'Start' button to turn the engine off.

PS - I 'd like to add that when all else fails, you could call 'customer service' in some foreign country and be instructed in some foreign language how to fix your car yourself!!!!

Please share this with your friends who love - but sometimes hate - their computer!

mabel1015j · « **Reply #307 on:** October 07, 2011, 12:18:59 PM »

Love it! Especially #9! I get so frustrated w/ each new version of whatever is more complicated than the last one which i just learned!! I'm still reading the "guide" for windows 7 and i see windows 8 is about to appear. I think i will forego #8!

Jean

ginny · « **Reply #308 on:** October 10, 2011, 08:28:46 AM »

hahaha, it's good to have a good laugh. I agree, Jean, Windows 8!!

I've just downloaded Pastebot for the IPAD. I missed ClipMate and this seems to do the same thing for IPAD, and IPhone, tho it may take some getting used to, are any of you using it?

mabel1015j · « **Reply #309 on:** October 10, 2011, 12:18:25 PM »

What is it? Tell us more, Ginny.

ginny · « **Reply #310 on:** October 11, 2011, 06:56:05 AM »

It's a clip utility like ClipMate but for the IPAD. With ClipMate which I don't know how anybody gets along without online or for writing papers, you can copy anything, you can copy 100 lines of quotes, you don't have to copy/ paste one thing each time immediately, you can copy an entire book and then paste the parts you want, etc., and then choose among them as to when you want to insert them, and that includes any pictures, etc., they arrange themselves if you like in folders, it's pretty impressive.

But it's not available for IPAD. So I found pastebot which purports to do the same thing. It does copy and it looks sort of the same, so it does work but it's the part about choosing the paste which has me somewhat stymied and also you can't have it (or I can't so far) on your "menu" so it's always visible when you're in the compose window.

I hoped somebody here was using it so I could get some advice.

ANNIE · « **Reply #311 on:** October 11, 2011, 11:52:50 AM »

Ginny,
I can't use some apps on the iPod either due to the fact that ADOBE FLASH isn't included for it and it can't run it anyway. My iPod guru told me to use iTunes in place of anything Adobe.

ginny · « **Reply #312 on:** October 12, 2011, 06:16:22 PM »

Thank you Ann, I did not know it was Adobe! Shows you what I know. hahaha

I got my first bill on the IPAD, I have downloaded 0.13 of the Gigabytes I paid for. Once I have a full month I can check again but that's way less than I am paying for, I may slide back the plan a little.

ginny · « **Reply #313 on:** October 12, 2011, 08:50:28 PM »

Larry I have a question and I would appreciate your thoughts on it. Since it pertains to the Latin students and they have asked, I wonder if you could help?

I have made mp3 files of vocabulary for the Latin students. A couple have asked if there's a way they can " download Ginny’s pronunciation/audio files to disks and a mp3 player?"

I also have made different Mp3 files for CD's and put them on a CD which can be used in a car or something like that, but they are huge files which we haven't put on the server for that reason.

Using the smaller files we do have on the server, is there a way to take something like this: http://seniorlearn.org/latin/Audio2011/2011vocabularypage8.mp3 and somehow download it to an ipod or something without putting it on a disk?

LarryHanna · « **Reply #314 on:** October 13, 2011, 11:29:16 AM »

Ginny, it is certainly possible to do what you would like to do. However, I think a new webpage should be created that the person could go to and download the links from the webpage. However, they can right click on the link that you currently have posted and download the mp3 that is playing by clicking on the "save as" menu item. I don't think you need to worry about filling up your server with the mp3 files you have on your CD. It has been so long since we worked on that project I don't have any information as to how to access them on the server. I will be glad to try to help if you need it to accomplish this project. I have sent you an e-mail with my telephone number as it may have changed since we last spoke on the phone.

ginny · « **Reply #315 on:** October 13, 2011, 08:37:15 PM »

Thank you Larry, much appreciated! I've emailed you!

maryz · « **Reply #316 on:** October 17, 2011, 04:57:30 AM »

Does anybody travel with your laptop? Have you ever packed it carefully in your checked luggage? Or always carried it on the plane?

ginny · « **Reply #317 on:** October 17, 2011, 08:03:34 AM »

Mary, yes, many many many times. Laptops, and now IPADS.

I would not put anything whatosever I ever wanted to see again in checked luggage.

pedln · « **Reply #318 on:** October 17, 2011, 11:18:38 AM »

I would love to pack it, but am not about to take that risk. And also, there is something about packing things with batteries -- that they can ignite?

maryz · « **Reply #319 on:** October 17, 2011, 04:47:40 PM »

Thanks - I really didn't think checking should be done - just didn't want to have to carry it. I guess the next "laptop" will be a tablet or a "pad".

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Author Topic: The Technophobe Reader - Technology Help (Read 213627 times)