Here is a list of ways for Self-Help. They will be described in detail below. Our Computer Basics section also provides Self-Help.

 

       Computer Help and Support

    It is important for you to understand there are several different operating systems in use as well as different versions of your programs, so your computer is not like all others.  Each operating system from Microsoft also has built-in help. Each release improves the functionality and content.  In Windows XP, you click on the Start button in the lower left corner and click on Help and Support to search for Computer Help.  In Windows Vista and Windows 7, you click on the Microsoft Circle Botton in the lower left corner and then select Help and Support.

    Free Software
    The following websites:  ninite.com and filehippo.com contain most free programs that are being used by many VCC members.  If you have any questions about the programs, feel free to submit a question during the Trouble Shooting session at the Friday Meetings.
      
    Internet Search
    You can use a number of Search engines, like Google www.google.com to find the help you are looking for. There are millions of locations on the web to assist you with any technical issue or question. That’s the problem; there are millions of locations. How do you narrow down the search to find just the information you are looking for?

    Google is, of course, a good tool to use; however, to narrow down the number of locations use the advanced search feature. You can also use www.bing.com, and others. 

    On Line Support 

    Most products you purchase have a support phone number and email address and website for new software or product owners. Give them a try if you are having trouble or want to ask a question. Some are better than others.

    Presentations
    The Presentations Tab above takes you to a list of previous presentations.  You can find what you are looking for by filtering by any of the columns (like Title, Subject Type, Product, etc.).

     

    Smart Computing Magazine
    Many VCC members have found Smart Computing magazine and their website (www.smartcomputing.com) to be easy to understand resources for both computer hardware and software.

     

    Software Product Help 

    Most products you purchase have Help icons "?" etc. that takes you to a list of help that you can search to find.

    The Villages Lifelong Learning College
    The Villages sponsors beginning computer classes listed in the Lifelong Learning College Web Page.  These classes offer hands-on training and are a good  jump-start for new users.  There are also other computer related classes.  Check the Daily Sun or at a Recreation Center for complete information.
     
    Tips
    The Jmax Bits website provides Help Tips produced by Maxine Miller.

 

  
Above is a LINK to a separate You Tube page that describes how you can search You Tube for help.