For those who are computer challenged, why do you think you have such an issue?

[Gravitycollapse]

I've always wondered this. It seems that those who did not grow up in the computer age have the hardest time with them. My current theory is that it is similar to the problem of learning a foreign language after childhood development. Because of the way we learn in our youth, and the way the brain seems to "set in" as we grow older, learning the language of computing becomes a significantly more difficult task.

Anyway, I help my elderly grandmother a lot with her computer and it can be extremely frustrating. I'm trying to figure out different ways of teaching her the right way effectively.

Just want to make it clear that I'm not trying to offend anyone. I'm legitimately interested in hearing what people have to say.

[premium]

1. My grandchildren have a different phrase for it,

they call me computer stupid. I had to have my granddaughter teach me how to use a computer and the internet.
But, yeah, I think it is a generational thing. I still don't know that much about computers despite my granddaughter's best efforts.

[sufrommich]

2. My Mom is 75,I'm 56 and call her when I need computer help.

I don't think it has anything to do with age,in my case it's impatience more than anything else.I'm not offended by your question, I just need to know enough about computers to use them as I see fit, anything beyond that bores me.

[GoneOffShore]

28. You've hit the nail on the head.

I'm 65 and Mrs GoS is 53.

She has far more issues with her computer (we both have MacBook Pro's running Mountain Lion) than I do.

It comes down to impatience and not really getting the whole "several ways to get from A to B" aspect of computers. And impatience. And not being interested in learning anything beyond the bare minimum.

Oh and I did mention the impatience, right?

[steve2470]

3. Without venturing into neuroscience, I think lack of familiarity is a huge factor

Despite taking a programming course in 1978, I was literally scared to touch the wrong key or button on a PC before 1993. I'm only 54 too.

Once I was exposed to a PC on a day-to-day basis at work and shown the basic safe steps of operation, I was fine. It helped I enjoyed using it and wanted to learn more. People have different aptitudes in learning, and this gets accentuated with the elderly I'm sure.

[Evergreen Emerald]

4. My brain is a little old man with a visor and a shoebox full of

Index cards. When I attempt to think of something, he searches through them as fast as he can, but he has not updated in a long time, and his filing needs work. I don't think he has added any index cards for byte.

[senseandsensibility]

69. Lol

Perfect! I love the wit I see displayed on DU frequently. Like yours, it's often self deprecating. You'd never see posts like this on the freeper site.

[OKNancy]

5. I'm 64, self taught

and my family calls me with all their troubles. I run my own website, and have taken a computer apart.
When I started learning about computers... well let me just say "punch cards"
HOWEVER... my 85 year old mom is helpless. When I tried to teach her to copy and paste, she started crying.
She refuses to learn how to text message on her phone too. It just confuses her.

[Gravitycollapse]

6. So I guess you technically group up in the very early years of the computer age?

I'm 23. I was sending emails to President Clinton when I was a wee child in my computer class in summer school. I've never lived in a world where the internet hasn't existed.

[OKNancy]

7. yes... now that I live in the wired age, I would never want to go back

I used to use a mimeograph machine to do handouts for my dance students! Nasty machine. I'm sure some of our older member can remember the smell. My first word processor and printer was a such a wonderful thing. Oh and excel! I used to keep my books on a green piece of graph paper. And music editing! I could edit CD's instead of paying a professional to cut a reel to reel tape. I could go on.

I love technology. I do think young people should still learn to write cursive and to do basic math without a calculator and talk in person or at least on the phone instead of text. All in all though I love the 21st century.

[LeftInTX]

10. Hey we all loved that smell!!

Whenever we got fresh handouts in school the whole class would sniff.
I always thought they smelled like grape popsicles.

[OKNancy]

12. LOL in small doses I guess

but in your house, not so much. The stuff was called spirit fluid. Dangerous stuff.

[pipi_k]

46. When dinosaurs roamed the earth...

I graduated from a business oriented high school in 1970.

We learned how to use a mimeograph machine, how to calculate on one of those huge adding machines with the handle, and type on an old IBM Selectric II.

Went back to another business school in 1984 and learned data entry/data processing, which included those awful punch cards.

At one point, I was working in the office of a small business, where the only method of entering data (until my cheap ass boss updated the equipment) involved doing it on a Kaypro 10.

OMG.

