computers

I think there should be a concerted effort by UCO to find out how many unit owners have computers and set up a system to contact them. Something for the new board to think about. A new owner would list an E-Mail address, if they have one.
Mike

HIGH SPEED INTERNET

In another thread, Larry Kall Comments:

"It is a difficult task to get people to read this blog or any others as probably 75 to 80 percent of our residents do not have a computer and much less then that may have internet access.Some of our residents use a computer or web tv only for E mail. I have had residents tell me that "back home" they have some kind of high speed internet service but "down here" they use dial up only as it is cheaper".

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I would like to comment on the highlighted snippet in red!

This statement suggests a misunderstanding of the fundamental nature of the INTERNET.

The INTERNET/WWW (World Wide Web) is a Packet Switched Global Communications Network.

Access to this Network is provided by Various ISP (INTERNET Service Providers). The physical access is achieved via thousands of POP's (Points of Presence). These are simply Servers (computers) to which the User has connectivity by any number of means, principally these are "Dial-Up, Cable, and Mobile Cellular Air Card (EVDO).

If you have a National ISP service from any of a number of providers ANYWHERE in the Nation; you have such service anywhere else.

For example if you are a customer of:
MSN, COMCAST, AOL, Verizon, Earthlink, Turbousa, Toast, Copper, Netzero.... and so forth Ad-Infinitum, and said account was opened in New York city; then you have the equivalent service here in West Palm Beach.

Practically speaking if you have MSN Dial-Up in Chicago or New York you need simply obtain from MSN a list of LOCAL (West Palm Beach) Dial-Up numbers in order to avoid Long Distance charges when connecting to the WWW.

For DSL Customers of AT&T; bring your Computer and your DSL MODEM (or buy a second MODEM) and Bingo you are connected.

Likewise; if you are a COMCAST High Speed INTERNET customer in California, Bring your MODEM with you, connect up and Bingo you will be Online.

It is possible that you may have an ISP that is strictly local to your "Back-Home" location, that means they may not have a Local POP in the WPB area, but I suspect these are rare users indeed.

This brings me to the Mobile Cellular Air Card AKA EVDO (Evolution Data Optimized).

This is a small Computer port plug-in, which effectively turns your Computer into a Cellular Telephone. This will work on your desktop or on your Mobile Computer; it will give you connectivity to the INTERNET anywhere that a Cellular Telephone works; the Data rates are very respectable and one can expect High Speed throughput.

So, no matter where you are from,or where you are now; there is no reason that you can not be connected to the WWW.

Last but not least; there are any number of hand-held gadgets, Multi-function Cell-phones and PDA's (Personal Data Assistants), Blackberries... Etc.. which allow Web access, Email, the whole nine yards.

Hope this is helpful.

Dave

CV Computer Usage

In a Comment stream;

LARRY KALL said...
Anybody have any idea on how many of the 7854 units in CV have a computer ? How many of the 7854 units use a computer only for E Mail?

Jan 11, 2008 9:54:00 PM

The short answer can be derived from statistics developed by the Census Bureau spinning out of the 2000 Census.

28.6% of persons age 65 and higher use a computer.
21.2% of the same demographic use the INTERNET.

The Census Bureau Graphic showing Computer and INTERNET usage by age and disability may be seen at the URL embedded in the Title; simply click on it.

Larry, please consider accepting the INVITATION which I will re-send to you; this will enable you to originate new Posts (new subjects).
Dave