Help with mother's netbook

Lleucu

Hi everybody bought mother aged 82 a netbook for Christmas purely for Skype and email. My siblings are in NZ and the USA so Skype would be of great benefit. She is having real problems getting used to it and I wondered if there is any way to configure it to make it even more simple, as its the 'extra messages' which confuse her (like anti virus wanting to be updated). She has BT Broadband and it hasWindows Vista. I have taken off all the unnecessary software and have set her up with a one click email account with Googlemail on her desktop. I sometimes think it is pity that there is nothing equivalent to a Sky box for users who struggle with the basics. She has had some proper lessons and I or my husband visit weekly to tidy up but still endless problems. Incidentally it is a Dell mini and I am impressed with it purely as an email/Skype machine - it works well. Any other ideas??

busenbust

Sounding simple I realize but perhaps keep the desktop as 'clean' as possible: so that only those application shortcuts she needs access to are visible. Perhaps also provide auto-login to Windows (without the need for a password, although this gives way to security concerns).

Also, maybe provide her with a functioning but Limited user account (as opposed to full Admin access).

Oh, and welcome to MSE L :hello:

Lleucu

Good idea - I put her fave newspapers on there but I think it only confuses her so I will take them off. The computer is not password protected already.

busenbust

Probably a few more other suggestions (I've just added to my previous post) but I'm yawning here Lol. I'll sleep on this .

busenbust

Also Ll, under Properties for Start Menu (when you right-click) have a look at the options there: you could hide inactive icons; disable/enable Quick Launch, Lock the taskbar (which always helps IME); and would a Classic Start menu help (it's what I prefer anyway).

busenbust

Maybe a slightly lower screen resolution if visibility is an issue? Maybe a Large or Extra Large Font size? (display properties/appearance tab).