REDMOND, Wash., April 17, 2002 — U.S. Senior citizens are currently the age group that spends the most time on their PCs* per week, but many still need help learning the basics of computing. Now, through a relationship with SeniorNet, the premier technology trainer and online community for adults over 50, and in honor of Older Americans Month, Microsoft Corp. is reaching out to give seniors across the country tips on how technology can enhance their lives and make it easier for them to complete everyday tasks.
Microsoft today announced a donation of more than $200,000 worth of Microsoft® Works Suite software to SeniorNet, which will be used at 230 SeniorNet facilities across the country. Through hands-on classes, seniors will learn how to use Works Suite, an all-in-one home software program that helps people write letters to friends and family, keep track of their finances, edit and share photos, plan a road trip or vacation, organize collections and more.
“Microsoft and SeniorNet have had a strong relationship since 1986,”
said Arlene Huff, product manager in the Home Productivity Group at Microsoft.
“This donation continues Microsofts support to the senior community and provides SeniorNet with an up-to-date and easy-to-use computing solution to use as the core of its curriculum for members.”
In honor of Older Americans Month, SeniorNet and Microsoft will host special classes at seven SeniorNet centers across the country. The Works Suite classes will be held at the following SeniorNet Learning Centers:
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San Jose, Calif., Willows Senior Center, April 18
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Tucson, Udall Center, April 23
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Bellevue, Wash., Phantom Lake Elementary School, April 30
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Oklahoma City, Center 3000, May 7
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Chicago, Copernicus Center, May 14
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Cleveland, Fairhill Center, May 21
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North Miami Beach, Fla., Nova Southeastern University, May 28
“While many seniors may never have used a computer, SeniorNet classes and Microsoft Works Suite make it very easy for them to learn,”
said Fran Middleton, SeniorNets first employee and current technology consultant.
“This is a great opportunity for members of my generation to keep engaged and active.”
About Works Suite
Works Suite 2002 enables seniors to stay organized and complete a variety of projects through its integration between the following applications:
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Microsoft Word 2002 makes everyday tasks simple by providing easier document formatting and enhanced reliability and data recovery capabilities.
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Microsoft Works 6.0 provides essential tools for home computing, including a spreadsheet, database, calendar, address book and more than 250 templates to help users quickly start and complete everyday personal and community tasks.
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Microsoft Picture It!
®
Photo 2002 is the easy way to share and edit photos by fixing common problems such as red eye, scratches and discoloration. With 20,000 framing combinations and 1,600 photos and photo-project templates, seniors can get creative with projects such as photo calendars, cards and albums. -
Microsoft Money 2002 Standard helps seniors manage their personal finances, including balancing a checkbook, budgeting, reducing debt, planning for the future and tracking investments.
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Microsoft Encarta
®
Encyclopedia Standard 2002 is a dependable reference tool and research aid offering 38,500 comprehensive articles, 26,750 editorially screened Web links and multimedia content that brings information to life. -
Microsoft Streets & Trips 2002 is an all-in-one mapping solution that delivers a comprehensive array of maps, points of interest, routes and driving directions.
About SeniorNet
SeniorNet is the premier technology trainer and online community for adults over 50. Based in San Francisco and founded in 1986, SeniorNet is a major international organization that has taught hundreds of thousands of older adults to use computers and the Internet and has enriched the lives of millions through its Web site. With a thriving online community and a network of more than 240 locally run SeniorNet Learning Centers in the United States staffed by more than 5,000 volunteers, SeniorNet offers both offline and online destinations to a population that was originally neglected in the information revolution. In the United States alone, SeniorNet has more than 35,000 members.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
* SeniorNet/Packard Bell survey, 1998: Senior adults use their equipment an average of 12 hours per week compared with 10 hours for younger adult males, nine hours for younger adult females, nine hours for college students, seven hours for teenagers, and five hours for children under 12.
Microsoft, Picture It! and Encarta are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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