7 minute read
Ask Cappie the Computer Cat
SHOULD I UPGRADE MY WINDOWS SOFTWARE
Dear Cappie, Should I upgrade to Windows 11 or stay with Windows 10 since I finally understand how to use it? What are the pros and cons for upgrading? Marie
Dear Marie, Let me begin by saying Windows 11 functions very much as Windows 10 does. The upgrade is more of a cosmetic upgrade and doesn't feel totally different or require a high learning curve to use. n The Taskbar icons are in the middle and have a simpler look n The Settings dialogs are nicer to view n It has improved multimonitor functionality Some of the interface changes will take some time to get used to, but the learning curve is not as great as Windows 10 was from Windows 8. On the flip side, if you just aren’t ready, you can safely use Windows 10 until October of 2025 when Microsoft will pull active support for Windows 10-- which means you still will be able to use the software, but you won't get any more security updates or see any new features added to the software. Because of all the internet attacks on computers, such as phishing, ransomware, remote exploits, etc. it is not a good idea to use operating systems that are not updated because you can get your personal data stolen if you get hacked. Be advised that if your computer is too old or unable to meet the system requirements for Windows 11 (1GHz CPU, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, TMP (Trusted Platform Module) security chip, Secure Boot capability), you may not be able to upgrade to the new system. However, if you purchased your PC within the last six years, TMP chips and Secure Boot capabilities have been standard on most PCs and if your PC was manufactured in the last four years your computer should be able to update. Google “how to check if your device meets Windows 11 requirements” for step-bystep directions and videos on how to check your system. Or if you are a member of the Computer Club, you can visit the computer club on Tuesday afternoons during their Tech Help sessions. and they can show you how. (The club also offers beginning and intermediate classes on learning the ins and outs of Windows 11.) As far as whether you should upgrade, it is a personal choice-- but eventually you will be forced to upgrade.
View the digital version of “Ask Cappie” monthly column by going to www. grandinfo.com. Click on the More News>Grand Lifestyles Magazine> to choose the month you want to view.
Special thanks to Sue Gunderson for the lovely photo of her beautiful cat, Benji. age 10. He is an F3 Bengal, his grandparents were Wild Asian Leopard cats bred with a domestic cat. He is wild and crazy as well as sweet and loving.
Aly Cline
Council Member
Read Across America Week
On Monday, February 28, I read to two first-grade classes at Countryside Elementary in celebration of Read Across America Week. Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child, in every community to celebrate reading. The kids and I had a great time reading Dr. Seuss. Can you spot me in the photo?
Free Tax Preparation Services
The City of Surprise has again partnered with A New Leaf to facilitate the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free tax preparation assistance. The program will be available until April 18 at the Surprise Resource Center and through April 13 at Riverboat Bingo. To make an appointment call the Surprise Resource Center at 623.222.1600.
COVID-19 Testing Sites
In response to increasing demand for COVID-19 testing, Maricopa County has opened multiple community testing sites across the Valley including a new location at Ak-Chin Pavilion staffed with resources through FEMA. The new daily PCR testing site at Ak-Chin Pavilion is located near the Loop 101 and I-10 freeways and is open seven days per week from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. This site takes people with and without appointments, and allows people to either drive through or walk up for testing.
Now Recruiting for Surprise Youth Council
The City is recruiting new members for Surprise Youth Council (SYC) – a group of trailblazing teens who are making a difference in their community! SYC members serve the community by collaborating with local leaders, including Mayor and City Council, to give a voice on City issues and help solve youth issues. Students who are currently in grades 7-11 may apply, as long as they reside in or are attending a middle school or high school within Surprise city limits; or are attending a Dysart Unified School District high school. Applications are being accepted now through April 8 and consist of a video submission no longer than 90 seconds.
Surprise Boards and Commissions
The City of Surprise is currently accepting applications for the Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. All Board/Commission positions are voluntary and you must reside in the City of Surprise. Applications are available online at surpriseaz.gov/boards. Please submit applications to the City Clerk’s Office in person by appointment or by email to clerk@surpriseaz.gov. The Clerk’s office is available by phone at 623.222.1200.
Spring Eggstravaganza
Celebrate the spring season with us on Saturday, April 16 from 7:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Surprise Recreation Campus Kansas City Royals Practice Fields! Children 10 and under are invited to take the field in search of more than 50,000 plastic eggs filled with candy and toys! This FREE family event will also feature face painters, balloon artists, inflatables and more. Food and drink are available for purchase and there will be a minimal fee on some activities.
Meet and Greet
My next monthly Meet and Greet will be on Tuesday, April 26, in Sun City Grand’s Pima room at 6 p.m. I look forward to discussing the latest City news and answering any questions you have. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me anytime at aly.cline@surpriseaz.gov or by calling 623.222.1322.
City Council Meetings
The next regularly scheduled Council meetings are April 5 and 19 at 6 p.m., and City Hall is open to the public for inperson attendance. You can also watch live on surpriseaz.gov/surprisetv, the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook.com/ cityofsurprise or on Cox channel 11.
APRIL FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Please visit the various websites for face mask and safety guidelines.
Each month, we are proud to provide GrandKids Corner, a varied list of activity options for you, our Residents, and your families. SURVIVAL OF THE SLOWEST
Arizona Science Center 600 E Washington St.
n Thru August 7, 2022 n azscience.org/attractions/survival-of-the-slowest/ n $8.95 for Non-Arizona Science Center Members (children and adults); $6.95 for Arizona Science Center Members n 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Sometimes being slow, small or weak can have its advantages! Survival of the Slowest, Arizona Science Center’s latest exhibition, looks at the often-overlooked species that have used their disadvantages to help them survive—and even thrive—in a world where large, strong and fast animals are often at the top of the food chain.
Guests get an up-close look at wildlife and daily presentations featuring a live sloth, hedgehog, iguana and more. Meet animals that have survived for millions of years despite being very slow, and learn about the puzzling sides of evolution and adaptation. Discover the difference between warm- and cold-blooded species, discover why some animals need less food than others and see the unique ways they hide from predators. TREASURES: LEGENDARY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050
MIM’s newest exhibition, Treasures: Legendary Musical Instruments, celebrates some of the world’s most notable musical moments, performance traditions, and musical instrument developments. Eighty exceptional instruments fill the Target Gallery, including some of the finest from MIM’s collection and more than twenty loans from renowned museums, private collections, and musicians around the world. ODYSEA AQUARIUM
9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
n (480) 291-8000 n odyseaaquarium.com
OdySea Aquarium, located in Scottsdale, was voted Best Indoor Attraction in Arizona. This multi-level, state-of-the-art facility holds more than 2 million gallons of water and is the largest aquarium in Arizona. OdySea Aquarium offers an educational, interactive and entertaining experience for guests of all ages by combining theme-park style amusement with highly engaging presentations of aquatic life. OdySea Aquarium features more than 65 exhibits, 370 species, the world’s only Russian Sturgeon touch exhibit as well as two stingray touch exhibits and a tide touch pool! OdySea is also home to Voyager, a stadium-seating style theatre with 46 ft. viewing windows for the “world’s only revolving aquarium experience.” Additional interactive activities include SeaTREK® underwater walking adventure, a charismatic “Penguin Encounter,” “Shark Behind the Scenes” tours, walk-about “Animal Ambassadors,” and Question & Answer sessions with OdySea Aquarium’s Animal Care Specialists.
