TECHNOLOGY FOR SENIORS GUIDEBOOK
209 Main St
Westcliffe, Colorado 81252
A HOW-To GUIDE ON TECHNOLOGICAl SKIlls
www.westcusterlibrary.org
719-783-9138
WEST CUSTER COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Technology for Seniors Guidebook
Created by Katie Schepmann
TECHNOLOGY FOR SENIORS GUIDEBOOK
209 Main St
Westcliffe, Colorado 81252
A HOW-To GUIDE ON TECHNOLOGICAl SKIlls
www.westcusterlibrary.org
719-783-9138
WEST CUSTER COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
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INTRODUCTION
Are you looking for a simple guide on basic technology skills? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by technology? This guidebook is for you. It will walk you step-by-step through everything from using a phone, computer, printer, Google products, and so much more. On the next page, you will find a Table of Contents with a whole list of skills you will be able to learn with this guidebook.
For any extra help on any technology skills, you can contact us at info@westcusterlibrary.org.
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Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................Pg. 2
Learning the Basics........................................ Pg. 4
How to Use:
Phones.............................................. Pg. 5
Computers...................................... Pg. 21
Printer............................................. Pg. 25
Copier............................................. Pg. 34
Fax Machine ................................... Pg. 37
Google Products.............................. Pg. 40
Practical Tips for Seniors ............................ Pg. 49
Easy Basic Skills:
Shortcuts/Quick Tricks.................... Pg. 50
Scan to USB..................................... Pg. 51
Scan to Email.................................. Pg. 52
Attaching Photos to Email on Phone Pg. 53
Attaching Photos to Text on Phone... Pg. 53
Conclusion .................................................. Pg. 53
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Learning the Basics
The purpose of this guidebook is to teach you simple and easy skills when using technology. Everything you learn throughout this handbook, will be numbered step by step, and this will give you easy tips as well. You will also see side notes, with important reminders. We hope that this guide is easy for you, and helps you with basic skills. Also, throughout this guidebook, you will see pictures that show examples. We hope you learn a lot, and enjoy!
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Before diving into everything about phones, first be aware that every phone is different. The most common types of phones today are Apple and Android smart phones.
How To Use:
PHONES
Turn on your phone using the power button. The button is either on top, or on the left or right side of your smart phone.
While your phone is coming up, familiarize yourself with other uses on your phone. Including the charging plug, volume up and down button, headphone jack, sim card and speaker. Some pictures are on the next page.
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SIM card
Please note, all phones have different power button locations.
Power button
Charging slot
Something else to note, chargers for Apple and Android look different.
The one above is an Android, and the one below is an Apple.
APPLE
ANDROID
Here is a picture of an Apple volume up and down button. Apple phones also have a mute button as well.
Mute button
Volume button
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This is what the headphone jack looks like on a phone. Most phones have them, but not all.
The last two things we want to mention in this section, are speakers on phones and Sim cards. Some examples are below.
Speaker
Speaker
SIM Card
The next page has details about each of these add-ons on phones.
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The only thing we want to touch on is SIM Cards. All smart phones have SIM cards. The definition of a SIM card is a smart card inside a mobile phone, carrying an identification number unique to the owner, storing personal data, and preventing operation if removed.
The meaning of SIM:
subscriber identity module
Basically this is just a fancy name for linking your account to your phone, which goes to your phone provider. It just stores your data usage. Also the only time you are going to use your SIM card is when you get a new phone.
SIM Cards can also go in the back of your phone. It's most common for the card to be on the side though.
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ANDROID
Once your phone comes up, you will see a screen with apps. Below are pictures of the home screen on Apple and Android.
Please note that every Android home screen is different. All phones have different background graphics.
APPLE
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We're not going to go into every app on phones in this section, just the main ones you will use. For details on all other apps, contact us.
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Down below, we will list pictures and descriptions of the apps you will use:
Camera & Gallery
2. Google/Safari
3. Texting
4. Calling
5. Adding Contacts
6. Calendar
7. Calculator
Camera & Gallery
Android camera app
Apple camera app
When using a camera to take a picture, all you have to do is tap the round circle on the screen, when you pull up the camera.
When on your phone, this is what it will look like on Apple. Android looks very similar.
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Android gallery app
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Gallery is where you can find everything. Below are some pictures of what those applications look like on Apple and Android.
Apple gallery app
2. Google Chrome/Safari
Google and Safari are the search engines for Apple and Android, here you can find anything. Below are pictures of what these apps will look like on both types of phones.
Apple: Safari (search engine)
Android: Google Chrome (search engine)
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Apple: Text/Messaging app
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3. Texting
To text/message someone on your phone, you will use either of the two apps below. Pictures are shown.
