You could consider a tablet PC running Android and customize it with large icons and onscreen keyboard - possibly bluetooth, so a mouse and keyboard can be attached, if desired.

There are childrens keyboards for sale in Media markt which are very colourful and have big letters. These are for a tower (fixed) PC systems.

Also when your learning a mouse is easier to control than a laptop touch pad.

One good way is get someone to set the system up so the user isn't scared that they will break it, that way they can press every button without any fear.

I have taught a lot of older users and this is the main concern.

The best way to achieve this is to partition the hard drive in three, one to hold the programs, one to hold the data, and a third to hold a scheduled system backup.

If you use something like Acronis it can create another hidden partition that will hold an original untouched system copy that can be booted from start up.

You can combine this copy into the regular backups but for safetys sake keeping it separate from the scheduled backups is best.

Explain this means if they do something stupid you can recover the system quickly.

After you have the system setup (updated, email configured, etc...) and backup done install a GOOD antivirus - I suggest F-Secure.

Also make them a user on the system not an admin so they can't install programs without a password - Give them the password but it does stop them just installing any old thing with out thinking first.

Explain the basics and tell them to note down anything that they have problems with so you can show them later on.

Finally show them if something goes wrong you can have them up and running in 15 minutes, then let them loose.

Cheers,

Chris

That is the simplest learning environment, I can think of. Very sturdy, too - and practical. I'm sure Skype will be a hit.

If the person is starting from zero, you don't want to use an older laptop, which will be slow, unless you are a power user, who can set it up yourself to be fast and secure. Microsoft Windows is not advised in this scenario.

The cheapest tablet PC, I have seen is 133 euro from new (VIMA, France), but you might be able to find a used one in the newspaper. Otherwise, the price is currently 200-300 euro.

This one could be a good candidate: http://www.topd.ch/Computer/Point-of-View/mobii-Tablet-GenII-7-Tablet-PC-Touchscreen-000222491

Chris, this is good advice, but is also geared towards advanced users.. partitioning harddrives, Acronis, etc..    what's being asked for seems to be simpler. Like a tablet. No setup and nothing to break, unless you make a qualified effort. Better to explain, that they *can't* do anything stupid and so they will explore and make mistakes safely.

Does the ‘golden oldie’ understand French ?  Because there are several organizations that offer introductory courses especially tailored for senior citizens at different venues in and around Geneva.

If interested, please send me an email giving age-group (i.e., 60-70, 70-80, etc.) and residential area, so that I can look up what’s available where.

Off-hand, I don’t know of any courses in English, but it’s always possible that these also exist.   

Ritchie

Yes but tablets on screen keyboard can be very frustrating - I know I have one and use it constantly.

Its not really a computer either its more like a PDA. I understand what you are saying regarding the PC vs Tablet but I will say that a tablet could end up put a user off equally due to limitations.

I would recommend XP, while linux is more sturdy, getting free advice and programs is easier on windows. 

I have seen 2nd hand PC's going for well under 200CHF in the second hand stores and should be more than enough.

As for the partitioning it can be done at the same time as a fresh install of windows and is easy enough to do.

Acronis is about 50$ and worth it and walks you through whats needed. 

A bit of time and effort, and 250 CHF you have a rock solid PC that should be able to handle any abuse from a new user.

The idea is that the person setting up the PC needs to be willing to do a bit of work but the user can "play" without fear.

Thanks for your precious step by step advice! Where have u seen this computer, gonna think about.. Definitely XP is the best to use in her case!!! Just forget Linux! I can set up the rest for her: admin password, antivirus, partitions on the hard disk, not a big deal! Just need time to gather everything!  Is Acronis very important to have???

Thanks for your advice! Is the candidate you introduced me a bit small? I do not think it gonna help her... Too elaborated nope?

Chris> Indeed the user is currently described as very limited. How fast will the progress be during the next 2-3 years? Is stability or features most important? I'd say stability and simplicity. It is with this in mind, that I suggest the tablet for this particular user.