10 Mb!!!!!

I still have nightmares about floppy disks, fluorescent lime green characters, and .bak files...

[LeftInTX]

8. 35 years ago, I was a computer programmer

I wasn't a very good one - LOL

I think it is a patience issue. I really struggle to learn the file system in Windows 7. Program files scattered all over the hard drive as a opposed to being in the program folder etc. Multiple user accounts on a computer just didn't exist 35 years ago.

I haven't the patience to learn Twitter. Have no idea how it works.
I haven't the patience to learn Facebook. I've got a private page that just sits there. The only time I use Facebook is to comment here and there.

My kids on the other hand are always updating and sharing all their pics with Facebook and Instagram. I know there are privacy issues with Facebook and you've got to be invited to view private pages.

I consider myself cell phone challenged.

I've got NoScript scriptblocker to prevent malware on Firefox, however don't have the patience to unblock many media sites. (I've got YouTube permanently unblocked.) Even when I unblock many sites, the media doesn't work.

When I post YouTube videos here in DU, I can't figure out how to post without leaving part of the html code visible, yet many posters on DU post videos and remove all the visible code.

In the 1990s my dad knew more about computers than I did. He taught himself and got ahead of me.

[Make7]

39. Use the YouTube share link.

On YouTube's site under a video, click on the Share tab and copy the Share this video link. It should look something like this...

   http://youtu.be/kYofm5d5Xdw

... if you put that URL in a DU post, it should embed the video and not display any miscellaneous text.
[div style="height:1.154em; width:100%; border-bottom:1px solid #aaaaaa;"]
For normal links you can delete everything from the link except the parameter to identify the video. Using the above video as an example, a normal YouTube link (that won't show any added text when embedded on DU) should look like this:

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYofm5d5Xdw

Anything other than the v=[video_id] portion will usually show up as text here.

[LeftInTX]

62. Got it!!!

[Jenoch]

9. My father was 53

wben he got his first PC, back in the era of MS-DOS. He has had five home computers since, not counting those at his office before he retired. He's 81 now but still doesn't really understand their structure, meaning how to maintain them and keeping his folders in an orderly fashion. He has recently learned how to attach a document to an e-mail without assistance.

I have two older brothers who have had PCs at their home for nearly 20 years. As far as I know they only use them for web surfing, e-mail, and one of them is a Facebook addict while the other would not sign up for Facebook if he was paid to do so.

[bettyellen]

11. I really need to set things up to be handy or "intuitive" or I get lost...

I used to find PCs a lot more daunting till they started to look more like Macs.
But any new system I pretty much have to poke around and make a lot of mistakes before I learn anything.
I need to break all the info into sizable chunks.
When a process is complicated, and I need to learn it quickly- or know I will need sporadically and will forget all the steps or inputs involved) I take a series of screen shots to guide me. And I email it to myself for future reference- or to share with others,

[RC]

13. My dad was 73 or so when he bought himself his first computer.

He used it too. AOL, dial-up was all that was available at the time.
He did a monthly Paleontology news letter. After Google happened, he did research on what ever he was wanting to know.
He had a scanner. Did his taxes, the household book keeping on it. On line banking when it happened. Ordering what he wanted/needed on line. Made the neighbors wonder what was going on when a big box delivery truck backed up to the garage door to deliver a case of paper or what ever else.
He was on his 3rd computer by the time we had to put him in a home some 10 years later.
From Windows 3.1 to XP. From dial up to the fastest Internet the local cable company had to offer at the end.
So age isn't the problem. My own experiences indicate it is the mind set of the user. Whether they are afraid of it, they see it as a tool to use, or what.

[Occulus]

14. It's almost solely due to piss-poor instructions

Learning a computer is very easy IF you have someone there who knows how take things step-by-step.

If you have someone who says "it's easy, just do this and this and this and this and this", it's overwhelming.

Ask me anything. I'm an expert. I can teach anyone how to do anything they want to do with any Windows or linux machine.

Mac users can call the genius bar. I *will not* educate Mac owners. You all are completely on your own for all of me.

[randome]

16. Anytime a programmer or tutor tells you, "All you have to do is..." you know you're in trouble.

The operation of computers should be so basic that no one needs someone standing over their shoulder showing them how to do something.

Most of the web sites that are designed typically need some 'pre-knowledge' in order to know how to navigate them.

There are few web sites and few operating systems that are designed for non-technicians.

