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Aug 30, 2008
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User-friendly |
| | Posted on Thursday, February 01, 2007 | | | |
By Sunny McKinnon
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
A 2006 study by Pew Internet and American Life Project, an organization that reports on the impact of the Internet, found that one-third of Americans 65 and older go online on a regular basis.
According to Fatema Malik, on-site IT support manager, people at Eagle’s Trace are equally, if not more, computer savvy. “I would estimate that one-fourth to one-third of our residents have computers in their homes,” says Malik. “And, individuals who don’t have a computer at home can come into the computer lab to use ours for e-mail or checking stock prices and finances.”
Computer services
For all its benefits, a computer can be intimidating. That’s why, Eagle’s Trace offers technology aids, including: | |
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• Computer lab
Located on the second floor of the 55,000-square-foot Audubon Clubhouse, the computer lab is home to nine PCs and a dedicated printer. The lab is open 24/7.
• Computer classes
Eagle’s Trace offers classes taught by experienced instructors, including basics such as e-mail, the Internet, and Windows, that advance according to the participants’ desires. Cost is on a per class basis.
• Erickson Resident Computer Services (ERCS)
From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., residents can call to get assistance with computer or printer set up, minor troubleshooting, connections, and more. “All a resident has to do is call. Sometimes I can help over the phone, or we will schedule an appointment so I can go to their home and help,” says Malik. Charges are based on time needed for assistance.
• Computer group
In the start-up phase, the computer club was the impetus behind getting the computer classes started.
• One-on-one assistance
Whether an individual is a novice or an expert, everyone needs a little help sometime.
Edward Letasi, who describes himself as a gamer, custom built his computer, an EDWARD 1964, to suit his needs exactly. “Fatema and I are both learning from each other,” says Letasi, who is also an avid bridge player. “She’s a wonderful person and a great help. She knows the programs and I know the internal part. When I get stuck, I call her and we go over the problem and work it out.”
The two are currently collaborating on Letasi’s photo project, putting family photos into a program that adds music, titles, and more.
An Intranet, too
Every resident of Eagle’s Trace is given a free e-mail account as soon as he/she moves in. As well as access to the Internet, residents of Eagle’s Trace enjoy the use of the Resident Internet Gateway. Individuals can access e-mail and campus-specific information, such as events and activities, local weather, weekly restaurant menus, and more.
“A new feature is the online maintenance request form, where residents can submit requests for maintenance online,” says Malik. “The gateway is easy to use, all you need is a user name and password, which can be set up quickly.”
Making the connection
Residents who have Internet connections in their homes can choose to get dial-up service through their phone lines, and for high-speed connections, SBC Global can provide DSL service.
To find out more about how new technology is integrated into every Erickson community visit www.erickson.com.
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| Ann's Choice - Warminster, PA | | Brooksby Village - Peabody, MA | | Cedar Crest - Pompton Plains, NJ | | Charlestown - Catonsville, MD | | Eagle's Trace - Houston, TX | | Fox Run - Novi, MI | | Greenspring - Springfield, VA | | Henry Ford Village - Dearborn, MI | | Hickory Chase - Hilliard, OH | | Highland Springs - Dallas, TX | | Linden Ponds - Hingham, MA | | Maris Grove - Concord, PA | | Monarch Landing - Naperville, IL | | Oak Crest - Parkville, MD | | Riderwood - Silver Spring, MD | | Seabrook - Tinton Falls, NJ | | Sedgebrook - Lincolnshire, IL | | Tallgrass Creek - Overland Park, KS | | Wind Crest - Denver, CO |
| Windsor Run - Charlotte, NC |
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