Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Expanding Computer Ownership to the Masses

Trisk · 08-12-2004, 07:17 PM

Ehh...I think it's all marketting. Like others have said, this deal is nothing special. But...maybe it will make people more aware that they can get a computer with the internet, which is good.

The internet has a lot to offer in terms of communities, communication, information etc...and I think everyone should experience it.

It does, of course, have a learning curve. My mom, who's 55, has had a computer for 3 years and she still doesn't understand how to minimize applications. It took her about a year to be able to open a Microsoft word application by herself(she used to try opening it from aol)...and she refers to AOL as "my computer" because she's relied on the easy interface for so long that she doesn't really understand that there are other things available on the computer.

Then again, my grandfather (my mom's dad) who's in his 80s is able to use emails, type/print documents and access webpages perfectly fine.

Anyway...it's not really the older population that's my concern. I think what really matters is making sure poorer children have access to a computer with the internet and a printer. In schools these days, teachers just expect you to have a printer and the internet. They assign homework based on it...and when you're writing 10-page essays, using a computer is much easier and neater.
Not to mention that computer skills are vital for many jobs.

Most libraries ahve computers that they will allow you to use so it's not a necessity...but it's getting close.

*edit*
I'm just curious...why are AOL emails banned from signing up at TFP?

08-12-2004, 07:17 PM	#11 (permalink)
Trisk Insane	Ehh...I think it's all marketting. Like others have said, this deal is nothing special. But...maybe it will make people more aware that they can get a computer with the internet, which is good. The internet has a lot to offer in terms of communities, communication, information etc...and I think everyone should experience it. It does, of course, have a learning curve. My mom, who's 55, has had a computer for 3 years and she still doesn't understand how to minimize applications. It took her about a year to be able to open a Microsoft word application by herself(she used to try opening it from aol)...and she refers to AOL as "my computer" because she's relied on the easy interface for so long that she doesn't really understand that there are other things available on the computer. Then again, my grandfather (my mom's dad) who's in his 80s is able to use emails, type/print documents and access webpages perfectly fine. Anyway...it's not really the older population that's my concern. I think what really matters is making sure poorer children have access to a computer with the internet and a printer. In schools these days, teachers just expect you to have a printer and the internet. They assign homework based on it...and when you're writing 10-page essays, using a computer is much easier and neater. Not to mention that computer skills are vital for many jobs. Most libraries ahve computers that they will allow you to use so it's not a necessity...but it's getting close. edit I'm just curious...why are AOL emails banned from signing up at TFP?