Browser for beginners?

[Franko]

My grandpa is has a lot of trouble using the internet (has a computer, pc). Anyone recommend a program/browser that is simplified for beginners, as few steps as possible? Or any other recomendations to make the internet easy and non-threatening for him.

Thanks

 

[ElFenix]

classes for old folks are the best thing

 

[BlueWeasel]

IE is about as simple as it gets.

 

[Franko]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
classes for old folks are the best thing

Yah I was thinking that too, but he doesn't want to put a lot of time into it. He asked me if I could just make it easier.

 

[MithShrike]

Erm... yeah, you're going to have to teach the man how. See, like Blue Weasel said, there's not much simpler than IE. Personally, I prefer Mozilla Firefox 0.8. The setup isn't too difficult and the only major difference in user interface that I've noticed is the tabbed browsing. Well, that's all.

 

[Heisenberg]

Can't you just spend a few hours and show him how to do it?

 

[Franko]

Originally posted by: Heisenberg
Can't you just spend a few hours and show him how to do it?

More than a few he's got to learn how to use the mouse first.

I'm going over there Friday and wanted to make this as painless as possible, I was thinking this was a bit of a long-shot but wouldn't hurt to ask.

 

[ajpa123]

Just help him with everything till he gets it. Changing browsers won't make things easier. Might take hours and hours. Just go over and set up his address book/contacts on his email client and make him master that. The whole dialilng up and accessing the internet is a cause of trouble too. Sometimes they don't use something because they are afraid. For example, they don't play cd's becuase they don't know how easy it is to do that. Make a list, and make it fun explaining it all.

I once taught a mit/harvard educated forensics expert how to use the computer. In his prime, he never had to use one... and his secretary always did everything. He finally broke down and called for help.. lol
No matter how smart, the old fogies have a tough time grasping what we take for granted.

 

[Amorphus]

Linx.

 

[Franko]

Tutorials woldn't be bad either.

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: Amorphus
Linx.

dont kill the old guy...damn

ive found if its the kind of person who just cant use a computer...or just hasnt, you pretty much are going to

1 - walk away and not help them

2 - stand over their shoulder and tell them how to do EVERYTHING

and i mean everything, pretty much no exceptions on that one.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

I'll be flamed like none other for almost reccomending AOL, but it'll be very easy, click connect, then either e-mail or type in an address. Other option is MSN browser, very simple, e-mail button and web access

 

Originally posted by: ElFenix
classes for old folks are the best thing

Definitely. My mom has taught senior citizens how to use computers and the Internet, and she says most of them are great once they figure it out step by step from the lessons.

 

[anno]

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
I'll be flamed like none other for almost reccomending AOL, but it'll be very easy, click connect, then either e-mail or type in an address. Other option is MSN browser, very simple, e-mail button and web access

eh.. I'm willing to share the flames, if you like. AOL is good for the people it's good for, and the seniors are a lot of those people.

 

[Wheatmaster]

Originally posted by: anno

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
I'll be flamed like none other for almost reccomending AOL, but it'll be very easy, click connect, then either e-mail or type in an address. Other option is MSN browser, very simple, e-mail button and web access

eh.. I'm willing to share the flames, if you like. AOL is good for the people it's good for, and the seniors are a lot of those people.

yeah that is true. no matter how lammo AOL is for us power users, it still gives much help and simplicity to older folks.

 

[tweakmm]

AOL: Old and stupid people approved.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: tweakmm
AOL: Old and stupid people approved.

but it confuses me so

 

[oboeguy]

Try setting-up some easy links (to sites of interest to him) in the favorites or links in IE, and get him to go to them consistently. With a few familiar sites, he'll get into the groove eventually (after you patiently show him something for the nth time). It's worked for me with older family members.