[hr]
[font color="blue"][center]Stop looking for heroes. BE one.[/center][/font]
[hr]

[steve2470]

17. I've been on the internet for 17 years and I still have trouble with some sites

Intuitive ? What's that ?

Usually within a minute I can navigate any website. If it takes me longer than that, it's a piss poorly designed site.

[randome]

22. Design skills are not considered valuable and they should be.

The ability of a designer to think like a user should be taught extensively. But it isn't. Most companies simply think 'throw some flashy pages out there and we'll call it good.'

Rarely do you find judicious use of white space or evident organizational skills.

Short-term gain.

[hr]
[font color="blue"][center]Stop looking for heroes. BE one.[/center][/font]
[hr]

[steve2470]

24. I agree with your points nt

[Paladin]

43. +1. (nt)

[LeftInTX]

27. Step-by-step kinda goes out with information overload

Sure the OS requires step-by-step concentration to master, but my daughter has absolutely no patience yet she's fine with Facebook, Instagram etc. Whereas I'm horrible with Facebook.

I'm pretty good with OS stuff, but I can't figure out Twitter.

(I was a programmer 35 years ago. Not a very good one though)

ETA: With each new Windows OS that is released, the step-by-step stuff gets harder and harder. With Windows 95, it was pretty straight forward. System files, programs files and documents all pretty much separate. By XP the focus was on user accounts and the OS pretty much ballooned.

[randome]

15. Some people 'get' computers, others do not.

Computers should not require intense levels of intimate knowledge to do all but the most basic of tasks. But they were designed by engineers, not everyday people so that disconnect will probably always be there.

[hr]
[font color="blue"][center]Stop looking for heroes. BE one.[/center][/font]
[hr]

[fredamae]

18. I, literally don't have anyone

to teach me. I would Love to know how to use programs---but everytime I try on my own-I screw my whole 'puter up and don't know how to fix it..
I took a class but they only taught basics, turning it on, surfing the web etc. I know how to do that. When I explained what I needed-I was told I'd need to take a programing class just to master various basic progs like Excel/PP etc. Thats way more advanced than what I seek.
I need something in the interim-I simply don't understand the language well enough to do it on my own.
I'm likey old enuf to be your G-Ma too

[steve2470]

20. try this site:

http://www.seniorsguidetocomputers.com/

Let me know how easy it is

[fredamae]

21. I'll check it out! Thx :) n/t

[steve2470]

26. you're very welcome ! nt

[monmouth3]

49. Thank you Steve. Basic stuff I can do, it's other stuff I get confused..

[steve2470]

51. sometimes there are tutorials on Youtube for programs

Also, if you get stuck in a program, you can always ask for help in our very own support group:

Computer Help and Support (Group)

[sammytko]

50. That is not a programming class, you need a microsoft office class

I was taking one at the local community college. I've used them all before, but was self taught and I knew there was more to learn. Maybe check classes in your area and just buy the book. Ours was a step by step guide. It was fun.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

19. I think for many it's a matter of interest as much as anything....

I didn't own a computer until I was 52...then bought a PC. Didn't have any problem learning how to do what I wanted to do with it and fell in love with the internet immediately. In 2004 I switched from a PC to an iMac. Anyone can learn to use a Mac, the things I don't do are not because I can't, but because I've never wanted or needed to and have had no reason to learn how. The learning is not an issue. If I decide I want to do something, I can figure/find out how to do it.

I think what you would find is that your grandmother has trouble learning any new skill set...not just those needed for the computer. It might be easier to give her clearly written simple instruction cards. My ex-husband does not know how to compose new email. He only replies or forwards! He's 69 ( I am 65) I've walked him through the process at least two times, that I remember. For his birthday next month I am giving him a set of cards with the simple How to: of new email and a few other things that seem to stump him...attachments etc. He has trouble learning anything new these days, but has not been diagnosed with Alzheimer's so it's just a matter of age related difficulties. Not all suffer from them, and there is a wide variety as to severity amongst we older folks.

[bettyellen]

32. instead of just written instructions (I am awful at those) a series of screen shots helps a lot.

I do this all the time, and it saves me time if someone asks for help, too.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

33. That's a good idea....

I will add them to the written instructions.... You have no idea how basic I will have to get for the ex to understand!

