6 steps when buying your parents a computer
By Juliana Aldous Atkinson
You may have already decided that this is the year that you finally get Mom or Dad online. The computer can open a whole new world for them. "Learning something new such as using a computer," says Marianne Moon, bestselling author of Microsoft Windows XP Plain & Simple, 2nd Edition, "exercises the brain and stimulates the desire to find out what's going on in the world, be it current events, history, movies, sports, politics—you name it."
But be careful when you're buying the computer. For some parents the entry into the world of technology is easy and exciting. For others it can lead to frustration and fear if you set them up with the wrong system and tools, and don't provide training. The computer could do nothing but collect dust.
Taking care and thinking through the steps in this article will help you find the right system and training for your parents. A little planning can put your parents on the fast track to feeling confident and at ease with today's technology.
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Step 1: Ask your parent what they would like to do with the computer
If all your father wants to do is play a little Solitaire and keep up with his old army buddies in e-mail, then it doesn't make sense to purchase him a high-end gaming system. Knowing ahead of time what they would like to do will help you decide what kind of hardware and software they will need. Find out that they want by asking them the basics.
Here are some questions to ask:
| • | Do you want to write letters and send e-mail? |
| • | Do you want to send and print photos? |
| • | Do you want to listen to music? |
| • | Do you want to play games with people over the Internet? |
| • | Do you want to shop online? |
| • | Do you want to manage your finances on the computer or online? |
Step 2: Buy the right system that fits your parent
Once you find out what they want, it's easier to get them what they need. For example, if Mom wants to receive the latest photos of the grandkids, make sure the new system includes a photo-quality printer. Add a digital camera or scanner if she will be sending photos to all her friends. A nice set of speakers will do if they want to listen to their music or watch videos.
Also, pay attention to your parent's hobbies for clues about what hardware and software they could use. If your Mom enjoys scrapbooking, take a look at some Web sites and forums where scrapbookers hang out and see what they recommend.
Make sure not to skimp on a system with limited memory and few capabilities. "Make sure you buy a machine that exceeds what your parent will need to run the programs he or she wants to use," says Marianne Moon. An older parent with motor issues may need a special mouse or keyboard to maneuver. If you have a parent with these needs, check out the Microsoft Accessibility Web site for information about accessibility and assistive technology products.
Step 3: Set up their desktop with software that you are familiar with
Like it or not, by setting up your parent's new system you may have also volunteered to be their technical support staff. Do yourself a favor and set up the system in a familiar fashion to yours. For example, make sure your software is the same version. This way you won't have to guess how to work with a desktop screen you can't see over the phone. If you can, set them up with the same Internet Service Provider (ISP) that you have. "My father has a different service and it is frustrating for both of us," says Hilary Long, a Program Manager at Microsoft. "He tries to describe what is on his screen and I have a hard time helping him—especially since he lives in another state."
Step 4: Set up the computer system in a good location
Talk with your parents about where they would like their system to be set up. Setting up in the spare bedroom or basement may seem like a good idea at first, but could isolate them when they use the computer. Make sure the computer is set up somewhere comfortable, such as a nice sunny corner in the family room or between the kitchen and living room. Somewhere they already spend time is preferable. Maybe they don't want a large system but would prefer something more portable like a Tablet PC—which they can take on their trip for morning coffee.
Step 5: Set up your parents for security
Potential threats—viruses, spam, spyware, or Internet fraud—could make your parent scared enough to keep the computer turned off. Set them up to have regular software updates and anti-spyware protection from the Security At Home Web site on Microsoft.com. Also set the security settings in Microsoft Internet Explorer to a place you feel comfortable with. Explain to them the basics of opening software attachments, adware pop-ups, and phishing.
"I think the most important thing is to walk them through how the security features work in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)" says Ed Bott, author of Microsoft Windows XP Networking and Security Inside Out. "I would demonstrate the Information Bar and get them really comfortable with it by showing how it blocks ActiveX downloads and other downloads." Bott also encourages any hesitant computer user to walk the fine line between healthy skepticism and outright paranoia. He says, "In my experience, people are most likely to run into problems when they install a new piece of software because it looks fun, without thinking of the consequences. A quick search on MSN or Google for the name of the software along with the words 'trouble' or 'spyware' will often turn up enough information to spare them from a lot of pain!"
Step 6: Give them the right training tools to start with
Just as you may have volunteered to be their technical support staff, you may also become their personal trainer. Giving them the proper training can start them off on the right course. While you want to show them how to send that photo with an e-mail, you also want to make sure they gain a basic understanding of how the computer operates. Don't forget to include training materials, such as books or online tutorials, and sign them up for a class at the library, a local college, or computer store.
Microsoft Windows XP Plain & Simple and Microsoft Office System Plain & Simple—2003 Edition from Microsoft Press have been used by countless new computer users to get started. The books use visual guides written in plain English with no jargon and use easy numbered steps to perform everyday tasks. "If you give your parents the right training tools," says Marianne Moon, "you'll be surprised how quickly your parent will start deluging you with e-mail, creating greeting cards and booklets in Publisher, using Excel spreadsheets for budgeting or checking investments, and even creating music playlists and movies."
