Setting up computers for older people

sweven

I'm setting up computers with broadband for my mother and my inlaws (all aged from 65 to 75), none of which have any previous IT knowledge.

In my mother's case it's a PC, and in the inlaws it's a Mac. Both are likely to use the web a lot, checking the bank, shopping (Tesco's, Amazon). They're also going to need email, and the inlaws may want to use a word processor to type out letters.

I've been trying to think of the best ways to set them up with as few complications as possible. One way was to set the browser (probably Firefox) and email programs to start up when the machine is switched on, and to set the browser home page to one I've created with links to the main sites they need, and with a Google search box in it.

It occurs to me that lots of people must have been in the same position. Has anyone else got any tips to help make their lives easier?

Bernie

..."Goback" on the PC - it provides an easy method of returning the PC to an earlier position should the wrong stuff be downloaded or installed.

Try to get the "Remote Assistance" function to work - I never could with my F-in-L's machine but dearly wished to have it's functionality available to sort out stuff from my workstation.

:beer:

lee634

just the one,
Make sure you are near a phone when they call for help.
make sure your basic IT knowledge is good so that youcan explain things over the phone in a way that they will understand,

HLK

Thanks for starting htis thread, I think quite a few of us have had to do this in the past.

My only tips are
keep it simple

have everything on auto update ( windows , anti-virus etc) - oh and explain to them why these are running

show them how to add things to favourites

see if their local authorities run silver surfer courses

shopping , I think is somthing they should not embark on until they are familiar with everything else.. but when they do embark on this make sure they know how to recognise secure sites etc..

oh, and make sure you have them all on 'friends on family' ( skype even better as it's free!) as you'll probably find they are are on the phone to you quite a bit!

We setup a mchine for MiL - nearly 80 - but she has now got a Scotvec module in computing - she attended courses locally. My only beef with these is they spent a lot of time on MS Access which I don't think she has ever used and this well before they showed her how to use email or the net.

What would I do differently now ? Get her a cheap laptop enough to surf the net , do her letters and email.

tranmererovers

I've got exactly the same issue. Booked dad (63) on a basic computer course at the local library (reduced rates for over 60s - cost about £28 for an 8 week course) This has been really helpful for him, have tried to put the things he uses regularly on the desktop (currently Word, E-mail and solitaire!)

However I am rapidly becoming a full time 'end user support desk' - especially when he rings up and says he has 'lost the program'. My next step is to get him on a basic internet course at the library so he can maximise his broadband connection.

The web browser sound a really good idea - I might give that a try

John_Gray

You might have a look at AbilityNet's My Computer, My Way! website...

John

Toxteth_OGrady

Set up things like full system virus scan and incremental back-ups/disk image as scheduled tasks, so they run automatically. Make sure the scheduled tasks are at a time when the old folks will have their PC on.

For simple remote access from your PC try logmein.com - it's free.

:cool:

TOG

amcluesent

Create accounts for the elderly which have just basic User permissions, if they're not Administrator there's less chance of them getting in trouble.

Definitely some remote-control software such as PC Anywhere. A verbal 'description' of problems from old-folks is always uncomprehensible. The free Remote Desktop Connection in Windows XP may be enough.

To simplify finding their PC when connected via broadband, register a dynamic DNS and then use somelike DeeEnEs installed on their PC to update the IP address. That way, you can always use the same URL when contacting the remote machine.