I just ordered a nice 17" Imac for my parentals. Now the only problem is my parents are sixty five years old and have never used a computer before. Can anyone recommend a good basic tutorial book?
when I taught my mom how to use windows *shudders* she takes a sheet of paper and writes down step by step what to do while I slowly show her. Such as in Microsoft word, if I were to teach her how to print she writes down:
1. click on File on top left
2. select Print
3. hit OK
Now she is able to use Windows *shudders again* by herself.
Thanks for the advice guys it all sounds good. I think I'll definitely buy some index cards and write down the step by step directions. On another note my parents wanted to know why they had to spend more to buy a mac and I basically told them I wouldn't support pc and the free tech support they would get from me for using a mac would more than make up the difference.
If you think you've got it bad, my 87 year old grandma just got an eMac. Saying "drag this here", or "double click that" meant nothing to her. The recipe cards are a greate idea. Just be pantient and don't expect too much, and you'll be great. My grandmother is now in the forward every email you get phase. YOu know how that goes.
My mother, now 84, bought herself a Mac a few years ago and learned to use it on her own, to my astonishment. I got her a new G4 iMac last Christmas to get her to switch to OS X (because of I was sick of trying to troubleshoot OS 9 problems over the phone, especially now that I can barely REMEMBER OS 9), and it was relatively painless. But I agree, get them to write down directions as you show them things. It saves on the long-distance bills.
I think it also helps if there's a "killer app" that they really want to use and that gets them to sit down at the computer and LEARN. My mom got a copy of Print Explosion at the Apple Store and she LOVES that, she's designing cards and all sorts of nonsense and is as happy as a clam.
Thanks for the encouraging stories. I think the internet is gonna be the killer app for my pops. Just being able to read newspapers from all over will be heaven for him. Now if I could only find them broadband.....
Small suggestion. I taught people overseas to use our products. One problem I saw older people have was double clicking. They hit the button twice but they were sliding the mouse at the same time. You have to hold the mouse still while you double click.
Comments
recipe cards.
older people do really well with recipe cards, but will struggle if you try to just direct them how to do things.
make up cards, go through each step one at a time, while they're there to ask questions.
when you're done, give each card to them and have them go through the actions to make sure it makes sense to them.
also, you might want to put often used icons in easy to find places. combine that with keeping it simple initially, and they'll be ok.
make sure they're comfortable with the easy stuff first before giving them a lot of new stuff to deal with.
1. click on File on top left
2. select Print
3. hit OK
Now she is able to use Windows *shudders again* by herself.
I think it also helps if there's a "killer app" that they really want to use and that gets them to sit down at the computer and LEARN. My mom got a copy of Print Explosion at the Apple Store and she LOVES that, she's designing cards and all sorts of nonsense and is as happy as a clam.