[bettyellen]

34. I'm really visual and have a hard time with losing paper instructions... so I write a tiny bit,

then show the proper button to click in a shot, then another few words....etc.
I think most programs let you add "callouts" arrows or circles and word bubbles to highlight where to look/ click, if you take a full screen shot too.
I lose everything marked instructions, so I title it How to X, and mail it to myself.
That way it's in my in AND out box. Sad, isn't it?

Good luck SD!

[Sekhmets Daughter]

36. It's actually very clever!

I have kept friends and our son highly entertained describing my efforts to direct the ex, over the telephone. There is a part of me that would almost, but just almost, regret not having to do it yet again!

Thanks for the idea and the good wishes!

[bettyellen]

37. you are most welcome!

[Isoldeblue]

23. My first internet experience was w/a WEBTV in 2000.

I loved that thing. The newsgroups were a fantastic community. From each state to ebay groups to hobbies and political interests. We even got together to meet one another. We could have fancy sig designs for our emails and had contests for the best ones. Learning HTML was a hoot!

Now I'm on a PC and can only do the very basics. Maybe because I'm much older in my late 60s', but I can't seem retain as much info for operating it . My sons try to help me but still wind up doing the work, when needed.

I'll always prefer my webtv to the very impersonal pc....

[Occulus]

30. What is it, specifically, you have a question about?

I'm sure I can help. Just ask.

[Isoldeblue]

56. Thanks for that

One thing my sons don't know about is where to get an original (or close to), tetris game and install it. Years ago, at work we had a IBM pc w/it. I played it a lot and still love it. But the ones online are nothing like the real one.

Is that something you can help me with? I'd be so appreciative, if you could

[steve2470]

57. is this helpful ?

http://www.ecrater.com/p/10915632/tetris-worlds-pc?gps=1&id=52211034499

[Isoldeblue]

58. I'm not sure

I have Microsoft Windows XP. Will that work with that tetris game? If it is, I'm buying it!! Thanks.

[steve2470]

60. It might

It says it's compatible with Windows 95 and 98. You might want to ask the seller via email or contact form if it is. I'd hate to see you buy it and discover it doesn't work.

Good luck !

[DireStrike]

72. This looks pretty much like a carbon copy of the original game boy tetris:

http://www.tetrisfriends.com/games/Mono/game.php

[RebelOne]

71. I also had Web TV in the late '90s.

It was great surfing the Web on my 27-inch TV. But it had its limitations, so I switched to a PC.

[Isoldeblue]

73. I was hoping to meet some fellow webbies

HI! Did you post in the NC group by any chance? We had a a name like yours there.

[William769]

25. When I taught my mother

I had her start out playing solitaire & spider solitaire. Once she got used to using the mouse (she didn't even realize she was learning), everything else just seem to fall into place for basic computer skills.

[sammytko]

52. That is so clever!

Make it fun to use

[William769]

64. That was the idea.

She got pretty good at it too.

[L0oniX]

29. "Don't touch the keyboard ....OMG you blew up the computer"

I think its mostly that some just don't want to learn something new. I've had to drag my boss (70 yo) kicking an screaming into using a computer, email, spread sheet and documents ...he just does not want to learn anything anymore but every time he does he is glad he did. Now that he gets so much business from the websites I put up for him he now has a clue. He even has a customer data base now that he actually uses ...wow.

[MADem]

31. Figure out what she does on the computer, where she likes to go, and

create some easy links for her so all she has to do it point and click.

[WinkyDink]

35. Plenty of people don't get mechanical/technological things. But many who do lack other talents.

[NV Whino]

38. I was in tears every day for the first two months I had a computer

Then one day it clicked that computer programmers don't think like real people. (For instance, adding 20% of a typeface's height to line spacing rather than using the pre existing leading system.) Once I stopped trying to understand why something worked and just accepted that it worked, I got along fine. Now I keep all my friends', who are mostly older than I am, and I ain't no spring chicken, computers in working order, and I teach them new (or old) programs.

The key is to teach things in small chunks and spend no more than two hours at a time. Works even better if you can make the lesson about a specific project, rather than trying to teach abstract skills.

[Lugnut]

40. I started using a computer back in 1990.

My first computer had no hard drive and commands were in DOS. I think these newfangled things are stupid easy to use. Oh yeah...I'm 67 years old.

