assignment # 9

Well, here we are in Zoho.  My standard username & password were accepted.  Hurray!  Seems pretty simple, type here, save it online, post to my blog if i want to, end of story.

My parents just bought a new computer.  Their old one was too old and slow for internet connection and the family finally convinced them that getting online would be a good thing.  So, first step, getting the components arranged (thanks, Howi) and connected properly.  I sat down with dad one morning this week and gave him a very basic tutorial on Microsoft Word.  They had been using Wordperfect and their computer was so old that they still had to use the function keys to do things! So, learning how to maneuvere a mouse and getting used to the icons will take a bit of practice.  He did quite well and I'm hoping he'll soon see that this new way is easier.

At work these past couple of weeks, I have spent some time with patrons on the public computers, helping them navigate and find their way around.  We have upgraded the public computers and some things have changed. 

My point is that we need to keep these most beginner computer users in mind when we change things and make improvements.  Even something as simple as changing the resolution can throw some users for a loop because it 'looks different'.  The way we print from the public machines has changed.  It is not hard to find the new way and it is logical but it 'looks different'.  More experienced computer users have the confidence to explore and fiddle around to find what they need but for a beginner, that is too much to expect.

I think  Zoho is a great tool.  Patrons can work on things at home or a library computer.  If it is saved online, it is accessible from both places.  No need for a memory stick or a floppy disc.  (Yes, a floppy disc.  We still have patrons who keep their files on these!)  Not all of our patrons embrace new technology.  They want to use what is familiar to them.  I will encourage the use of sites like Zoho but it means learning something new.    


Wow. Very easy to post this on my blog. In fact, it was so easy, I was surprised to actually see it here when I checked! I enjoyed my introduction to Zoho. Looking forward to using it again and I will also recommend it to people.