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Modern Senior Woman

Stay Connected

01

Email 

Email (electronic mail) is a simple, convenient way to send messages, photos, and documents to friends, family, or organizations. With an email account, you can also sign up for online services (newsletters, social media, etc.) and keep a record of important communications.

Setting up an Email Account

Common Providers

Step-by-Step (Example: Setting Up Gmail on a Computer)

  1. Go to: Gmail.com and click “Create account.”

  2. Enter Personal Info: Type your first and last name.

  3. Choose a Username: This will be your email address (e.g., “janedoe123@gmail.com”).

  4. Create a Password: Use at least 8 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

  5. Enter Additional Details: Date of birth, phone number (for security), and recovery email (optional but recommended).

  6. Agree to Terms: Read and accept Google’s terms of service.

  7. Done! You can now access your email by visiting Gmail.com and logging in.

Step-by-Step (Example: Setting Up Gmail on a Smartphone)

  1. Open the “Settings” app (iPhone or Android).

  2. Go to “Accounts” or “Passwords & Accounts.”

  3. Tap “Add Account.”

  4. Select “Google.”

  5. Follow On-Screen Prompts to enter your personal details (same as above).

Basic Usage

  • Compose a New Email: Click or tap the “Compose” button (usually on the left side in Gmail or top-left in Outlook).

  • Enter Recipient: In the “To” field, type the recipient’s email address.

  • Subject Line: Write a short description of the email topic.

  • Body of the Email: Type your main message here.

  • Attach Files (Optional): Click the paperclip icon to add photos, documents, or other files.

  • Send: Click the “Send” button.

Tips for Security and Spam Avoidance

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code sent to your phone.

  • Be Cautious with Links: If an email looks suspicious or comes from an unknown sender, do not click on any links or download attachments.

  • Check Spam Folder: Legitimate emails sometimes land in spam. If you find a message that’s not junk, mark it as “Not Spam” or “Move to Inbox.”

References

Helpful Videos

02

Video Calls

Video calling allows you to see and speak with friends and family in real time, no matter where they are. Popular services include Google Meet, Skype, FaceTime (for Apple devices), and Zoom.

Selecting a Video Call Platform

1. Google Meet

2. Zoom

3. Skype

  • Microsoft’s platform; known for simplicity. Works on phones, tablets, and computers.

  • Official Skype Website

4. FaceTime (Apple Devices Only)

Basic Usage

Detailed Step-by-Step (Example: Google Meet on a Computer)

  1. Open Google Meet

  • Visit meet.google.com in your web browser.

  • If you are not already signed in, click “Sign in” and enter your Gmail address and password.

​  2.  Start a New Meeting

  • On the main page, click “New meeting.”

  • You may see several options, such as:

    • Create a meeting for later (this gives you a link to share).

    • Start an instant meeting (begins the call right away).

    • Schedule in Google Calendar (arrange a future meeting).

​​ 3.  Allow Camera and Microphone

  • The browser may ask for permission to use your camera and mic. Click “Allow.”

  • Ensure your camera is pointed at your face and your microphone is working.

 4.  Invite Participants

  • After you start a meeting, a pop-up window or screen section will show a meeting link.

  • Copy this link (e.g., “meet.google.com/xyz-abcd-123”) and send it to the people you want to call (via email, text, etc.).

 5.  Join/Manage Call

  • On the meeting page, you’ll see icons to mute/unmute your microphone, turn your camera on/off, and leave the call.

  • Participants can join by clicking the link you shared.

 6.  In-Call Features

  • Chat: Click the chat icon (a small speech bubble) to type messages or share links with everyone in the call.

  • Captions: Turn on live captions (if available) for easier understanding of what’s being said.

  • Screen Sharing: Click the “Present now” or “Share screen” button (depending on your interface) to show others what’s on your computer screen.

 7.  End the Meeting

  • Click the red phone icon to hang up. The meeting closes once all participants leave

 

Video Call on a Smartphone (Google Meet)

 1.  Install the Google Meet App

  • On an Android device: Open the Google Play Store, search “Google Meet,” and tap “Install.”

  • On an iPhone: Open the App Store, search “Google Meet,” and tap “Get.”

 2.  Open the App & Sign In

  • Tap “Google Meet” and sign in with your Google/Gmail account details.

 3.  Start or Join a Meeting

  • New Meeting: Tap “New meeting” to instantly create a video call or get a link to share.

  • Join with a Code/Link: If someone sent you a meeting link, tap “Meeting code” and enter it (or simply tap the link in an email/text).

 4.  In-Call Controls

  • Microphone & Camera: Tap the icons to mute/unmute or show/hide video.

  • Switch Camera: Switch between front-facing (selfie) camera and rear camera.

 5.  End Call

  • Tap the red phone icon to leave the meeting.

Best Practices for a Great Video Call Experience

  • Check Lighting: Sit facing a light source so others can see you clearly.

  • Use Headphones (Optional): Helps reduce echo and background noise.

  • Test Your Camera & Microphone: In Google Meet, you can do a quick preview before joining the call.

  • Be Mindful of Background: Choose a quiet, clutter-free space or use built-in background features to blur it.

References

Helpful Videos

03

Social Media

Social media platforms help you stay updated with friends, family, and communities through posts, photos, and messages. Popular platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Nextdoor (local community-based).

Choosing a Social Platform

  1. Facebook

  2. Instagram

  3. Twitter (X)

  4. Nextdoor

Basic Usage

Setting Up a Facebook Account (Detailed Example)

  1. Go to Facebook: facebook.com

  2. Click “Create New Account”: Enter your name, email/phone number, password, birthday, and gender.

  3. Confirm Your Email/Phone: Check your email or texts for a code. Enter it to verify your account.

  4. Add a Profile Picture: Helps friends recognize you. Click or tap “Upload Photo.”

  5. Find Friends: Use Facebook’s “Find Friends” tool or manually search names.

  6. Privacy Settings: Click the down arrow (top right) → “Settings & Privacy” → “Privacy Checkup” to control who sees your posts.

 

Posting & Interacting

  1. Share a Post: Click or tap “What’s on your mind?” to write a message. Add photos/videos if you like.

  2. React and Comment: Under others’ posts, click “Like,” “Love,” or other reactions. Click “Comment” to type a response.

  3. Send Messages: On Facebook, use Messenger to send private messages to friends.

Important Tips and Etiquette

  • Privacy First: Adjust your settings so only people you trust see your personal info and posts.

  • Be Respectful: Avoid oversharing personal data. Think before posting comments; your tone matters.

  • Use Groups and Pages: Join interest-based groups (e.g., gardening, senior fitness) to meet like-minded people.

  • Reporting and Blocking: If someone bothers you or posts inappropriate content, use the “Report” or “Block” feature.

References

Helpful Videos

Jokes!

  • Q: Why did the phone break up with its charger?
    A: It felt disconnected!

  • Q: What do you call two cell phones that are best friends?
    A: Cell-mates!

  • I tried video calling my friend, but it didn’t work. Turns out, we just didn’t have the bandwidth for our friendship!

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