Tip of the Day:Making it easier for Mom & Dad

Using computers for the elderly is a chore. The concept is simply alien to them - they use something called a 'typewriter', and the thought of connecting to the Internet, or even making a Skype call freaks them out. Adding to the confusion is a start button loaded with applications that don't even know how to use. Mom and Dad is simply scared of breaking something if they use it. So, hubby did a few things to make it easier for them;

1. Change the Wallpaper
The standard WinXP Pro wallpaper is a big metallic silver thing that can scare anyone not used to PCs. So, change it. Bliss is a good and friendly option. We prefer the family picture as our wallpaper.

2. Change the DPI settings:
If you're using anything higher than 800 x 600, you better adjust the DPI (dots per inch) settings so that text won't look too small, and older people won't have to squint so hard. Using a large setting (120 dpi) to compensate for a higher screen resolution. Don't just bump down the resolution, since many applications will need scrolling (vertically and horizontally) and this will turn people off, especially horizontal scrolling.

3. Find a Dock:
A dock is something that Macs use to simplify their life. It is usually situated at the bottom of the screen, and it is a compilation of 'icons' that the user can immediately recognise - and launch with a single click. This is handy for old folks, because they can immediately see what they want to use, and just click to launch it - instead of going through numerous items in the start menu. Avoid putting shortcuts on the desktop, they make clutter, and sometimes it messes up your registry (hubby said). A dock is much, much better - in both form and function . You can get Y'Z Dock (discontinued) or Mobydock, both are suitable for XP, it's just a matter of preference - I like Y'Z better.
While you're at it, get some PNG icons, too. The standard WinXP icons suck, i.e get a phone icon if you Skype. It is immediately identifiable and easy to click and launch.

Lastly, this is something I would just tell you (not recommending anything) - use Mac theme - it is definitely easier on the eyes than windows. For starters, refer to Iceman's Mac Emulation page.It's a lot of work, though, changing the system icons n' stuff, but it's worth the effort. Or, if you're lazy, just use Windowblinds. However, this will add some weight to your system, since it resides in the memory - and system tray, thus adding resources to your system.

There - a few tips to get the old folks to cosy up to the habit of using the beige box. So far, from our initial tests, they like the changes.....I'll keep you updated for further improvements. Ciao.

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Tags: mom, tips, computer, PC, mac, windowblinds, icons, PNG, wallpaper, dock