Saturday, October 29, 2016

Therapy and Exercise Timer

Therapy and Exercise Timer...

Just pick up your Android phone:

Tap "o" at center bottom of the home screen, and then tap on the microphone at right of the top window.*

Say "Countdown Timer"

Wait for the voice prompt asking you to say the countdown time.

Say that time, example "30 seconds".

Timer starts and notifies you with a sound when done.



* (or just say "OK Google" if that shortcut is working on your phone)

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Computers and Alzheimer's

What do computers have to do with Alzheimer's and Dementia?


A lot…


Computers can connect seniors to help when a spouse exhibits increasing memory problems.


That is extremely important, as there are many misconceptions about memory loss and dementia.


Tap or click for info on the"Bible" on the subject, now a classic!.    It si called The 36-Hour Day.  You can get it cheap.


Then there is the Alzheimer's website.   Tap or click for it.


Finally, there is YouTube.    Just search for information  on the YouTube website.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

More on Using Chromebooks with Printers

Chromebooks are the cheapest and speediest laptops, now becoming the standard in schools, as with seniors.


The problem with Chromebooks is that in order to print, the main way has been Cloudprint.  Cloudprint sends your job up to the cloud and back to your printer.


The problem with Cloudprint is that on an old coax cable system such as we have here at Willow Valley, 70 year old technology never designed for the cloud or computers, let alone internet, there are problems such as delays.


There is one alternative that works better simply by transmitting your print job within your own router as opposed thru the cabling.


This is newly available only on selected HP printers.   Once it is set up it works better than Cloudprint.


The problem is that the HP setup is horrendous.   Probably the worst part of the setup is the documentation which seems to be changing as HP printers get updated.  Forget the documentation.


Just two things need to happen to accomplish the alternative.


  1. The printer needs to be installed  On those HP printers which have touchscreen control panels the printer address can be installed to your router.      If there are problems with that approach, the printer can be setup on Windows, ideally first downloading the latest installation software for HP.


  1. Once that is done, the particular laptop needs to be set up with the HP app to connect to that printer address, an IP number something like this: 192.168.1.232.  Each Chromebook must be set up separately



You could also simply go out and use the Willow Valley copying machine in the kiosks. That procedure is horrendous, and there are no IT instructions about how to do it.   Essentially, ignore the techspeak and just enter your resident five-digit ID where called for, and, when you get to the copying machine, tap on apps.  


Ideally we will see these problems disappear as smartphone apps come to Chromebooks soon.

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Chromebook Printer Solution

A newer HP Laser offers a simpler way to print from a ChromeBook.

Tap or click for more...