Android: Text/Messaging app
How to Text:
Tapping the blue messaging app (Android), or green messaging app (Apple), you will see a blank screen.
The steps for using both of these are on the next few pages.
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Tapping the blue Start Chat button at the bottom, this screen below will appear. This is where you will start a text with someone.
In the To field, type in the person's phone number that you want to text.
When you click the check button at the bottom of the screen you will be taken to the screen below. This is where you will start your text. You will type in the box that says "Text Message".
Android Texting:
Step 1:
Once tapping the app button, a screen will appear that says messages. Below is just an example, new screens will be blank. This is where you will find all the people you message.
Step 2:
Step 3:
Tap this button.
Tap this button.
Tap on this field.
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Tapping the note-like button in the top right hand corner (it's circled), the screen below will appear. Like on the last page, In the To field, type in the person's phone number that you want to text.
When you click the add button (the plus sign) next to that field, it will take you to a screen like this. Of course your screen will look different than the screen below.
This is where you will start your text. You will type in the box that says "Text Message".
Apple Texting:
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Once tapping the app button, a screen will appear that says messages. Below is just an example, new screens will be blank. This is where you will find all the people you message.
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Apple: Calling app
Android: Calling app
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4. Calling
To call someone on your phone, you will use either of the two apps below. Pictures are shown.
How to Call:
Tapping the green calling app (Apple), or blue calling app (Android), you will see a blank screen. Pictures are below.
The steps for using both of these are on the next few pages.
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Apple Calling:
Step 1:
Once tapping the app button, the screen below will appear. This is where you will do calling, find voicemails, contacts, recent calls, and favorites.
These options are listed at the bottom of the screen.
Options for calling
Step 2:
To call someone, you will use the keypad. Just type in the person's phone number that you are calling. Once you have done that, click the green call circle, below the keypad, that will start the call.
Recent calls: recent calls just show who you last called, what day, and what time, and who called.
Favorites: people who you like, maybe including family members.
Contacts: a list of all the people you have in your phone and their phone numbers.
Voicemail: where you can listen to any voicemail messages you have received
Step 3:
When done with your call, click the red call circle. That will end your conversation. Left of this, is a picture of what the calling screen looks like.
Something to note, when you receive a call, swipe the green call button.
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Again, to call someone, type in the person's phone number, and click the green call circle, below the keypad, that will start the call.
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Android Calling:
Step 1:
Once tapping the app button, the screen below will appear (Or one like it). As an Apple phone, you will have the keypad option (or dial), call logs, contacts, and groups. Please note that all Android call screens look different. Below is an example.
Step 2:
Step 3:
When done with your call, click the red call circle. That will end your conversation. Left of this, is a picture of what the calling screen looks like. Very similar to the Apple one.
Call Logs: call logs just show who you have called, and who has called you, just like Apple.
Contacts: a list of all the people you have in your phone and their phone numbers.
Groups: people you have in a certain category.
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The last thing we want to mention in the phones section, is what each of the options on the calling screen mean. You will probably rarely use any of these. But just so you know what they are, explanations are below.
APPLE
ANDROID
There are similarities between these two, including they both have the options: speaker, mute, facetime/videocall, add call, and keypad. Below are what each of the options look like. We will only talk about the options below. These ones are probably the ones you will use the most anyway.
Speaker: your phone is set to out loud, as opposed to being just in your ear.
Keypad: where you can redial or change a number if needed.
Facetime/Videocall: this is where you can talk to someone face to face.
Mute: mute your phone call, so the person on the line can't hear you. You can hear the other person, but they can't hear you.
Add Call: add another person to your call, to talk to them as well.
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Android: Calendar app
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5. Calendar
All Apple and Android phones come with a calendar. Pictures are below of what the app would like on your phone.
Apple: Calendar app
How to Use Calendar:
For both Apple (bottom), and Google/Android (left), to add something to the calendar click on the plus button. Google, bottom right hand corner. Apple, top left hand corner. You can add an event with the date, time, title, color, and reminders. There are many options, but these are the main ones you will use. The add buttons are circled.
The last thing we want to mention is that the pictures you see, are just examples. Your calendar will be blank when you are just starting out with a calendar on your phone. It is the same when using a computer.
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Apple: Calculator app
Android: Calculator app
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6. Calculator
All Apple and Android phones come with a calculator. Pictures are below of what the app would like on your phone.
How to Use Calculator:
Calculators on phones are so simple, all you have to do is press the buttons, just like you would on a handheld calculator.
