It's hard to imagine I've never actually taught computers; rather, I've only taught with them. Here's an exchange of email from this morning:
You were so generous to help me with my Gmail problem, I will now ask about another one. This is on our netbook compputer. It says that "Gmail requires Active X Controls to be enabled. Active X is disabled" It tells you to go to tools, int options, security tools internet zone etc. I did all that to no avail. It gives the option of html. But with that there are cursor problems. The arrow changes into a capital I. It is strange. I think maybe they should just out and out say that gmail is inappropriate for those over 75. Have any thoughts?
jim
I could ask lots of questions as it sounds like a browser configuration problem.
Being how you're over 75 and think gmail has something in for you, you may not appreciate my suggestion.
I'm going to say you should download an entirely new browser. I use it on my computers as it's faster than the old IE. The newest Microsoft browser will not operate on XP. Therefore, I'd suggest using Chrome. It's fast. It will surely work with every site. It will also import all your bookmarks and configuration details.
www.google.com/chrome
If it sounds like too much trouble, we can just go ahead and troubleshoot. Start by giving me the version Windows and then the version of the browser.
Dennis
Both our computers are Windows 7. I will download Chrome on the notebook. If it is not overwhelming and okay on the notebook, I'll download it on the netbook, where the GMail problems are. Will let you know if that solves the problems.
jim
Off to class .... are you running MS Internet Explorer 9? Check and if not ... try ...
windows.microsoft.com
Dennis
Yes...running IE 9. Have downloaded Chrome on the notebook...trying to figure it out. Guess it goes the Google search page instead of the old IE home page.
jim
The start page can be set on all broswers to any favourite web page on the Internet. Under settings.
Sent from my phone.
dennissylvesterhurd.blogspot.com
Dennis
Okay, I figured out how to set a home page on Chrome. On IE you could email a page or a link of a window you were looking at. How do you do that on Chrome?
jim
Do you do that often? I most always send the link as in this:
chrome.google.com/webstore
Dennis
Actually, IE9 is pretty up-to-date. Before its release, Chrome was king (of the nerds) as it was enormously faster. Now, there's really no reason for the big learning curve of going to another vendor. Chrome does have many ways to customize through it's store. (https://chrome.google.com/webstore) Go ahead add a 'theme'! My whole educational philosophy involves getting "in there and getting one's hands dirty" as a way to learn. I think "playing" with new software develops skills that are useful with all computing devices. Of course, I have to work hard to remember this type of activity is not everybody's "cup of tea".
I am happy that you tried Chrome though. It's good to see the different approaches the companies have taken on design. In order to correct your problem with Gmail, I probably should have simply suggested you try re-installing IE9. The only difficult task is finding out if you're running 32 or 64 bit Win7.
windows.microsoft.com
Hey, I can't hurt having several browsers on a computer, can it?
Dennis
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