Sheila C. Alder (now Brown) is the owner of Computer Tamers and Woman to Woman Computing, businesses specializing in computer training and consultation, Internet security, and web design services for both men and women. “I started the business as I saw the number of women who called or came to the National Capital FreeNet with questions or computer problems. They needed more help than we could provide in an office setting,” says Sheila of the place where she used to work before moving out on her own. The “Woman to Woman” concept was created to provide women with the security of knowing that another woman would be coming into their homes to help them learn on their own computers.

Computer Tamers can handle all aspects of the world of computers. From the basics of which computer to purchase and how to set up your system, to learning to use any program, Sheila and her team of experts have the knowledge to handle all of your needs and can cater to both novices and experts, individuals and companies. You can learn to use the computer for word processing and spreadsheets, internet connections, email, protect yourself from viruses and internet attacks, as well as how to use programs to make presentations, or even design and/or maintain your own website.

Have you recently purchased a digital camera and want to learn about downloading, storing, producing and emailing the images? If so, then Sheila and her team can take you through all the proper steps to help the computer become your friend.

Personalized training is provided to people of all ages tailored to their needs and availability. Clients learn at their own pace until all their computer needs are met, with non-judgemental instruction, at a location and time of their choosing, with individual or group training.

“Do you have an up-to-date anti-virus program, and do you update it daily before you open your email? Do you have a firewall and spyware detector?” asks Sheila. If you don’t then contact her or check on her website for free self help information. Topics on the informative www.woman2woman.ca website include Children’s Safety Online, How to download & install software, many alternative software programs, Firewalls, How to check messages for Hoaxes before you send them on to others, Music Downloads, Internet safety, Using Search Engines effectively, Spam Reduction and a Tip of the Month. Not only are the topics helpful, but free downloads are also available for alternative programs and software updates.

Computer Tamers and Woman to Woman Computing are genuinely interested in making your computer experiences safe and informative.

Woman to Woman Computing believes in clean, uncluttered web sites and pages, with easy to access information. In October, 2003, at the Annual American College of Rheumatology/ARHP Scientific Meeting in Orlando, Florida, her Fibromyalgia Information & Local Support website was recognized as the number two Fibromyalgia internet site in the world. Physicians from Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Centre in Chicago, IL did an in-depth analysis of the top twenty websites chosen as The Best Fibromyalgia Websites from over 900,000 listed on Yahoo and Google. The various websites were critically assessed using specific evaluation criteria which included: accuracy for medical content, up-to-date quality information, links to other resources, alternative treatment options, user friendliness, and whether the websites should be recommended to both patients and medical professionals.

Other examples of the websites she has created for clients include: Beta Sigma Phi (Ottawa City Council and several online chapters), Joy Seminars / Patticakes the Clown, Mason Richards Florist, Sureway Stairlifts Ltd., Tatiana Vartanova, Icon Painter & Restorations and Van Whitehead, Financial Planner. It’s an impressive array of clients and variance in websites showing this company’s versatility.

Woman to Woman Computing designs, installs and maintains business, organizational and even personal websites. They register your site with search engines and ensure that your site is easily navigable, well linked, does not contain “orphaned” pages, and that you can be reached with complete contact information as well as providing registration for statistical feedback. They can also teach you or your staff to maintain your own site.

Gift certificates are available for those who wish to give the gift of learning and a senior’s discount is available upon request. Statistics indicate that seniors are the fastest growing segment of the Internet and Sheila suggests that you “Get Grandma online.”

This article appeared in “Flagstick for Women” Vol 1, 2004