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How to Use:
COMPUTERS
When using the computers here at our library, it's super simple and easy to remember. Down below are the steps you will use.
Turn on your computer, using the power button. After a couple minutes, you will see a screen that shows the date, time, and a picture in the background. This is the lock screen. An example is below.
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Click anywhere on your screen using the left hand clicker on your mouse. This will bring you to another screen that shows different users.
Clicking on the desired user (at the library, you would click Library Guest), enter your password and click the arrow button next to it. You may not have to use a password. (At the library all you have to do is click Sign in). This will take you into the home screen.
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Select this one.
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Once you reach the Home Screen, this is what you will see. This is where you can access anything that you would like to use. The most common application that people use is Google Chrome. Here you can access your email, Google, any website, and so much more. All Google Products and their information will be detailed on Pg's. 40-48.
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Clicking on Google Chrome, you will come to a screen like the one below. This is where you can search for anything. Click your cursor on the top of the screen. If using Google Products, like Gmail, that will be listed in the top right hand corner.
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Once in the field box, just type in anything that you want to find. We won't be going into detail on different websites, but if you do need any assistance, feel free to ask.
Click here to type in the search engine.
Click here to access Gmail.
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How to Use:
PRINTERS
When using the printer here at our library, it's super simple and easy to remember. Down below are the steps you will use.
Going online, pull up the website, photo, document, etc. that you want to print. If using a flashdrive, refer to step 3. Below is an example of a home screen.
Displayed at the bottom of the screen (the togglebar), are the applications that you will use. The most common ones on all computers are Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and File Explorer. The images of these applications are shown on the next page.
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GOOGLE CHROME
FILE EXPLORER
MICROSOFT EDGE
Like mentioned above, if you are using a flash drive, you will go to File Explorer. Here are the steps to using a flash drive:
When using a computer, 99% of the time you will probably use Google Chrome. This is where you find most things.
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You can also search in this box to find any apps. Just click on the box and begin typing.
Please note: Microsoft Edge is the successor
to Internet Explorer
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Flash drive/
Thumb drive/
Jump drive
USB Port
2. On the togglebar on the bottom of your screen, click on File Explorer.
3. On the Navigation Pane, go to the option, This Pc. Your flash drive will be listed under this.
Navigation Pane
Plug your flash drive into a USB port.
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4. Click on your flash drive. Once your find your desired document, right click on it, then click print. If the print option does not come up automatically, double left click on your item. Or use the shortcut (Ctrl + p), to bring up the print screen. Steps below.
This is just an example of what a flash drive could be called. All flash drives have different names.
Print Screen
Name of File
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Your print screen can also look like this.
As you can tell, both of these print screens are very similar and have the same options listed.
Once you see the print screen pop-up, you will see a list of options on the side, such as the following:
Printer/Destination
Pages
Copies
Layout/Orientation
Color
Paper Tray
Paper Type
Etc.
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One last way to access printing is via the File option that is found on most documents, including Word. The only thing you have to do with this is, click on File in the top left corner, and select the print button. Below is an example of how it looks on Microsoft Word.
Below all of these options, is the button more settings. The only reason you would click on this dropdown menu, is for the basic things such as paper size, two-sided copies, and scale (how big you want the image on your paper). Other settings you
probably won't have to use very much at all. These ones are the most common.
Pretty much all File buttons are in the top left corner of your screen.
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After clicking on the File option, you will be taken to a screen that looks like this.
Here is the print option. Below is the print screen.
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The same rules apply to this one, like the one above.
This is the conclusion of the section How to Use: Printers. On the next page you'll find a chart on the settings for printing and what each of the options means.
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PRINTER/DESTINATION:
PRINTER SETTINGS
COPIES:
LAYOUT/ORIENTATION:
COLOR:
PAPER TRAY:
QUALITY:
SCALE:
PAGES PER SHEET:
the number of pages of each
paper you are printing.
whether you want your
item in black/white or color
a way to change the re-
solution of your document.
how big you want your image
on your paper to be.
whether
you want your paper to be vertical (Portrait), or horizontal (Landscape).
the size paper you want
to print on. All trays have different sizes.
the number of
pages you want on your paper.
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the place
where you want your item to print.
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COLLATE:
PAPER WEIGHT:
TWO-SIDED:
MARGINS:
this organizes your papers
in proper order.
choose if you want your
paper (like cardstock or lightweight, etc.)
the weight of your
copies printed on one side or both sides of the paper.
this is the space between
the image & the edge of the material.
Once you have chosen your desired settings, go ahead and click the blue Print button at the bottom of the pop-up screen. You will find your print in the printer. If using the library printer, you'll find your print job on the level below the scanner bed.
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