Customer Reviews

Windows 7 for Seniors: For Senior Citizens Who Want to Start Using Computers (Computer Books for Seniors series)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I belong to an active computer club in the Hill Country of Texas. During several of our recent meetings the new OS (Operating System) Windows 7 has been discussed. At a current meeting several publications were mentioned with "Windows 7 for SENIORS" in the group. The book is published by "Visual Steps" and provides an Accompanying support website.
I have used publications from this publisher in the past and found them to be very informative and cover the topics and shortcuts very well. It is the fastest way to become familiar with a new OS and because it is written for Seniors it has extra details provided. It is a fast and effective way to updating and staying in tune with the times.
These comments provided to you by an 81 year old senior that is trying to stay in the flow of things.

This is an excellent tool for seniors, or anyone else who would be considered casual users of a computer. Because of the many graphics in the book and the non-tech language it is easy to follow. All of "Visual Steps" books are excellent. I teach computers to seniors and I highly recommend this book to them.

I am quite disappointed in this book. It has confusing explanations of essential points, such as:

1. How to use the mouse: On p. 25, this book says to "direct the movement of the pointer on your computer screen by gently moving your mouse." How do I move the mouse? Do I point it like a laser pointer, or do I slide it from side to side, and up and down? On the next page, this book says "The pointer can be used as if it were your fingertip." Again, do I use my fingertip as a pointer indicating a direction (he went thataway) or do I use my fingertip as if I were drawing? Actually neither.

2. The topic of "files and folders" is vital, especially if you're going to find that picture you took or that letter you wrote. In this book, Chapter 6 is "Libraries, Folders and Files" (p. 177). The sentences in the introductory paragraph make little sense. "A file is the generic name for everything saved on the computer." I think this means "All the data saved on a computer hard drive is in a file." "A file can be a program, a data file with names, text you have written, or a photo." To say that a file is "a data file with names" is not only a circular definition but it is so vague as to convey... nothing. Do you mean a mailing list? Nowhere on this page does it say that a file has a name, and an extension that indicate the type of data contained in the file.

This same page says that you can "link folders and files to a library." I know how to include a folder in a library, but I didn't know you could include a single file in a library. One more: "Using a folder window, you can work with files and folders that are on the hard disk of your computer." And, you can use "this folder window" to copy "a text or another file to a USB memory stick."

I'm fairly familiar with file systems on computers, and this page of explanation leaves me scratching my head to try to figure out what is meant.

3. A straight factual error: On page 15, the book says "In order to work with the Internet, you must have the following two programs installed on your computer:

o Windows Internet Explorer 8
o Windows Live Mail"

Internet Explorer is not called "Windows Internet Explorer." Many people use a web browser other than Internet Explorer such as Mozilla Firefox or Opera. Nowadays I'd start someone with IE 9. Why mention the version number? After all, Windows 7 comes with IE 8 preinstalled. It's HARD to uninstall it. Also, many people these days are using web-based email such as Gmail or Yahoo mail. This choice is not offered. Why bother with Windows Live Mail? Keep things simple!

I believe most people, seniors included, would benefit from a discussion of the choice between using an email program like Windows Live Mail (which replaces Windows Mail, which replaced Outlook Express) vs. using a web-based email account.

Editorial problems arise on every page I look at. If I were teaching a course in technical writing or editing, I'd use this book as an example of what NOT to do.

I just bought this for my parents. I have not even gotten to the info--but I do not like the black and white pictures of the screens. At the same time I bought another windows 7 book for my husband. It has full color photos---with crisper paper and better printing. Maybe my eyes are just going....but I would think a book for seniors would have larger print and clearer (color please!) photos.

Windows 7 for Seniors: For Senior Citizens Who Want to Start Using Computers (Computer Books for Seniors series) is an excellent book to help seniors learn how to use the computer. There are simple exercises that aid in understanding many sections of a personal computer. For example, How to Manage Your Hard Drive; Files and Folders; Using the Internet; etc. There are screen shots that match the screen on the reader's own PC, which help greatly in the learning process. The book is good either in a class environment or as a self-taught version. This book is a valuable tool for anyone, not just seniors, who want to learn how to use Windows 7 and a personal computer.

I have taught seniors for years the basics of MIcrosoft programs/file structors/email/Internet/etc. I constantly got comments to "Write out the specific operations! We forget when we go home!" This book does exactly that!! Thank God!!
Hal Wochholz

I work for a company that educates seniors in different skills. One of these skills is the computer. After having tested out different approaches, we use the Visual Steps books to teach our elder students how to use a computer.

Great visuals & a clear explanation of every step make this an easy way to interactively learn & teach a subject.

We use this Windows 7 for seniors book all the time as a companion to our lessons on using Windows & it is a tested method to teach an important skill.

If you are reading this then you know how great books can be to learn from. This visual rich book is an excellent starting point for senior citizens to teach themselves to use a personal computer.

This excellent reference guide is meant to teach readers the basics of the Windows 7 operating system. It features easy-to-read large print and numerous screenshots.

We work with seniors that can work through the book at their own pace while sitting at the computer, learning how to write letters and memos, send and receive e-mail, explore the internet.

Get this one if the title describes what you are looking for, seriously.

This book teaches newbies young & old how to use a computer. Great visuals, clarity explanation & ideal for self-study. Gifting this to the seniors in our community or giving the gift to yourself if the gift of using technology and getting a sense of belonging in this modern world.

This is a marvelous simplied book with illustrations telling you how to begin using your computer. If you can't use your computer after going by this book then you need to hang it up and go fishing. Don't be afraid like I was at the beginning. A wonderful way to spend your winter with this book and your computer. Now I am ready for the second book titled More Windows 7 for Seniors and ready to tackle it.

Enjoy your computer and have fun doing it.
Carol Harrington