The cruel joke of April snow is almost a memory. Plan to get out and enjoy Spring, the shortest season of the year.

One way to enjoy more time outdoors is to make good use of your computer time. Improve your web research skills, pay your bills online, and spend less time reading and re-reading the messages that pile up in your Inbox. Read them, move them into folders, or press Delete, and then get out and enjoy the weather.

If you change your high-speed internet provider, to or from Comcast, AT&T, etc., don't forget you originally agreed to a one-year or two-year contract. Fees for early termination range from $100 to $200, so be sure to call your current provider before canceling. You might also incur an equipment rental fee if you break the contract.

Search the forum at DSL Reports if you want to learn more.

Over 82 percent of all respondents in a recent study, conducted by ThirdAge Inc. and JWT Boom, show continued use of the web for serious information, not just music and videos as we might think. Surveying over 1,200 adults age 40 or more, the study found over 82% of all respondents are researching or reading information online on health and wellness for themselves and for their families.

According to the survey, we spend time on the Internet to:

* Seek out information (92%)

* Stay in touch with friends and family (95%)

* Shop online (73%)

* Browse the web (95%)

* Read articles (91%)

* Research products before purchasing offline (86%)

The report indicates:

-- Close to 108 million people are over the age of 45, more than 40 percent of the population, holding the majority of the buying power in the United States.

-- They account for 70 percent of the U.S. net worth, controlling $9 trillion.

-- In the next 15 years, the 50-64 age population will grow by 50 percent and the 65-plus population will grow 32 percent.

-- Traditionally coveted 18-40 Gen-X and Gen-Y populations will grow only 3 percent combined.

Rather than causing isolation, we could see this Internet use broadening other communication. Based on survey findings, over 96% of surveyed web users share information and details about new discoveries with other people and discuss findings their family.

1. Back up your data. I don't know the source of this quote, but it rings true: "There are only two kinds of people in the world. Those who have lost computer data and those that will."

2. Change your browser. If you're worried about security with Internet Explorer, try SeaMonkey,(www.mozilla.com) a new derivative of Firefox, from the original makers of Netscape.

3. Find lost email. Use the Search function in your email to find a message by person, date or subject. If you emailed a file as an attachment, and later can't find your file, remember you can still find it as an attachment in your Sent mail folder.

4. Admit it. You're tired of your Internet home page. Maybe it's Google, MSN, or CNN, but it's boring. Update it to something you'd enjoy more, or to the home page of your favorite book store or organization. Click "Edit / Preferences" or "Tools / Internet Options," depending on your browser, and you'll see the option to type in a new address for your home page.

5. This could lead to stimulating dinner conversation: Visit this productivity blog to learn about 17 things you should stop doing. It's a great list, except for the part about baby seals.

When I moved from Oak Park to Glenview 16 years ago, the Glenview Public Library, Pioneer Press and The Chicago Tribune were my primary sources for information. The world has sure changed, with a global Internet bringing us more information than we could possibly absorb. The library is still a wonderful place to learn, explore, and is a quiet place to hold a book, read, and think.

To kick off National Library Week, I'll be joining other Glenview authors for readings and book signings at the 2007 Glenview Author Reception, Glenview Public Library, on Sunday April 15, 2007 from 2 to 4 p.m. Hope to see you there.

Check my website for "Computer Ease" events and the Q&A Forum.

Helen Gallagher

Phone: 847-998-6240, www.cclarity.com

Feel free to forward this issue of Computer Clarity's monthly e-newsletter to your friends, or invite them to subscribe at www.cclarity.com. There's no charge.