While XP can be made to run well on older hardware - if you know, what you do - I see no reason to invest in XP, Acronis and antivirus, when you can download Ubuntu, which will both partition and offer an online backup service and arguably has no need for antivirus.

Ubuntu, if that will be the choice, has a free 2GB online backup service, taking care of the problem of making data backups (not that you really need them with Ubuntu).

So, for 250CHF you can get an modern tablet and a memory card, instead of an old desktop running high-maintenance Windows.

As for the keyboard, you point is completely valid, but Celeste could consider a tablet with builtin bluetooth and get a corresponding keyboard, for when composing letters and emails are needed.

Maybe a course is the best idea, if that is feasible.

That particular tablet is 7", but a 10" is only 30CHF more expensive at that shop.

Thanks Ritchie! I am sending u the details via email 

Check out "Cash Convertors" in Carouge and you want to look for something that has at least a 2.8 P4 and 512Mb min. preferably 1GB ram. Make sure it has the Windows License sticker attached!! Very important. I would suggest that they should start the PC infront of you.

There are other backup solutions such as Macrium Reflect Free, which while not as powerful as Acronis but are still quite good. see here:

http://download.cnet.com/Macrium-Reflect-Free/3000-2242_4-10845728.html

As for free antivirus try either Avast or the Microsoft Security offerings.

Hello Celeste,

I read -and respect- both Chris Pettipiere and FerneyL advice, and am in admiration! of their knowledge on state-of-the-art...

However, my posting is very simple:  I have an old Compaq PC -in mint condition- that I am willing to let go to a good home, for a small amount.

Perhaps we could request Wizzard ZONKER to format it and prepare it for your friend. I have never used Zonker's services but from all that I've read about his computer skills, I am ready to leave it to his hands.

Let me know.

Hi Nomades,

What is the specificatins of the Compaq and is a tower?

The reason is this:

Having spent the last 7 years doing the same as Zonker on the Costa Blanca, or "Gods Waiting Room" I found that most older clients are more comfortable with a tower - it feels more solid, and harder to damage. Laptops are now pretty tough but removing the fear factor is a good idea

The setup we were talking about is fairly simple:

1 - Buy a Tower with windows XP - easiest OS to get help with from friends computer clubs, etc... 7 is far better but will cost more. 

2 - Clean install the XP creating 2/3 Partitions

     a - C: Partition 1 -The programs

     b - D: Partition 2 - The domentments & data (email etc...)

     c - L: Partition 3 - Optional backup area - It's a good idea to leave E  to H for CD's, External drives and Card readers, etc...

3 - Update the PC with latest fixes from Microsoft

4 - Install programs and shift all data so it always saves to the document area (partition 2) and not the C drive. The reason for this is if you have to wipe the PC due to virus attack, or any other reason, the data (the important stuff) is left alone and is safe. Corruptions and problems appears mostly in this area. If data is not mixed with other stuff - programs, system files, etc. it is easier to Virus check or disc check. The result is you can restore your PC at any time from the backup without concern.

 5 - Create a backup of system (C: Drive) with ghosting program - Acronis, Macrium, Ghost etc. If you have created the Backup partition (L: Drive) you can store you backup there. This is so you don't have to do all this hard work ever again - This time the 5-7 hours work will take about 15 minutes. 

7 - Install the Antivirus, update and present to happy new user.

I have built and installed hundreds of PC's and Laptops in this manner and the results is with exception of physical damgae the systems are fairly idiot proof. This is the setup I would use for anybody not just newbies. 

If you need help send me a PM.

Cheers,

Chris

Hi Chris,

It is a Compaq tower and you are welcome to take care of it, 'prepare' it for Celeste, should she be in agreement

I'll send you a pm.

cheers

Sary

Hi,

Thanks for your proposition in fact i found an old pc already, I am just thinking if it is the best to have or if i can found something more simple than an old pc, have to think and check with the person concerned... A bit confusing..

Celeste