What should I teach a 44 year old about computers?

Question

Well, I'm helping someone with there computer. But while I do that, I'd like to show them what they COULD do on the computer that doesn't consist of email, checking the bank and stuff like that.

Any suggestions about this? In otherwords.. I'm trying to show that the computer could be.. fun to use.. Maybe slightly addictive as well. haha

Thanks in advance,

Nick

Answer 1

What does he/she like to do? Find sites that have to do with the person's interests, just as you would with someone your own age. Also show them sites for useful things, like Mapquest, shopping, learning how to do something, etc. And whatever you do, don't assume that because the person is 44 that they are "old," even if you think they are, and don't treat them that way - they will resent it, and with good reason.

You might also consider showing them how to use things like MS Word and the other functions of Office if they're installed on the system. Make the computer useful to THEM, and the rest will take care of itself.

I disagree with the answer above that talks about hardware. If you were teaching them how to use a TV, would you get into transistors and cathode ray tubes and the mechanics of flat screens? Of course not. Other than helping them understand some basics like the amount of drive space they have, FORGET the hardware - they don't need it any more than you need to know how to build an engine to drive a car.

Answer 2

As a computer teacher myself, I first ask my adult students what they expect to do with the computer.

If you want to make this person happy, teach them what they want to know. If they are completely unfamiliar with computers, show them how to use the mouse by playing Solitaire. Solitaire teaches several aspects, drag & drop, clicking, double-clicking, right-clicking and using menus. Solitaire is an excellent introduction to using computers.

If you want to introduce other aspects, perhaps you can demonstrate some simple photo editing or format a wordprocessor document. Whatever you do... keep it simple. If you go overboard, you may intimidate the person.

Answer 3

Hi. You might start with surfing. That is easy to grasp and always fun. Have them pick a subject and try different search engines. Games are also fun.

Answer 4

*** If you can go in Details, as much as you can ***
Different Hardwares - Processor, Hard Disk, Ram etc
Different Hardware Ports - Mouse, USB, Sound.
Operaing System - MS Dos, Windows, Linux, Unix (Overview)
Bios - Basic Idea
Windows >>
Executing Different Softwares
Start >> All Programs >> Accessories (All) >> System tools
Start >> Control Panel (All)
Start >> Run Command / Search / Help
My Computer = Basic (C:, Rom Drive, etc)