DEAR SUN SPOTS: Many folks, especially senior citizens, are visually impaired and cannot read the fine print in phonebooks or other advertisements. Nor do we have money to buy devices to help us read.

Nor do we know how to work on a computer, or have the money to buy one so we will have email and the Internet.

So if businesses just give Internet codes, they lose business, since we cannot get in touch with anyone to buy their products if no phone number or address is included. — Gabrielle DeMoras, Lewiston

ANSWER: If Sun Spots had a dollar for every time someone expressed this sentiment to her, she would be a rich woman. Many readers send her handwritten letters and add at the bottom something along the line of “please no computer stuff.”

Sun Spots tries very hard to provide local contacts or phones, but it gets harder all the time. Readers who are already stunned at the pace of change might want to buckle in, because it will most likely continue if not accelerate.

Some businesses already charge a premium to talk to someone in person instead of using a website. So you can still do things (such as buy an airline ticket) over the phone, but it will cost you more.

While Sun Spots sympathizes with “senior seniors” and hopes they have someone to help them, she highly recommends that those in their 50s and 60s learn the basics. It really isn’t that difficult. You might even find it fun to share photos, read about your favorite celebrities, look at what ‘s on TV or at the movies, check out the best prices before shopping, even keep up with your town, most of which have websites now. 

And the best part: You can make the screen bigger at a touch of a button. No need to find the magnifying glass to read the phonebook.

Sun Spots does not have a good answer as to the cost. Computers are much less expensive now than they used to be. But you would need about $300 for a decent laptop, plus the monthly fee to get online access.

You can learn how to operate a computer at adult ed classes, or sometimes at the library or senior centers. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you have any nonprofit organizations in your Rolodex that accept used computers? We have one to donate to an organization in the L-A area. Thank you. — Beth, Greene

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not keep a list because needs change so rapidly. She also lacks information about any local groups that fix up old ones. But surely someone will write and want your machine. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the person looking to get their Mac computer repaired, Buck Buchanan of Professional Computer Services in Auburn is a MCP-certified technician. His phone number is 784-6295. And he does house calls. — Philip, pb_enial@yahoo.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the individual concerned about malware on her Mac computer: Check out Sophos.com for a virus and malware scanner (Mac specific). It is a free download. — No Name via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Tuesday while shopping at Wal-Mart in Auburn between 10:30 a.m. and noon, my grandson lost his sock monkey, which he named Joe Joe. It is very sentimental, as he has started his collection from his Memar.

We are hoping if someone picked it up they will turn it into customer service or call me at 345-7005 so we can get it back to him. Thank you in advance. — Lil Rudy and MiMi, bmbracing@gmail.com

ANSWER: The writer provided two phone numbers, but the second one only had six digits. Sun Spots hopes one number will prove sufficient.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I lost a special jacket with sentimental value. It is Danbury mint, dark green with heavy fleece and embroidered Yorkies. I’m hoping somebody may have found it.

Or if anybody has one in size 2X, I’d love to purchase it. — Nancy Stanley, 782-7870

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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