Computer Resource Or Pdf For Old People?

[joko]

My mum is 78 and can use a computer but struggles with some pretty basic things.
she gets frustrated when i show her how to do something pretty simple, and kind of switches off a bit - she just wants things done really.
but of course i cant always be there to do stuff for her - especially if its easy stuff

i write things out for her but sometimes she still cant do it.

so does anyone know a specific PDF book written purely with old people in mind? Some thing with step by step instructions and basic language etc, that she can refer back to whenever she needs to?

or a very simple website or online resource she could easily use?

thanks

[Maydup]

What type of things would you like it to cover?

Internet browsing? Sending emails? Using specific sites? Facebook? Keeping up with the news?

[hc4361]

I think a book would be better - what OS is she using?

[SlackAlice]

Try her on a book first. Try 'Windows for Dummies', but make sure you get the right Windows O/S version.

Sometimes the local library has them.

[Maydup]

Do we think she really needs to know about the O/S though?

Maybe just a bit of googling is what she really wants to be doing.

Is this useful?

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/connect/BBC_First_Click_Beginners_Guide.pdf

[Maydup]

Or you might find something here....

https://www.silversurfers.com/best-of-the-web/technology-best-of-the-web/

[joko]

shes on windows 10, but its stuff like, putting photos on the pc, how to copy and paste, how to highlight, how to click and drag, how to rename, make new folder, what right clicks can do, symbols e, voluem, wifi tc etc

see what i mean about simple stuff? i demonstrate and make a thing of how fast and easy it was, and she just nods but doesnt really take it in, or even try to.

just more about how the laptop works, ive showed her all these many times, and she just gives up in seconds, its quite annoying, because when im there, she just wants me to do it for her, so its just done, and no matter how much i explain that its very simple an if she'd just try, she wont be stuck waiting days or weeks for little things, or struggling the long way round.

only when something is wrong, and i cant be there will she then start to read my notes and start stressing herself out on her own! then shes ringing getting all flustered.

but i know the only way she'll actually learn is by repetition - so if theres a reference, a book there, with photos, easy step by step etc - then she'll likely give it a go.

when she first started with the computer she was rubbish obviously, but she got better, and can use the internet, read emails, sell on ebay etc etc - its just all this other stuff
she has thousands of photos, but wont organise, label or name them - then shes upset she cant find one!
i've showed her the magnifying glass symbol and demonstrated it - but still, nope.

i know shes old, and i understand its tough, but she can do it - she is intelligent - she ran her own business and accounts etc for 60 years - she can do.

also my dad died last year so shes now on her own, so hopefully she'll have more time etc to get stuck in an learn - i think she'll enjoy the laptop more if she does - rather than viewing it as a pain.

sorry for the waffle haha

[joko]

thanks all

[woofgang]

joko, the for dummies books are good but....well......does she want to learn?

[UKSWF]

I totally understand how you feel, my mum is 74 and just doesn't read what is on the screen, She is not a daft woman but it is so frustrating as she is convinced the computer is faulty everytime she enters an incorrect password (which she changes daily and forgets them daily!!!) her latest answer is "Maybe I should buy a new laptop as this one is slow!!!!!..... One examination she had at least 20 tabs open!!! arggggghhhh!!!) Sorry Rant too x

[UKSWF]

*sp on examination she has ....

[whiskeryron]

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

joko, I am 91 & find it invaluable, but she must persist & not guess at it.

[tamborine]

Why not enlist her to answerbank; we are here to answer all her questions and she will make lots of cyber pals.

[Tuvok]

I remember seeing Which advertising free guides - perhaps try them.

[hellywelly4]

I'm 75 and mostly self-taught. I can't respond to books, I do better with one to one or small classes which I have been to over the years (started on a computer in 2000). In the Leicester area there is a charity called Learning for the 4th Age and they have volunteers who will come to your home and help with any problems. I don't know if this service is available in other counties. It's a charity. There may be computer classes in your mum's area over the winter, and the ones I've been on have been quite good, although generally they only go as fast as the slowest learner.

[joko]

thanks all

i got her a which book, but same thing, it all seems to go over her head.
she is no dummie but i really do think she needs it at that level.
some people just learn differently i suppose.

i did suggest local classes - a place nearby does them, but she huffed and hahhed about it. maybe now shes on her own she may do it - gets her out and about i suppose.


UKSWF - haha i have about 8 browser windows open, each with about 80-200 tabs open at any one time - they are all divided up into 'types'

all my film and music windows, sites, pages etc on one - any health or medical on another, jobhunting stuff another and a few other general ones.
it does me no harm at all!
i guess it depends on your computer, browser and if you are having problems with it haha.
i used to use just bookmarks but just fell into this habit haha

I do go through and have 5 min window closing session every few days

[HansUrbancka]

If this were my thread, I would give 'Best Answer' to tamborine.

Hans.