how to use an ipad for computer virgin

olias

Sorry, didn't know how else to title this thread!

My dad uses computers but is the absolute worst teacher. He has tried to teach my mum, but it has just led to massive rows. Mum has tried to go to an internet class for oldies that was supposed to be for complete computer beginners but it was a disaster.

The teacher was using phrases like 'right click on your mouse' (my mum doesn't even know what a mouse or cursor are), 'open a new window' (mum thinks that would be to let fresh air in), you get the picture - mum knows NOTHING

Anyway, dad has decided a tablet would be a good introdution to her and has bought her an ipad mini for christmas. Can anyone reccommend a tutorial/book/magazine etc for a complete beginner please. I'm not close enough to help and I really don't want dad trying to teach her as she will just be put off and the thing will be put in a drawer, never to be looked at again.

Thanks.

Olias

London50

As a silver surfer myself {and have to get my son or grandchildren to help with some of the most basic things to do with tec when they are around} one of the best books I have found is the "Dummies" book, they explain thin gs in a simple way and left alone with these books I have learnt a lot over the years.
I can understand how your mum feels as there is nothing worse IMO than someone who thinks that you know the basics {words ect} when they mean nothing at all to you but as I say these books have helped me a lot and could be right for your mum

http://www.amazon.co.uk/iPad-Mini-Dummies-Computer-Tech/dp/1118723155/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1387898861&sr=8-2&keywords=ipad+mini+for+dummies

Good luck

London50

I_have_spoken

iPads are a lot easier for older folks to get to grips with than Windows PCs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itUMO7VLl0M

googler

What does she actually WANT to do with it?

olias

What I think she will want to do is - in no particular order -

email
skype
photos (store and view, not take)
some very basic surfing
some very basic online shopping

What I'm pretty sure she won't do is -

Gaming
download and watch films (although she may be interested in the catchup TV services)
Taking photos
Anything involving things that are likely to confuse her such as pdfs, documents etc
linking/syncing with computers/TV/Smartphones etc
Any apps apart from the most basic and those relating to the first part of my post.

I agree the Dummies range is good, but I think she will find it too much (they are in B&W and have a lot of text and are pretty weighty tomes)

Ideally, I think she would be happy (and most importantly use), something with a lot of pics/screenshots, and little text, something that basically says 'your screen will look like this......touch this, move that, press this and this will happen, followed by another screenshot' - That sort of simplicity.

Thanks so far, and keep the ideas coming.

Olias

Deru

An iPad is so intuitive that computer illiterate people can get to grips with. My mum is hopeless with computers but gets on well with an iPad Mini. Same feedback with friends when they give their folks tablets. iPad is particularly easy albeit a bit more expensive than some other tablets, worth it just for the usability if for someone whom won't be able to figure things out if using an Android tablet.

It will let her do what you listed above and more.

anna42hmr

iPads are intuitive to use, however if you feel your mum may really need the help, are you far from an apple store? as they often do tutorials on their products including iPads. the one here in birmingham is always happy to help and have certain days/times. see http://www.apple.com/uk/retail/learn/

there is also online tutorials below

http://www.apple.com/uk/support/ipad/

DigForVictory

+1 for setting the iPad, taking Dad for a long walk & leaving mum to get to know the iPad. After a couple of hours, call & see if she wants company or if she's happy padding & doesn't want you back yet...!
An hour in an iStore will also accelerate things.

John_Gray

Please don't tell your mother that she is a "silver surfer", one of the most offensive and patronising terms I know!

Such middle-aged people are quite young enough to have done degrees in computer science and worked in IT all their lives... (I know I have!)

Francesanne

John_Gray wrote: »

Please don't tell your mother that she is a "silver surfer", one of the most offensive and patronising terms I know!

Such middle-aged people are quite young enough to have done degrees in computer science and worked in IT all their lives... (I know I have!)

That term doesn't offend everyone. I'm in my early 60's & call myself a SilverSurfer.

Terry1966

As Anna says above the Apple Store do some great totally free workshops for the very reason you are asking about, they are very informative but also informal so you can dip in and out as and when you please and take things at your own pace so to speak in order to get your head around things.

In the geographical sense you will need to be near a store i am in North London and find both Covent Garden and Regent Street stores both amazingly helpful.

Good Luck