A few important things to know.

To say the least, our expectations were very high. Though I still think that this is a rather modest list that aims toward rather basic computer and internet use, I have to admit that many computer users my age still encounter difficulties with some of these "basic" skills.

You should remember two important aspects of computer use:
The computer can do much more than you'll ever want it to, but you don't know today what you may want it to do tomorrow. Thus, though today you may not know why you need a computer, once you have one you'll find more and more things you want to do with it. Without a doubt, even an 86 year old grandmother can make wonderful use of it.
Tasks which seem daunting today, like a list of thirteen specific skills, will, within a very short period of time, seem second nature, and you'll discover that by experimenting and using the basic skills you've learned, new skills will come easily. (IF you actually make use of the computer.)
First of all, you should know that it is almost impossible for you to damage the computer if you experiment with what you think may be possible with it. You cannot hurt anyone and nothing you do (short of hitting or dropping it or spilling food all over it) can harm the actual physical machine. The computer is a tool for you to enjoy.
Each one of these skills consists of a series of simple tasks.

You should know how to turn on the computer.

You should know how to type your own thoughts and experiences (independent of email).

You should know how to retrieve an email message.

Every now and then, you'll receive a message (email) with an attachment (usually a photograph of one of your einiklach). You should know how to find and open such an attachment.

You should know how to reply to a message.

You might find (or receive) something on the computer you want to share with someone else. You should know how to send an attached document (this might be a photograph of one of your einiklach).

You should know how to create a new email message.

You should know how to enter an address into the "To:" window from the Address Book.

You should know how to enter an address into the "To:" window for someone whose email address you just received.

You should know how to print a document (this might be an email message or a photograph of one of your einiklach).

You should know how to add someone to the Address Book.

You should know how to "surf" the Web.

You should know how to "bookmark" a Web Page.

You should know how to send a URL.

You should know to how find documents you create and receive on the computer.

Again, remember it is almost impossible for you to damage the computer if you experiment with what you think may be possible with it. You cannot hurt anyone and nothing you do (short of hitting or dropping it) can harm
the actual physical machine. The computer is a tool for you to enjoy.

Though Mom has become more or less adept at sending and receiving e-mail, she's hardly ventured into (onto? out to?) the web. That's territory which it seems will remain unmapped and unexplored. I'm not sure that she's fully grasped the idea that information on a remote computer is being displayed on her computer screen. Then again, often I get the feeling that most internet users don't grasp this either. We really shouldn't press our luck. Bookmarking interesting sites, let alone sending them to her children, is still a long way off. How far off? Well, it's turned out to be much easier for Mom to simply leave the computer on, and connected, 24 hours a day. And she seems relieved that there really isn't much need for even learning how to turn the machine on and off.

Go to: My Connected Mom