Internet for 50+: The Complete Guide for Every Canadian Over 50

Charles R. Crawford, formerly an associate professor of computer science
at York University, is a computer-programming and mathematics
consultant.

The Internet is a rich source of information that anyone with a computer
and an Internet provider can access from home with little physical
effort. Thus a book about the Internet for those over 50, who may not
have used the Internet (or computers for that matter) in their jobs,
makes good sense. Internet for 50+ addresses this group.

Part 1 explains the services available for seniors through the Internet
and describes the computer hardware needed to access them. Part 2
focuses on particular areas of life where the Internet can be used, with
individual chapters on finances, business, health care, housing,
leisure, 50+ organizations, and advocacy groups. An appendix provides
additional Internet sites.

The weakest section of the book is Part 1, which contains too many
repetitious descriptions of the profit and delight one can get from the
Internet, and not enough advice on how to choose the hardware, an
Internet service provider, or a Web browser. In fact, at one point the
author seems to confuse a browser (such as Netscape) with search tools
(such as Yahoo!). Also, the advice on choosing hardware does not discuss
problems some older people may have in learning how to use a mouse.

Part 2, which is much better, provides a wide variety of Web sites for
each topic. The chapters on retirement and health issues are
particularly good and feature several Canadian links.