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Advice please about computers!

ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

JoyLouise

JoyLouise Report 27 Aug 2025 08:40

Elizabeth, I think it’s fab that there are all sorts of things you can do with computers and iPads now compared to when I first got a computer at work - around 1985 (certainly between 1982 and 1986) when we were only connected to two other Councils in Oz where I lived at the time.

One thing is missing, though, from my first one at home after returning to the UK in 1987 - the ability to make phone calls from it. I remember phoning Mum and saying I was phoning from my computer (it was a desk-top). I thought that was great but I don’t think Mum quite understood it all. (A bit like me now with some modern innovations to various pieces of equipment!)

I was with BoltBlue on that first computer in the late-1980s but quickly changed to the same internet supplier I am still with, although I have another email address for my iPad.

One thing I don’t miss is doing tables - you had to work them out yourself, whereas once computers were available, they pretty much did the measuring of columns etc for you although they are no longer called tables!

Progress strides on - and now AI which, sometimes, you have to slap down. :-S

I wonder how long it will be before your mind thinks and something reads your mind and does it for you!

Elizabethofseasons

Elizabethofseasons Report 25 Aug 2025 18:22

Dear All

Hello

Thank you very much for your kind replies.

I appreciate the information very much and I am going to print off.

Take gentle care
Love EOS
xx

nameslessone

nameslessone Report 25 Aug 2025 18:12

Just a thought, we have i pads and computers - we wouldn’t do banking on the iPad - always use one of the computers ( a desk top and a lap top).

Von

Von Report 25 Aug 2025 18:06

Elizabeth
I wouldn’t be without my Ipad. I would recommend you go into a John Lewis store and

ask them to show you how it works.

My advice is to give the Apple store a miss as they are will only want to sell you the

latest one which would involve spending vast sums of money unnecessarily IMHO
;-)

nameslessone

nameslessone Report 25 Aug 2025 18:00

I think you can only use Face time on an iPad, so no to chrome book taking face time calls.

Chrome book is restrictive, a lap top is a full computer so it will run most programmes.

You can only use chrome book when it is on line do you can’t do any work offline.

Island

Island Report 25 Aug 2025 16:43

Google says....
"An iPad is a versatile device used for a wide range of tasks, including browsing the internet, watching videos, playing games, reading ebooks, and creating and editing documents. It can also be used for drawing, social media, and even as a teleprompter. Its portability and larger screen compared to phones make it suitable for both entertainment and productivity"
and
"Yes, you can make and receive FaceTime calls on an iPad, as long as it's connected to the internet and has the FaceTime app enabled. Simply open the FaceTime app, tap "New FaceTime," and enter the contact's name or number to initiate a video or audio call"

I don't have an ipad but find google useful for research.

Elizabethofseasons

Elizabethofseasons Report 25 Aug 2025 16:31

Dear All

Hello

Hope you are well.

Can a kind person tell me what an I-pad is used for?

I mean can you do Face-time calls on it?

Is it easy to use?

Also, what is the difference between a chrome-book and a laptop?

Can a chrome-book take Face-time calls?

Thank you very much.

This message is from a myopically challenged tortoise who thinks it is easier to
use an electric typewriter!

Take gentle care
Love EOS
xx