Recently, we spoke with Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe about the use of digital devices.
__________________________
Q. What are your views about digital devices?
A. Digital devices are tremendously useful devices for productivity. I use them all the time relying mostly on my smartphone and my iPad. Although at home, I use a laptop, and in the office, a desktop.
Q. How did you learn to use your digital devices?
A. I taught myself the use of the computer years ago with a desktop computer. I rely on City IT tech support staff to help me keep up with changes there. There are so many changes, so often nowadays, it becomes difficult to keep up and learning what has changed can be very time- consuming. So, I think it is important to have someone you can rely on to assist you. I am fortunate to have good people in our IT department.
Q. Do you do banking online?
A. I do much more than ‘banking online’ implies. I pay bills, manage investments, transfer money, and update my financial accounts at the bank and with my credit cards. My digital devices save me a lot of time dealing with my finances. I do not have to go to the bank anymore but can do just about every financial transaction I need online.
Q. Aren’t you afraid of being hacked online?
A. Computer hacking is a valid concern but I take all the precautions I can from using password and password manager applications to malware and antivirus programs which I have learned about over my years of digital device use. There is no bullet-proof defence against online threats but you can reduce the risk and minimize the threat by learning more, with defensive apps and programs and with regular monitoring of your accounts. Of course, I am fortunate to have IT department assistance but computer users can get help online or interacting with trusted knowledgeable people.
Q. What would you suggest as the bottom line about digital devices to residents of Pickering?
A. Go for it. Get into the digital world. Find someone to assist you if you are a real beginner and dive into it. The digital world is an incredible source of information and data management tools. It is a world of information as well as entertainment. It is the ideal way to keep up with the news of the day, everywhere and you have access to an amazing amount of information. Admittedly, it takes energy and time to learn how to interact with it, how to navigate websites and deal with web sources, but your capabilities will grow and develop with every use. In a short time, you will become adept at using your devices to explore the richness of the Internet. Digital devices like iPads, smartphones and computers are the essential tools of today, as important to us as the telephone became shortly after it was invented. Soon, I believe these devices will become indispensable for our day-to-day living. You will not be able to pay bills, get documentation, apply for things or learn needed information without a digital device.
My last word is get into digital devices and visit the City of Pickering’s website at www.pickering.ca
_____________
…. Thank you Mr. Mayor.
_____________
Comments in response
to the Mayor on Technology:
