Free Internet Help for Seniors?

beachbeth

My dad, who is in his 70's, has heard that you can get hold of something to help with the internet. Its some sort of card with instructions. He hasn't done a lot of computing and is a real beginner. I live nearby and can help but I think he would like something that would help a beginner too. A few years ago I typed out some instruction with pictures for my mum, who was using the internet at the time, to make it simple but I think they've lost this! If theres nothing available then I'll have to try and type it again!

However, has anyone else heard about these cards that my dad is talking about?

Mee

You may wish to consider the FREE Which? guide Making the most of the Internet - includes jargon buster and is written in plain English. Not sure about illustrations as not seen it yet. Call Free 0800 533 019.
Also, most local libraries offer free (or for very little) computer training for those of your father's age.

Good luck!

frogbottler

Your own set of instructions may still be the best way to do it. Hope you saved a copy:) I created a user guide based on the aging ted's preferences etc.

Having said that Age concern & Myguide may have something useful

http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/computer-information.asp

http://www.myguide.gov.uk/myguide/MyguideHome.do

System

Mee wrote: »

You may wish to consider the FREE Which? guide Making the most of the Internet - includes jargon buster and is written in plain English. Not sure about illustrations as not seen it yet. Call Free 0800 533 019.
Also, most local libraries offer free (or for very little) computer training for those of your father's age.

Good luck!

Times I have tried to get this so-called free guide from Which to no avail. Unless you agree to a direct debit which they say is refundable, there isn't a hope in hell of getting this free guide. I have even contacted Saga (who enclosed the details) about this.

Jake'sGran

One of my friends went to a short course (a few weeks) at her local library and she has mentioned "cards" a few times. She even uses an email address now which has something to do with this course. I am over 70 and have been using a computer for ten years but do not have anything like the expertise offered by the posters to this site. Despite this I really love using my laptop.

You will need to decide if he would prefer a desktop or laptop. This one is a Sony VA10 and I found the mouse pad difficult to get used to so my daughter bought me a separate mouse last Xmas - but it too causes problems. At the beginning I used to go to the library to see if they had any new books for beginners. I seem toremember these books were always yellow and black. Also, you could Google "best easy guide for new Internet users" and see what comes up.

Just found the site you need. It is being upgraded today though:

https://www.myguide.gov.uk

macman

Yellow and black books-I think Gran is referring to the Wiley 'Dummies' series. Quite comprehensive, but mostly written in an excruciatingly West Coast Americanese style which might put off many UK readers.

System

I suppose I too have been using the net about 10 yrs (and am bordering on 70) and have changed from a PC which took up too much space, ie tower etc, to a laptop which clearly is remarkable.

Being a creature of habit, I wanted to continue with a mouse and have done, if fact I must have 4/5 varing types. There is the normal cable type, two that are retractable and one blue tooth. Whilst the latter is good, the fact that the USB I use for that is on the opposite side or the back, somehow makes it ever-so-slightly less responsive.

The pad is OK, but tend to use the mouse 95% of the time.

Might I suggest that you consider buying him a magazine called Web User, it is a fortnightly mag and now costs £2, however they do lots of deals. It is written in the style that novices understand. They also have their own forum, try https://www.webuser.co.uk/forums he will need to join to participate. If ever I have an problem, I double post the question on MSE and there.

HughSpencer

I am in my 80s and have had a laptop for about 3 years. The book I bought to get me started was The Beginner's Guide to Computers and Internet by Susan Holden and Matthew Francis, published by Summersdale Publishers, https://www.summersdale.com at around £6.00.

nomoneytoday

My local library offers beginners training courses in web use for all ages

duchy

I come across this in my work quite often (I work in tech support for one of the big internet providers and we have a lot of silver surfers using the internet for the first time-some take to it like a duck to water -others need a helping hand)

I often suggest the local library route to build confidence as it's often nice to have company and other people to talk about it too who are at the same stage.

Thanks to everyone who posted links I'll be checking them out to reccomend them

Errata

Here you are, folks http://www.amazon.co.uk/Internet-Dummies-John-R-Levine/dp/0764589962

and cheap as chips !