All of the following examples use Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Whichever browser you use will have the same features but they may not be in the same locations. If you use a different browser, the process will be similar. Play with your particular browser to discover the process for bookmarking or adding favorites.
Increasing Text Size
Unfortunately, many web page designers fail to recognize the needs of older adults as potential users for their information. Many websites do not adjust text size to accommodate older adults who might be suffering from low vision, cataracts or other eye problems which may accompany aging.
Your web browser does offer some features. To adjust the text size in Internet Explorer, choose View and Text Size from the menu bar. You'll be able to select how large you'd like the text. Experiment with different sizes before you decide which one is right for you.
Once you've set your text size, your web browser should remember how you like your text displayed. However, you may have to reset it again periodically. Just follow those same steps. Keep in mind that some websites "override" your settings - they make you view the webpage as they have it. In these cases you'll have to view the information as is. If it is a site you plan to use frequently or information that you really need, look for a "Contact Us" link or something similar. Send a note to the webmaster and let him or her know that the text size on the page is an issue.
Setting Your Home Page
Web browsers often allow you to set your own home page and add sites you visit frequently to a type of address book. Some browsers call this a bookmark, while others call it favorites. Your browser can remember where you like to go most often.
In Internet Explorer, you can set a page which will open when you start your web browser (a home page) and also the page where you will return when you click your Home button. In Internet Explorer, choose Tools and Internet Options from the menu bar. A window will appear that allows you to set your home page and perform many other tasks in your browser.
Once you've set your home page, you'll only have to click your Home button to go right back to that spot no matter where you might be.
Bookmarks
Bookmarks may also be known as "Favorites" - think Julie Andrews: "These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things…" Your bookmarks work just like an address book (for your friends and family), only this is an address book of your favorite places on the web.
In Internet Explorer, choose Favorites and Add to Favorites from the menu bar. A window will appear that allows you to perform many tasks. From this menu, you can set your sites, name them and organize them into folders. After you have added a site, it will appear when you click Favorites on the menu bar.
Once you've set a page as a favorite, you'll only have to choose Favorites or Bookmarks and find the site where you want to go. Click there and you will go right back to that spot no matter where else you are on the Internet.
