Eglu Cube Coop For Sale

[Valkyrie]

For the purpose of e-mailing and such. Now we want to say forget it. She can't operate Sky+ when it glitches without a panic phone call - in spite of the fact she has done it so many times before.

I have visions of her being on the phone all the time and Murray trying to sort her out every five minutes. He does the same for his dad (who's much younger and youthful for a 70 year old), thankfully not as much as when he first had the computer though. I think mum will be calling to ask how to turn it on!!!

I can't see my brother going to her aid as he lives an hour away. He is always full of wonderful ideas like - dad should have a new car with a better engine - when we wanted him to stop driving for public saftey (and his own)!

 

So do I tell him forget it? Or am I a big party pooping sister.

[clootie]

My MIL and FIL have a comp purely for this reason as 2 of my BIL live abroad and it's great for sending photos etc. They started off with the best will in in the world but even with support from the youngest BIL re Skype (he's a Graphic Designer and works with comps all day every day) it's fallen flat on its fisog. They just can't do it, try as they might, so it's back to snail mail and phone calls.

[Dodge]

Why not get your mum to enroll in one of the many free "learn to use a PC" courses for pensioners at the local library etc and let her see first hand what it's all about and then if she can cope with that, then she can move on to the next step of getting her own PC

 

But also make sure your brother knows in no uncertain terms that he will be providing the "IT Support" and not you.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

My MIL got a laptop a few years ago (she's 82 now) and I never thought she'd cope with it. She has really surprised me though . She only uses it for emailing and a bit of web browsing but managed to change their fuel provider online recently .

 

She went on one of those courses at the local library but the main thing is they have a friend who is a wizz on computers and he helps her if she gets stuck.

 

I would say a laptop might be easier to cope with - fewer wires and bits to worry about.

 

Is there someone local who might help her out in a crisis?

[Valkyrie]

Well it's just us local to offer help - they moved here to be closer (and I could keep an eye on them) but since dad died I have found just how independent mum is - NOT! She is fine with her newfangled phone, but that's about her limit. My brother bought her a DVD the other year - she never uses it. Mr Big Ideas Man, but never around to sort out the mess that ensues after. He means well, but he never thinks - and because I have always spent more time with them I don't think he really knows how things are. Even if we tell him he just can't take it in.

 

Unfortunately our local library is a truck. She wouldn't go on a course unless I went with her either. Actually - come to think of it I gather sometimes they do courses at the community centre - but again she wouldn't go.

 

I'm then thinking I hope she doesn't reply to those nice people who need help in Nigeria. Not to mention the panic calls for her account being tampered with and will be closed if she doesn't reply to the link below - press here for us pfishers. She's been told not to open the door at night or use the chain. Useless! She still does it. And she's been spending more time here anyway, so she can always see messages and photo's on this old thing. Or she'll bring a laptop with her when she comes and Murray will still have to sort it for some peace and quiet.

 

But also make sure your brother knows in no uncertain terms that he will be providing the "IT Support" and not you.

That's what it will have to be, Dodge - he is the expert - his job! But then he thinks it's easy for everyone.

 

I'd really rather her resort to Clootie's snail mail and phone calls!

[Redwing]

I'm with you

 

A relative of mine is constantly on the phone to her immediate family about her pooter

 

My FIL went on one of the library courses but lucily hasnt gone on to buy a compueter - thank goodness as we would have the same sort of problem!!

 

I think the question to ask is does she actually need it? ideal if she has family abroad etc.... but otherwise is it really necessary? If she is less than on the ball then scamming could be a problem as you fear

[Valkyrie]

He's in Wiltshire and I can't remember the town - gone blankety blank oh great! It's in the genes. But not a million miles away. Ah Warminster! Phew. Brother often goes away with work so wouldn't be to hand all the time. His daughter is a year old yesterday - and he does everything - and I mean everything - in the house (washing, ironing, cooking, etc) so when he is home he is always on the go. My SIL has nervous problems and can't take her eyes off the baby in case something goes wrong. Quite sad really because she's such a nice girl. I think he will get a PC whether or not it will be any use, and I can just see mum going "oh yes I'd like to have a go" with a bemused vacant look in her eyes!

