Computer newbies forum: Need help getting my 75 year old mother connected to the Internet

Get her a desktop and as big a monitor as possible. She needs to be able to see what she's reading and those small screens are murder. Everything small is a blur for older eyes. It will also allow her to sit back in a more comfortable place to use the keyboard. You'd think that a wireless board would be a perfect thing, but unless you are investing in the super long life batteries for wireless gadgets, don't do it. They get really angry about having to replace batteries often. With that said, take into account where she is likely to use it and if she has room and connections for it.

Buy her a membership to Ancestry.com if you really want to make her happy. Also be a regular visitor the first few weeks to make sure she's using things properly and safely. Warn her about phishing and other dangerous scams. Tell her not to supply any kind of number or address to anyone online unless you have checked it out even if it threatens to put her under arrest.

My 80+ year old mother even does online banking now. We're all happy.

Lots of Variables Dude!

Ive been FIGHTING with my mother for almost 10 yrs to use the computer I bought her (3x over now!) What Ive seen is that elderly people are INTIMIDATED by the computers and are usually too dang stubborn to admit it!

So my way of getting MY MOTHER on the web was simple, she is in a nursing home, but had asked me to get her an address book, something she could put those 800 pcs of scrap papers into an orgainized mess! I told her to get a tablet, she thought I was nuts! hehe ... So got got out a check, and asked me how much. Told her it would be about 80.00 and Id cover the rest. ... You can image the conversation after that! LOL .. In anycase, I brought her back an inexpensive tablet, loaded it with Kaspersky, some other useful apps, some Bible software and apps, ... and things I know she would like. For the FIRST TIME she is USING IT! Its small, NOT Psycologically Threatening to her, and we keep sending her pictures of the kids, to keep her interested in getting her email and seeing the new pictures, Videos, and even our YouTube Channel! Start SIMPLE - One thing at a time, and add to it as they get interested ... and be sure to keep them SECURE with the RIGHT APPS - (both: the ones put ON, and equallky important, the ones you do NOT put on and AVOID ! I got my mom the bigger tablet due to eye sight, but this way, there is only so much they can see, so its again, less intimidating ... Hope that helps!

I recommend this one, for a few reasons.
http://www.mywowcomputer.com/
It's operating system has fewer viruses made for it. A lot of file sharing happens.
Bigger screen than a tablet. Vision is a BIG concern.
Has a real keyboard reminiscent of the typewriter .
Internet connection? Depends on what your biggest need is.
Speed : Cable & DSL, stay far far away from satellite (high latency) .
Mobility: Wireless N, or cellular , if you can afford it.

An HP or other all-in-one with Linux on it, to me. I wouldn't spend 1,000 for that. The hardware is worth $650, tops. The software is priceless (free) if you set it up, or the HP version comes with Windows 8, which, with a little tweaking, might be fine for someone willing to devote 10-20 hours of learning it.
For someone who has NEVER used a computer before, it might be one way to get them to use it, showing how simple it is. You should still count on many hours of training, however. Are you willing to do that, or is there someone at the facility able to do that?
Pretty much, my 98 year old father in law WAS tech savy, but when his eyesight deteriorated, and his computer needed maintenance such as updates, etc. or if he hit a key he didn't intend to, I had to always be right there to fix it. After while, he realized, it was best to just let us read him the e-mails, open up the pictures to enlarge to show to him, etc. He gave up even solitaire because it became too difficult to see. This was on a large monitor. He was much happier simply having printouts of any e-mails that came in that he could read under his CCTV.
Basically, depending on the situation, unless you, or someone else, are right there while they are using the device, it's probably a bad idea to start with. I'm assuming you want this person to begin using the technology themselves so you won't have to be there. Speaking from experience, that won't work. It would, in that case, be best to simply skip the whole idea and go visit them more often.

I loved helping my mother on to the web, in some small way it brought us closer together. The truth is she really didn't want anything to do with it as soon as I went back to my house. So, don't get your hopes too high.
I think if you have plenty of money go with the iPad or Apple Pro Mac Book, the larger the better.
(If she wants to travel with it stick to the iPad.) Apple also has uniform tread through all their products that makes it easy switch between platforms. That means if you have an iPhone or an Mac you can navigate around it either platform and feel pretty comfortable in doing so.

It you want to be a little more frugal I like the $199.99 Google Chrome Book. It looks like a PC notebook but runs on a Google operating system like LINUX or Android. I also recommend Google's Free GMAIL. I found it to be much convenient To have web based email than locking everything inside one computer. The Samsung Galaxy 2 Tablets range from $200 to $600 depending on size, memory, and CPU speed. No matter which one you choose, a comparable iPad will cost you more.

