Using an Internet Cafe

[iluvcatz]

An elderly friend of mine (90 years old) has been given an email address by his daughter who lives in Canada. He has no idea how to use it! He has used the computer at the local library, where he pays to use it much like an internet cafe. How would he use his email address there. I would go with him to get him started but as I have only ever used my personal computer I would not know where to start. Help.

[WoWo]

What exactly has he been given, her email address or one for him to use. If it's the former he will need to sign up to some sort of web email system like Hotmail. If it is the later it all depends on what address it is and if it has access to web email.

Without knowing more it's difficult to say much more.

[iluvcatz]

I understand he has been given one for him to use. Its a Hotmail email address and he tells me he has been given a password as well. So I am taking him to the library on Thursday. So we sit at the computer, get onto the internet, then what?

[mattfox]

Go to www.hotmail.com, enter the email address in full and the password and press "Sign In"

Be sure to select "Sign in using enhanced security" and "Always ask for my e-mail address and password" when using a public computer.

If this doesn't work for any reason, then you can choose the "Sign up" button instead to get a brand new email of choice.

I think it is excellent when the older generation use this technology available - I grew up with it, but a neighbour in her eighties has built her own PC from pretty much nothing, complete with DVD writer and surround sound!!! Go for it!

[fo3nix]

If he wants to send an email, then he needs somewhere to send an email from. One such place (free), is hotmail:

http://www.hotmail.com

There, you can get him to sign up for a free account (so that he will have his own email address too). Then, there will be a link on that website (on the left somewhere I think), that will say "compose email" or "write email" or words to that effect. You'll be asked to enter the email address you want to send the email too (enter his daugter's), together with a subject (brief summary of the email, like "RE:" in a business letter), and the email itself. once written, making sure that it's going to the exact email address he's been sent, then click send. That's it!

[iluvcatz]

Thanks so much for all your answers. We got on really well. He was so pleased. Next time he will try and log on on his own. I printed these answers for him so that he has some instructions to follow. Really grateful for all your help!