[Lydia]

We thought it would be a great idea for my MIL to have our old computer. That was over 10 years ago and 3-4 PCs later she is still on the phone every 5 minutes for computer support. Trouble is it's not always easy to find and solve the problem over the phone without seeing the screen so it invariably means a trip down there to sort it out, which is effectively a day of our precious weekend gone. I've started to dread Christmas and her sending Christmas cards because she wants to print labels and messes it up every single time, even though I've set it up for her to just print and the list doesn't change much year on year

 

If your brother is going to do it anyway then there's not much you can do and I feel for you.

[Fizzle Knit]

My in-laws - 79 this spring - each have their own computer and are computer conversant. MIL goes to a silver surfers club, and does all sorts of things with hers. If your brother wants to buy your mum one it sounds like a good idea to me. Could turn out to be brilliant for her. (I'm useless at setting up the DVD and hate complicated phones but am adept on computers) And if it ends up gathering dust in the corner it's not your money wasted!

[Valkyrie]

I'm not telling her about printing labels. That would mean a printer as well! She can't understand why there's two different 1st and 2nd class stamps. Every time a birthday comes up, she'll buy a card and I look at the back to check - and each time I get "why". I thought I had said goodbye to the whywhywhy's years ago with the children.

 

Thanks for everyone's input .

 

I've noticed that he has said Mum has given him money to buy one for her - that's so daft - she'll be wasting her own money that could go towards something she really needs.

[majorbloodnock]

At the risk of being contentious, what does she want? Given she's obviously over 18, surely what you and your brother think is secondary to that.

 

Nonetheless, there are practicalities, and bursting into the world of computing from complete innocence is quite a leap. Is it possible for her to borrow a PC for a while to see how she gets on?

[debbier]

My Mum, Dad and MIL all have computers, and are all in their seventies.

 

I support them remotely, when necessary, using Teamviewer

http://www.teamviewer.com/index.aspx

 

It lets you control their computer as if it were your own, except it's FREE (unlike that one with the naff advert with the pigeons on the tv).

 

I'd highly recommend it, as talking with my mil and Dad over the phone trying to explain where the Enter key is completely does my head in (and gives me a cricked neck)!

 

My mum is great, and only rings when she needs help with the likes of Photoshop

[bluekarin]

From our recent experience with my MIL and FIL (who bought a laptop so they can book flights, ferrys etc for when they come to see us from France, plus the free calls over Skype), I would say stick with snail mail. I don't know how computer literate your mum is, but my hubby was on the phone with his dad once for over half an hour trying to get him to press the start button on the screen. He just couldn't get it. And they are intelligent people, been to uni, have degrees. My parents on the other hand did a free course in computing and are competent at using a computer. My dad more so as he hogs it. If your brother is prepared for the many phone calls, and your mum, like MBN says actually wants one, then go ahead. If he isn't, then I really would steer clear.

[Valkyrie]

The teamviewer link is quite interesting. I will send him the link and hope that serves as a great hint. This is what I have had recently:

 

"According to TalkTalk, they do an 8mb broadband package for 6.99 a month which will be more than enough (considering Hook only gets 6mb max). Can you look into that end and I'll get the PC sorted."

We are being roped in and I have no idea what Hook has to do with it as we are all on Talk Talk already - apart from another line for computer use. I can see us with the rest of the hassle. I have a better idea - I'll get the PC laptop (easy to use for thick people like me) and he can sort everything else out. Stomp stomp hissy fit.

 

Major - mum only wants whatever makes people happy at the time. Apparently little bro has been using his webcam and she is facinated - she can see her granddaughter. That I can understand - and it's a lovely thought, but the consequences . . . could be a real headache in this neck of the woods.