The latest release of Windows 8 deserve a look, their touch screen tablets and app driven software, give you the styling of an iPad but the affordability and functionality of a PC computer. Win 8 tablets start around $400 dollars, but sadly I have to admit all Windows computers have a fundamental flaw in that they must be protected with ANTIVIRUS software that cost you over and over again every year. I use Norton 360 and it cost me $50-$ 60 dollars every year. (It is like taxation without representation.)

The Apple and Android operating systems don't require ANTIVIRUS software, because of their File management and directory systems will not allow viruses to execute from the download directories. The problem is web crime has gotten so lucrative the criminals are hiring college educated programmers to run their web scams. The burglary tools have been replaced with email Phishing scams. Norton and other ANTIVIRUS software companies now offer ANTI-phishing software.for Apple and Android operating systems. Normally I would assume the average computer user would have a grasp on ANTIVIRUS ANTI-Phishing, but we are talking about a 75 year old mother who probably has lots of grand children. Good luck with your choice and Happy Computing.

I feel a 10'' tablet (easier on the eyes) with memory card is ideal as it is easy to use with the touch screen, wonderful if she's an avid reader, she can carry tons of books that don't take up any shelf space, and she can carry it around with her to share photos, film and other things with friends to watch or read together...unless it is to keep up with people from a distance and mostly exchange e-mails, eventuallly post on Facebook, then for typing, a desktop or larger laptop is better with a larger keyboard that is easier to manage on a long run for less precise fingers.

People are very different. Some people have great cognitive skills, some people have less cognitive skills than they think they have. First, look at the environment where she spends most of her time. Does she already have Internet access in the "facility"? WiFi? DSL? Cable? This matters a lot pecause if she has no WiFi or in-room cabling, the this is going to be very difficult. Of course, there are always 3G or 4G air cards if she has good signal for that but keep an eye on the cost. Having no WiFi and/or other services may reduce your choices.

Next, figure out what physical limitations your mother might have, if any. For example, arthritis may hinder some skills. There are usually ways around anything. We have blind people that frequent this blog. It just needs to give you a perspective on your challenges. Also, as many have already asked... What is she planning on doing on the Internet?

One thing. Don't try to make her into a computer expert right away. Teach her the dangers on the Internet but she doen't need to be able to read html. Remember, you will probably become her technical expert.

I, too, have worked with seniors learning about computers. I suggest if she's never used a computer before, start her out with playing Solitaire. It's something they're familiar with and it teaches them mouse control. After that, set up an email account, teach simple Google searches. That's my 2 cents!

Seniors have some issue that do not pertain to understanding technology but more to do with anatomy and physiology. Some may take a long time to feel comfortable with a mouse, some have a typewriter experience, some do not, this may be due to arthritic hands and finger. A touch screen system may be more suited. It is also very important not to talk down to seniors, but be patient, this technololgy is not part of their generation. Having another senior help with the "training phase" may be more appreciated by the senior. And most important of all, don't introduce too much at one time and don't use the techno/geek language.

About 6-7 years ago, I finally took all my friends suggestions offered over the years and bought a 15" MacBook Pro. Prior to this purchase I had been a "PC person" since college. I would end up buying a new Sony laptop about every 2 years or so due to virus problems or the previous PC simply not working any longer. I put up with PC's for 2 reasons. 1) I played a lot of strategy games at the time and some titles were not available for Mac back then and 2) I had no idea what I was missing out on! So, I buy the new MacBook Pro and instantly fell in love with it. It appearance, it's capabilities, and its amazing 'ease of use.'

That Christmas, I bought an iMac for my 67 year old Father. He had retired years earlier and stopped using computers when he stopped working. And, not surprisingly, his only experience was with PC's. In his techno defense, he did buy a Dell laptop after retiring "just to have a computer around." He never used the Dell. Once he opened the iMac box, plugged it in, entered the wifi code and began computing...he never stopped. The iMac opened an entire new world for him. Because Mac's are so intuitive and simple to use he needed little to no instruction as from a few basic tips. My Father went from someone who would grudgingly use a PC for maybe 30 minutes a month to using his iMac for about 4 hours per day. A rather extreme example but a good one nonetheless.

I sometimes think that people with no computer backgrounds at all will have an easier time making friends with a Mac than a former PC user, like me. The reason being is rather simple. My biggest challenge operating my MacBook Pro presented itself when I encountered a question. I was so used to having take step after step after step to accomplish the most basic tasks; that when I came upon a question on the Mac. I would try and solve it myself and I would inadvertently overcomplicate a simple process simply because I was used to overcomplicated and laborious procedures in order to execute a simple task. I had to 'unlearn' this method of problem solving and realize that, yes, tasks really were that easy to complete.

I would recommend a MacBook AIr. It's so light and compact, yet has all the power you need. Also, the reason I suggest the Air versus an iPad is that the MB Air is a Mac computer through and through. Meaning, it has all of the really cool accessibility options in 'Settings' for assistance with seeing, hearing or touching the keyboard. A truly great machine that's sure to please.