[ohheckyeah]

41. For some people it's fear.

Lots of people are afraid of screwing up the computer. I explained to my elderly parents that if they ran the virus scan once a week there was little, short of taking a hammer to it, they could do to screw the computer up beyond repair.

I made them videos of the basic things they needed to know, using a program that records the actions on a desktop. I made the pointer huge so they could follow it and explained the terms like desktop, file, right click, left click, etc.

I related actions on the computer to what they did without the computer. For instance, the email is like their regular mailbox. You have to open it to get the mail. Clicking on an email to open it is like using a letter opener to open a piece of snail mail. After you've read it, just like snail mail, you have to decide to answer it, throw it away (delete it), or file it. That made sense to them.

I also downloaded Team Viewer on both of our computers. That way I can help them with a computer problem without being there.

[steve2470]

42. For me, yes, it was fear at first. Your parents are lucky that you are so patient and kind nt

[ohheckyeah]

44. Thanks....

they are both 86. Mom is better on the computer because she has more patience. She even has her own Facebook account. I got her comfortable with the computer by showing her how to play solitaire. Dad has the "why" problem. It used to bug the heck out of him that you click on the start button to shut down. When I explained to him that he also uses the "starter" on his car to both start and shut it down and the same light switch to turn the light off and on, he got over it.

The big fear some people have is fear of looking stupid. I don't know why they think they should know how to do something without any training.

[scarletwoman]

45. What does your elderly grandmother need to know how to do?

Is it email? Basic start-up? Search?

I'm 63 years old. I got my first computer (a PC) in 1999 and am almost completely self-taught. I got a job in the Accounting department at the company where I work in 2001 by totally bluffing about my skills, and then proceeded to teach myself how to use Excel in a hurry. After 6 years in accounting, I transferred to an Admin job, and taught myself how to work in Word, Publisher, Power Point, and do a lot of work with graphics. Now I upload content to our company website and have taught myself some basic html.

I don't think it has anything to do with age, or with growing up with the technology - I've picked up everything I know after the age of 50. I think it simply has to with interest and desire. I really wanted to know how to do stuff and most of the time I've had to figure out to do it on my own. I think the main thing is that you have to be willing to flail about in the unknown and keep at it until whatever it is you're trying to do finally "clicks".

I've ended up teaching lots of computer stuff to other people over time, and the one important thing I know about how to do this is to always make sure you've got the other person in the driver's seat, so to speak. Make sure that other person is the one who is sitting in the chair in front of their monitor and that they are the one moving the mouse and clicking the keys. This builds up their "body memory", which is essential for learning any task.

The person teaching needs to be patient and compassionate, and generous with praise and encouragement. Proceed as slowly as needed in a loving and supportive spirit. And, most important of all, with good humor.

[sammytko]

47. I think it's because they are afraid they will break it

My sisters are like that. Me, if it breaks, I'll just get another one.

They have more money than me, but spending a " large" sum of money one one thing scares them too.

[dem in texas]

48. Age Makes no difference

I am a 73 year-old Grandmother who worked in the computer business for many years starting with mid-size and main frame computers. When the first PC's came out, I had to learn some DOS. When windows came around, I had to learn the windows commands and features. Finally when the Novell networks came out, I went to the community college and took a class. After that I took classes in Dreamweaver, photoshop, flash and a few others. I found it was easier to learn it in a class than on my own.

But - some of the classes had students who were computer illiterates and were 25 to 30 years younger than me. I remember one young woman in photoshop because she always tried to sit by me because she knew I would help her.

I bet some of the old fogies you are talking about can type circles around you because they learned how to type on a manual typewriter in high school years ago. Today fast typing is not a prized skill because the computer can't keep up with a really fast typist. Ask that old white haired lady how to operate a mimeograph. I bet she could show you and then you would be the dummy.

What I am saying is people learn the skills they need at the time they need them. Don't look down on these people. That said, I wish there more people would take a basic computer class. I get calls from my friends all the time with simple problems, some of them don't know the basics of their computer.

[quakerboy]

53. Perspective from the other side

There are many from my own generation who are incompetent with computers

There are many from older generations who are quite competent with computers.

My father was from the program your own "computer" via punchcards era. I remember my childhood computer used a tape drive. I also remember him doing a fairly good job with C prompt stuff, and even some minor programming.

And now he asks me for help with bookmarks, and adds like 50 toolbars to Explorer, which he refuses to consider moving away from. Though somehow he has managed to find his way into the whacked out RW parts of the internet.

