Books on computers for the older person

[kentvegplot]

Hi all

My Mum has just taken delivery of a brand new laptop, and the broadband is connected on Monday.

She's never used a computer before, but (at 79) is determined to learn.

Local classes are very difficult to get into, so I thought I would try to find some good books to get her started. I will help her of course, but can't be there all the time.

She can find her way around a keyboard (was a touch typist) but everything else is new.

So, any suggestions for books? I was thinking that perhaps something aimed at children might be ok, as long as they're not too 'babyish'.

All suggestions gratefully accepted!

[Two_Sheds]

The Dummies books are a bit Americanised: Laptops for Dummies Quick Reference: Corey Sandler: Amazon.co.uk: Books

[Two_Sheds]

Actually, this book has better reviews than the Dummies ones: Computing For Beginners: The Basics Explained in Plain English: Lynn Manning: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Get all the books you can from your library, for free, before you buy one that you want to keep

How to be a Silver Surfer: http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Silver-S...1491971&sr=8-5

[Two_Sheds]

I like Usborne books, very clear and easy to understand: Computers for Beginners (Usborne Computer Guides): Rebecca Treays: Amazon.co.uk: Books

[lynda66]

have you tried your local college, they usually run beginners courses, then theres learn direct, most of them do free drop in courses

good luck with it ...... my parents got a laptop a couple of years ago, dad lets mum do everything ........ mum takes 3 hours to type yes as an answer lol

[Two_Sheds]

Local classes are very difficult to get into

there must be something you can sign up for? It would probably be nice for her to meet other newbies too, have a coffee afterwards, make new friends.
I googled for courses, there are Computing for Beginners courses, but Kent council's website is down. Here's their number: 0845 606 5606

[lynda66]

oh and libraries often do courses too.

[smallblueplanet]

If you get a simplified book - go somewhere like Smiths or Waterstones or the library - to check that it talks about the Windows (I presume?) version that the laptop runs. So if its running Vista get a book that has lots of pictures where the pictures are of a 'Vista window', it will make it much easier to follow.

Is their a 'tour' on the laptop itself? There is also windows 'help and support' to use and of course there's dvd's and the Net itself.

This looks an interesting book, but its not published until April Maybe a bookshop/library could tell you if there's something similar currently?

Windows Vista and Internet for Children: The Best Book about Computers for Kids Grade 3 and Up (Computer Books for Children): Studio Visual Steps: Amazon.co.uk: Books

[lynda66]

what she really needs ....... is a ten year old lol

[smallblueplanet]

Here's a couple of books to see if you can check out

Laptops for Seniors in Easy Steps: Nick Vandome: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Windows Vista for Seniors in Easy Steps: Michael Price: Amazon.co.uk: Books

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Windows-Vist..._bxgy_b_text_b

Probably cheaper than a 10 year old?!

[bobleponge]

Laptops generally do have their own "tour" built into them, but the ones I have seen all presuppose a degree of computer knowledge.
With a first go, (admire her dedication to learn at her age) there was a great book by the Readers Digest, "How to do just about anything on a computer" which I swear by.
I am, as Bride will testify, a complete computer mollusc but this book is really simple, really easy to follow, and best of all, written in English not American.
The copy I have is an XP version, but I should imagine the same book with a Vista version will be available.

[BrideXIII]

Laptops generally do have their own "tour" built into them, but the ones I have seen all presuppose a degree of computer knowledge.
With a first go, (admire her dedication to learn at her age) there was a great book by the Readers Digest, "How to do just about anything on a computer" which I swear by.
I am, as Bride will testify, a complete computer mollusc but this book is really simple, really easy to follow, and best of all, written in English not American.
The copy I have is an XP version, but I should imagine the same book with a Vista version will be available.

you may be a mollusc hun, ( your words Not mine!) but you take instructions very well

as above, there are several good books out there, check that you get ones on vista as I assume thats what she has.
check out local schools, they run computer classes for adults too.
nothing will beat sitting down with her for an hour a week though to walk her through the basics.
I give my mum a lesson on something every time i visit, she flies along now with emailing and surfing.

[T-lady]

Be careful about buying a book aimed at children. Adults learn in a very different way to kids and the two aren't always compatible at all.

[daleclarke]

Took all day to get on the forum, so here it goes.

I trained 'Silver Surfers' as a IT training Manager for years and the best books are produced by Age Concern, they are written with the Silver Brigade in mind.

Finally, I will quickly press reply...

[kentvegplot]

Thanks everyone, we've found a local course starting in April, and I have already reserved a couple of books from our local library. I'm sure she'll be fine once she gets some confidence - who knows, she'll probably be on here soon!