Twitter -- this popular service isn't just for young technofiles

By Rick Castellini, MCP Special to PRIME Editor's Note: for more information about Twitter, including a definition of the service, see this month's feature story PRIME's mature readers can use Twitter for many different and helpful purposes, including keeping track of favorite celebrities or public officials, getting up-to-the-minute information from news sources and sports teams, weather and more. Or, PRIME readers can create their own content by sharing information about volunteer activities, clubs, shopping and just about anything else that they think other seniors might enjoy hearing and reading. What's the big deal?www.twitip.com/what-is-twitter-to-you/ or watch Common Craft's video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddO9idmax0o Getting on Twitter To get started, visit www.Twitter.com and sign up for a free account. Most new users visit the Twitter web site to read updates and write (post) their own updates. As you start to use the service, you will find it easier to use a desktop application such as Tweet Deck (www.tweetdeck.com) or any of the dozens of Twitter desktop applications or widgets. After setting up an account, you will want to figure out who to start following. Visit favorite blogs you read regularly or news writers/reporters web sites to see if they have a Twitter account. You can also use Google to search, for example, for "Walt Mossberg Twitter" or use the search engine built into Twitter. I prefer visiting the site of the person or organization I want to follow since there are already copycat names on Twitter. Managing your Tweets Once you start receiving updates, you can read them and go on or reply to the author with a comment or ReTweet it (like an email forward). If you want to add your own content/tweets, enter your comment or information directly on your Twitter home page or whatever application you choose to use. The instant feedback inherit with Twitter allows for a quick way to disseminate information about a poker club, golf outing, home owners association bulletin, or any other use that would be helpful. Many politicians have found Twitter a good way to get information out to constituents. Visit your state or national representative or senator's web page and look for a "Follow us on Twitter" banner or link. It gives you one more avenue of communication to your public servants. Like any technology, Twitter will give back to you what you put into it. Find a way that makes it work for you and with you, and you too will be a Twitter devotee like your kids and grandkids! Rick Castellini is an author, computer consultant, and hosts a nationally syndicated computer radio show from Colorado. Visit his web site: www.HelpMeRick.com for new tips every week and sign up for his free weekly email newsletter. You can also follow Rick on Twitter @HelpMeRick