So I think the biggest portions of it are a) people who don't really care to spend their time on computer related things and b) people who have, for whatever reason, stopped being either able or willing to change and learn new things.

[elfin]

54. Am 72 - used to be ahead of the pack

Got first computer - Apple II plus because fascinated with the coming revolution.

On to the Mac Classic for GUI and because always in charge of volunteer groups newsletters.

Hand scanner etc. Then to the web! Netscape.

Then up the chain to Mac Book Pro, but stopped at OS 10.4.11 because going further could complicate my Photoshop and Quark without an investment of more $ and more time. resented the next step for the first time. And because I had arrived at that stage of geezer hood that I resented having to learn something "new" when the old system worked just fine.

Now have an Ipad and while I cannot sync, use Dropbox and use the computer for big layout projects. Still don't want to spend money and time to go further, despite urging from children.

Along the way, peer group friends who went Mac more quickly adopted computer activities than those whose kids talked them into PCs. Now suspect both equally confusing to elders more set in their ways.

Those friends who were in their 60's when I was proselytizing and who didn't get one and learn are out of the loop in those groups they once led due to Email notifications instead of phone calls etc. They are now in their still vibrant 80's, but feeling left out. Sad.

[Le Taz Hot]

55. It has nothing to do with age.

I've taught computer classes to ALL ages and I can tell you there is no age limit for those who struggle learning the computer. The vast majority of my students would learn just fine but there were those who, for whatever reason, struggled. The age range was from the teens to 60-something.

[geckosfeet]

59. I legitemately think that you are clueless about people.

Technology is a tool. People have other ways of communicating besides through highly abstracted and contrived interfaces.

Learning ones way around an abstraced environment is simply not important to some folks. As long as they can turn the machine on and off and send email or run facetime they are getting what thry need from technology.
They don"t get their sense of self from interacting with it. It is simply not as self stimulating for them.

[muriel_volestrangler]

61. I don't think you read the OP properly

It's not asking why some people don't think computers are important, or don't enjoy them. It gives a concrete example of their grandmother, who needs frequent help to achieve what she wants to.

[geckosfeet]

65. She just doesn't care about learning to use technology. All the "teaching" in the world

isn't going to make her learn until she wants to learn. She won't want to learn until she personally finds some value in the technology.

Maybe she just likes the interaction with the "teacher" and could give a rats tail about the technology.

I think I read the op just fine.

[muriel_volestrangler]

66. So, you think she wants the interaction with the person who is clueless about people

and is making up excuses to get them to come and see her?

Your reading of a person you've never met is truly impressive. You must reckon yourself as having a profound insight into relationships if you can dismiss a DUer, based on one post, as "clueless about people", and determine the true feelings of another you've never heard a word from, just from the words of the person you insult as 'clueless about people'.

[geckosfeet]

68. Thanks. You are coming through loud and clear.

But your right, I don't get it either. The computer would seem friendlier.

[Paladin]

67. I think your take on the OP is well-stated. (nt)

[Marrah_G]

63. I think it's really like learning a new language.

If you are fluent in computer the most basic terms like "cut and paste" are just part of your language. Many of the older generation have to not only learn the terms, but the actions that go with those terms and how they transfer to other applications.

Our kids are even more plugged in and I would bet they connect to tech on an even deeper level then my brain does at 42.

[MineralMan]

70. It has nothing to do with age. It's something else.

I'm not sure what, but there are both young and old people who have extraordinary difficulty and extraordinary success with technology. My mother in law is in the first category, and is 85 years old. Her little pocket transistor radio quit. My wife bought her a brand new
$50 whiz-bang pocket radio. I took one look at it and told my wife that she'd never be able to use it. It had an lcd display and buttons all over it. I went to Walgreens and bought a Sony pocket radio for $10. One thumbwheel for on/off and volume. The other for tuning. A slide switch changes bands. Just like her old one. I handed it to her, she turned it on, tuned in the station she listens to all day and that was that.

If she had the one my wife had bought, she'd have pushed the weather button or the mute button or the scan button and put it in a drawer the first day. MiL does not want to learn new technology. She has a computer. I set it up to start up and open AOL, the only thing she ever does on it. It's got mega anti-virus and anti-malware software. She still screws it up, and the answer is for her to shut it down at the outlet strip, and push the button to turn it back on. That one act reboots the computer, the router, and the cable modem.

