Using free wifi at a cafe

[bright.ton42]

A lovely cafe/bar  I often go to gave me their wifi pass word so I can take my laptop there.

This is probably an obvious question but I'd have to rely on my battery wouldn't I, which doesn't last long, or can you recharge

there.  I've never done this before  As I usually sit in the courtyard I doubt they would have power outlets.

If I got a dongle thing would that work for me?

[lyndal1838]

If you are nervous of Windows 10 have the Classic Shell put on.   I have had it on Windows 8 and now on 10 and I could be still using Windows 7 as there is negligible difference.

[lyndal1838]

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@bright.ton42 wrote:

Another stupid question ........    where do I get a new battery from and who do  I get to install it...   duhhh

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If you decide on a new battery I can give you the name of a place where my OH got one for his laptop just before Christmas...very old lappy but he now gets up to 5 hours on the battery.    They are not on ebay and were very helpful.

Just PM me....I will have to wait for my OH to get home tonight to get the details.

[bright.ton42]

Thanks muchly Lyndal I might do that,   are they easy to install?

Else I'm thinking of getting a tablet  for outside use .....  lighter to carry and should hold battery strength long enough.

If I have to carry my laptop, plus power bank plus dog on leash (as it's a dog bar which is why I love it) it's all a bit much. 

I'm a bit of a technophobe abd I'm faced with getting a new mobile phone for 3G networks too, 

I can really only handle one 900 page user manual a year!!

Oh for a 3 year old grandson.  . 

[go-tazz]

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@bright.ton42 wrote:

I'm a bit of a technophobe abd I'm faced with getting a new mobile phone for 3G networks too, 

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Telstra is shuting the 3G network so you may need a 4G phone,

[lyndal1838]

Tazz, not doubting you but are you sure that Telstra is closing their 3G network?  Optus is closing their 2G but no mention of 3G.

I am spitting chips at the moment....My 2G phone does all that I want and is not too complicated but I duly bought a 3G Dumb phone and 2 weeks later get an email saying that it may not work properly after August.   If only some 3G phones are going to work they should have been more specific about what I needed to buy.

Bright, my OH's battery was easy to install...it just clipped on the underside of the lappy body.  If I ever have to change the battery on this new computer I will be in trouble as it is internal.

[imastawka]

I'm not happy either Lyndal

Closing 3G from 2020, it seems

http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/610472/telstra-flags-3g-network-shutdown-early-2020/

[imastawka]

From what I can gather from the below link,  there are 2 types of 3G.

There is the 'old 3G'  and 3GIS

3GIS is for those who surf the net on their phone.

Old 3G is just for talk and text.

https://www.bit.com.au/news/310435,telstra-closing-3g-heres-how-to-check-if-your-phone-is-next-g-com...

Someone with more knowledge can correct me.

[lyndal1838]

As long as old 3G will work I am happy for the next 3 years then.   All I do is make and receive calls.  I am on an Optus prepaid plan that costs $30 for 6 months and for the most part I have enough included minutes to cover me.  If I run out I just recharge early.  It is all I need.

[youcandoityoucandoityoucandoit]

bright, not meaning to be nosey, but does your local library or Council offer computer classes?

I also found this resource, which might be helpful...

https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/seniors-card/age-friendly-partners-program/tech-savvy-seniors

I think its great that you are open to learning new things..keeps the brain active, and the person can access the wider world.

Good on you!

PS- edited to add, you can learn a lot on youtube and forums (through google) from other computer users who give good advice...

[imastawka]

Seems we have exactly the same carrier and plan, Lyndal.

3 years will do me too. 

Daughter is complaining that I should have a touch screen at least.   What for?