Q: Because of the cost, my inability to use them and forgetfulness, I am a senior who almost fears computers. However, I find help at my local library. I am amazed at the amount of information that is instantly available for our learning and knowledge. I willingly pay for printouts.

An extra bonus is I have made friends with peers who are also regular information seekers and need computer help. We now have coffee together!

Can you offer some advice on what are considered by experts to be the most valuable books to enhance my self-help capability? I am shy to ask for help because of my lack of education and major health issues.

A: Let's face it: Computers are intimidating. Even people that work with them every day have trouble with simple commands. In doing some research, I have located a list of what knowledgeable experts believe are the most helpful and thought out books that have proven to be successful over time.

Their recommendations include:

—"50 Self-Help Classics" by Tom Butler-Bowdon.

—"Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy" by David Burns.

—"Outliers: The Story of Success" by Malcolm Gladwell

—"The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch

— Doug

HOME SAFETY ALERTS

Q: I've lived in the same house for 40 years and never wanted to move. However, this week there was a home robbery only a couple of streets away. I'm now afraid that I might be robbed.

What can I do to avoid living in fear?

A: At some point, we all realize that change is inescapable and not always for the better. However, you are also able to play a role in the world around you.

Here are some ways to make yourself feel more secure. If you have a security system, look to see whether it needs to be up dated. If you don't have one, as yourself, should you install one? Additionally, you can implement automatic lighting outside your house in the dark. Most criminals will move on to easier targets. Leaving a radio on when you're away has proved useful.

Do you have a local neighborhood watch program? Try to get more involved in your neighborhood, as robbers are often deterred by tight-knit communities. If your neighbors are familiar with your habits, they are more likely to notice something sketchy and report it.

Be a good neighbor and socialize. To bond, offer to help watch over children or pets when your neighbors are not home or vacationing.

Most police departments assign their officers to specific locations within their jurisdictions. Always alert them of potentially suspicious activity. They may also have specific advice for your community.

Finally, make sure that you have a current list of all your belongings. In the event of theft, the list will be useful for insurance coverage. Give a copy of the list to someone in your family, and possibly put one in your safe deposit box.

Supplement your list with photos of your house, so you know if something goes missing. — Emma, Doug's granddaughter

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@msn.com. Emma, Doug's granddaughter, helps write this column. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com