Plus, even though the MacBook Air may seem a little pricey, remember this fact about Mac's...they last. My Father still uses his iMac 6 years later. I retired my MacBook Pro 15" just last year because I wanted a 13" model and because my MBP still worked just fine I was able to give it to my 11 year old neice (and it's still going strong). Factor in Mac's superb 'ecosystem' (genius bar, free classes, one on one classes for a year priced at just 99$ {with new computer purchases} and you will end up saving money. I estimate that I've saved between $4K and $6K by buying Mac. Even the higher end PC's (e.g. Sony) still tend to crap out after a couple years. It's not the hardware (although that is a part of it), it's the terrible Microsoft software. Once you (or your Mom) go Mac- you never go back!

Trying not to be biased here over Android tablets, but:

iPad offers all the Google apps (just like Droid)
iPad exclusive is iMessenger and Facetime, an extremely easy way to communicate.
Yahoo Messenger, AIM, Skype, and many other services offered on iOS (Droid too).
One can get Amazon and Nook readers for iPad (and Droid).
Still a larger library of iPad apps over Droid.

iPad's have an incredible selection of accessories, including cases that are rugged to drop proof (Otterbox and Griffen), to completely waterproof (LifeProof).

Help and How To books for iOS is overflowing.

If you have budget concerns, a good Android tablet (Nexus for instance) will be fine, but the iPad offers huge advantages in its eco system make it worth the extra cost.

The Kindle Fire line is more geared as a market place to Amazon and has user limitations (limited app list), but that could be fine too (iPad is well supported by Amazon).

No matter how you go, make sure you set up "Find my Tablet", make it make noises if it falls under the furniture.

Does your mother type? Does she have physical challenges like arthritis? If she has physical challenges such as Arthritis, a tablet based PC or an iPad might be best, if they're light enough, if you do go with a desktop/laptop, consider purchasing a rest for her wrists and arms (for both the mouse and keyboard).

As for Wireless broadband, I would see what the care home she lives in has(whether they have a wireless network or not)

what I can tell you is, that when an elder doesn't wish to use a computer, they're often quite clear on that, I know my grandmother was when she was still with us, don't try to force things, and perhaps consider other devices like a mobile phone, if she doesn't have one already.

I think JE and Gaddy said it best though.

We went through this with my mom. The driver was she realized if she waited for letters from the grandchildren, it would be a long wait, and if she wanted to communicate with them she needed to be on-line. My first question is whether the unit she is located provides computer access for its residents. That would be by far the easiest. Talk with the staff if they don't they probably know who is providing support to other residents. They can also tell you if they provide wi fi and if not what is available, building wiring, providers etc.

Hi,
I had the same issue with my mother-in-law in Germany. She is not quite as old, but nearly, and was always encountering problems with her PC/Windows computer - a relatively recent Acer - with hanging, slow start-ups, etc. This irritated her no end.
Eventually we recommended and purchased locally an iPad 4 which we thought would be simpler involving quite straightforward procedures. Her needs are simple: Internet, Mail, Contacts, printing the odd document and that's about all.

After a bit of explanation she has now got the hang of it and is using it all the time. It is a bit of a culture change but it's so instinctive.

The iPad, is very much a user-orientated bit of kit and not a "System", which you have to spend as much time learning and navigating as using it. Therefore I can recommend the iPad as a solution to those who don't want to know about computers - just the basic tasks they can perform. Maybe the entry-level WiFi 16GB version?

One final thought, if she wants to print anything you need an AirPrint printer because the iPad has no USB connection. You can however get a cable kit for importing photos from a camera.

Ian

Had the same issue with my mother, whom is 68. To keep a long one short it all starts with baby steps. She couldnt even send a text. So I started sending her text to communicate with her. I taught her how to open and read a text message. That was lesson 1 and my mother has no patients. Then we moved on to the querty keyboard to send a text. After teching her how to set up a reply from someone who just sent her a message and once she hit that reply button and that old familiar keyboard came out she was eager to learn more. The key is tying in items in her prime to todays tech world. Things as simple as a key board, like she used in the courthouse in her working days, made this happen. Then let her watch you set up an email account just for her and let her pick her own pass words. This keeps her independant and always ready for the next lesson. Are you feeling me on this? I recomment setting up a gmail account because more and more we are seeing logins that will accept a google account registration, right. Well, lets be proactive and make it easy for mom. My mom went from a chump flip phome to an iphone 4. The reason for this is the smoothness and seemingly effortless tranfer from one aspect of learning to the next. Comfort is the key for mom. You know this. Now my mom is emailing and using face time to view her only grand son. If you need more discuss on 9314467317 BRIAN, Day or nigh. Mom can call too.