I told her to do that if it won't do what she wants and then leave the room and make a fresh pot of coffee and not come back until she pours a cup. When she comes back, AOL is on the screen, and she's logged in. Even though the PC sometimes goes through the "Windows did not shut down properly" routine, it always comes back. Once a month, I spend an hour checking the PC out and fix anything that has screwed up.

She will not delete unwanted emails. She will not use a spam folder. She has strict instructions to never open any attachment in an email or click any link in any email, and she follows those rules. During my monthly checks, I just delete all email that has been there since before my last check, saving only those from her relatives. She has never wanted to go back more than a month to look at an email. She doesn't even remember she got it. She prints them all out anyhow, and they go into a box. Once a year, I throw the box away, with her permission.

She wants the computer, but has exactly zero interest in understanding anything about it. So, I made it work her way. She's happy, and I don't have to field trouble calls.

My wife knows how to use the PC, but she's lazy about some things. She will not uninstall programs. Since she reviews software as part of her living, things get ugly. So, every six months, I go in and uninstall everything she's finished reviewing and get her computer running fast again. Every couple of years, she dumps that computer and starts fresh with a brand new machine. I take the old one, restore it to its factory settings and upgrade.

Nobody has to learn everything. If they don't want to, things can be set up so they can use them the way they want.

[laundry_queen]

74. It's aptitude and attitude - not age.

We first got computers in school when I was in fourth grade. My parents bought a computer around the same time - a Vic20. It was a useless POS despite me spending many hours trying to 'program' it. My parents hated it and I was only allowed 30 min at a time anyway, so I gave up. I taught myself to use it as a calculator, to change colors, and to play games on it. No help from my parents. I read the manual. Then the computer broke down. I never had one again, until I moved in with my now-ex. I did learn quite a bit in school - we learned to use word and other basics. Our school got the internet in '92 but it was only used by those who were REAL computer geeks...you had to take a course that had prerequisites and by then it was too late for me (I was in my last year).

When I was living with my now-ex, we first got the net in '96. I immediately taught myself how to do everything, although my ex did the initial set up. I eventually got so far as to make my own webpage and host a temporary forum. Then I had more kids and couldn't play around as much, and webpages got more complex and I sort of gave up. Now, my kids are much more tech savvy than I am, but they've been on computers since they were toddlers. My oldest could spell her name on the computer before she could even talk, LOL. I don't think it's my age that hampers me, but more my free time and responsibilities. I've also since gone back to school and have learned MANY new programs, so I haven't had much extra time to be 'with it' when it comes to social media. I am on Facebook and I do have a Twitter account - I just don't use it except to follow others.

My grandfather, who died a few years ago at the ripe old age of 102, started using a computer in his 90's. He loved to play solitaire with cards, so my cousins showed him how to play on the computer. He was tickled that he didn't have to shuffle cards anymore, and figured out how to play other games really fast. His only complaint was the computer made it impossible to cheat, lol.

My mom is good with computers because she uses them at work - although she still calls me up to fix hers... My dad doesn't use them at work and hates them. He knows how to use email, and that's about it. He has no interest in learning about it, calls it a waste of time, and refuses to learn how to text on his phone, even though it would be so much easier for us since he picks up my youngest from daycare, but sometimes I get off early. It's a huge hassle to call his work and they have to chase him down (he's in the back shop) but he still refuses to set up his texting so I can just let him know I've picked up my daughter. Yet, HIS mother taught herself how to surf online, and set up her own internet and email, and took a few computer courses - when she was in her 80's. I don't get why my dad not only doesn't want to learn, but has to insult everyone else who uses the computer (waste of time, stupid, dumb, why bother, what's wrong with you...the insults are constant).

So, wow, that got long, but I think it's almost exclusively attitude and whether you have the means to learn or not. I don't think it has to do with age at all. My 70 year old uncle is one of the most tech savvy people I know. I think he's on every social media site there is, LOL. And there are some younger people I go to school with that are just lost when it comes to learning new programs. Perhaps it seems like it might be age because there are plenty of older people who didn't have such opportunities with computers when they were younger and just never bothered to learn because they didn't see the need, but I don't think it's because they can't or it's some mysterious language you need to grow up around to understand. JMHO.