How to set up a computers with GNU/Linux for grandparents

How to set up a computers with GNU/Linux for grandparents

[Don Saklad]

a. How do you set up a computer with GNU/Linux for grandparents?...


b. How do you set up computers with GNU/Linux for elderly seniors?...

OT: Re: How to set up a computers with GNU/Linux for grandparents

[Dan Anderson]

This should really be labeled as OT.  However...

> a. How do you set up a computer with GNU/Linux for grandparents?...
> b. How do you set up computers with GNU/Linux for elderly seniors?...

95% of the ease of use of any operating system is familiarity.  If you
set up a computer with KDE and an auto-login feature, provide each
senior with their own account, and teach them how to use Mozilla for web
browsing and Yahoo Mail for mail they'll learn it just as easily as any
other operating system.

However, it has been my experience that when you put people on a
non-windows based operating system they run into problems because they
are going to go to /you/ for help.  This is important to remember.  How
much is your time worth?

I tried getting my dad an iMac and teaching him to use it -- based on
BSD and easy to use.  Problem was every time he had a problem, his
coworkers and office mates and friends couldn't help him.  So he went to
me -- every time.  Long story short I needed to buy him a book because
I'm a busy guy and can't take 2 hours out of my day to trouble shoot his
computer problems every day.

So I gave my mom windows.  She has reformatted it three times since my
dad started using his mac.  But she gets help from her friends and
doesn't need my help -- and knows to back up her data.

So the worst system turns out the best because it's common.  Go figure.

Other then that, just set them up with it.  Many GNU/Linux is not hard
to learn once the computers are set up properly.  (Note I said *once set
up*).  Distros like Mandrake and Suse are particularly user friendly.

-Dan

Re: OT: How to set up a computers with GNU/Linux for grandparents

[Raimund Kohl-Fuechsle]

Dan Anderson <dan@mathjunkies.com> wrote:

> This should really be labeled as OT.  However...
> 
> > a. How do you set up a computer with GNU/Linux for grandparents?...
> > b. How do you set up computers with GNU/Linux for elderly seniors?...
> 
> 95% of the ease of use of any operating system is familiarity.  If you
> set up a computer with KDE and an auto-login feature, provide each
> senior with their own account, and teach them how to use Mozilla for web
> browsing and Yahoo Mail for mail they'll learn it just as easily as any
> other operating system.
> 
> However, it has been my experience that when you put people on a
> non-windows based operating system they run into problems because they
> are going to go to /you/ for help.  This is important to remember.  How
> much is your time worth?

Damned!  That is true!  I all of a sudden face that situation:  A good
friend of mine, an elderly lady in her late 70's, has gotten a computer
as a birthday present ... with MS XP ... and of course without a legal
copy!  It took her two days to either catch up with a virus or
unconsciously blowing off her settings.  First idea that came to my mind
was exactly what you said here:  Kick XP, use SuSE, KDE and konqueror
and everything should be fine.  But, yes, you are right:  It won't take
long until she will run into other problems.  Whom will she ask?  Also:
As far as I know literaly all books for seniors are based on a MS
system.

Hmm.  I will have to think that over.  Thank you for that thought!

ray

Re: How to set up a computers with GNU/Linux for grandparents

[Kevin Dziulko]

On 15 Nov 2003, Don Saklad wrote:

> a. How do you set up a computer with GNU/Linux for grandparents?...
> 
> 
> b. How do you set up computers with GNU/Linux for elderly seniors?...
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Just make sure you set it to use large print fonts and icons and such.