[PurpleTree]

After my grampy died last year, my Uncle bought my gran (she's now 82) a little Netbook thingy, pretty much all she does on it is email - he set her up on Hotmail. Her one sister lives in Australia and her other sister lives in Cheshire, so it's been a good way for them all to stay in contact. My gran seems to have taken to it really well, although she does say it takes her an hour to type a paragraph. She also gets to see all the photos we share online.

 

My Uncle lives in Bedford, so he's not on hand for any practical help, I don't know if she's asked my dad for any help, but then he's not that hot on computers either. It's been a year now, and I don't think there's been any major problems.

[Valkyrie]

Well I have said it's a wonderful idea but then voiced my concerns to him in a nice sort of way, mentioning the remote access for him to give her the help she will undoubtedly need. We had such a problem with getting her changed to Talk Talk because whenever BT rang she said yes to them because she heard them say something about telephones and didn't understand the rest of what was being said. I can't see him wanting to sort her out every five minutes. We already do so much here - although I don't want to get in a tit for tat sibling bickering nonsense - that's why I needed them close, but it's the extra bits that I don't want to have to deal with. OH has enough on his plate re work - he's up at 5 and working till late (and from home). He has been brilliant with mum's problems regarding leaky ceilings that plumbers should have sorted and checking up on her many other difficulties as they arise - I think it's too much for him to sort out her computer too (and I'll be the first that she will call if it does go wrong anyway). Mum is here 3 days in the week already (she doesn't like being on her own either).

I'm thinking of learning to be a plumber - Canada needs tradesmen - I'm emigrating for some peace of mind! Did I mention I was looking for a smallholding in a couple of years with a granny annexe? I'm beginning to wonder about the annexe!

[Chucky Mama]

I support them remotely, when necessary, using Teamviewer

http://www.teamviewer.com/index.aspx

 

ooh that is a great tip.

 

We bought MIL a laptop when she was about 70 but she had expressed an interest in one. Initially we set it all up and gave her a few lessons on how to use it. Then she found a local chap that gave her a few extra lessons locally. He was able to access it remotely if she had a problem. Now some 4 years on she does very well. I do however still have the odd phone call with her in a flap. This week it was because she couldn't get it to turn off I think that they are great but you do have to have endless time and patience to support. Whilst MIL has 6 of us to call on for help it is always me that gets the call The remote mentioned would certainly have made my life easier. I will be looking into this tomorrow

[Alis girls]

In answer to your question if your mum is like my dad a technophobe then NO - life is tough enough dont make it harder.

[freddie]

my mum died three yrs ago this week.

I miss her every day. make of this as you wish; it's not a critisism, but do think about it

[Valkyrie]

Which the main reason why I wanted them closer. Dad had cancer for years which was always sorted out - more recently it was prostate trouble (although he was cleared then too, only annual trips for checkups) But he died last year (ooh it's the year before now 2008) - from blood poisoning. Totally unexpected, but things were easier because of them living just up the road. Mum is quite healthy - just not techno minded. We go shopping every Thursday, on Fridays she stays with us and goes home on Sunday evening - occasionally Monday. I am pleased that she is here - don't get me wrong, but I really don't need any extra hassle to deal with. My brother never gets to see how my parents were - he just pops in occasionally. He still only spends short periods with mum even now and doesn't realise how much she cannot do for herself. If she feels unwell, she calls me instead of the doctor first, asking if she should call the doc. Well, basically anything - like there's a bird in the lounge what should she do. I took in a parcel for next door but they aren't there - what should she do. Sometimes things are serious and yes she does need to check with us, but other things are so trivial that it drives you potty. So I don't think I will be looking into broadband or following on with any help with the computer because my brother has had another whim.

[chickenanne]

Re; security/phishing e-mails- I don't know this, but would guess that most banks would allow a block to be put on ANY internet use of bank cards. Could be worth looking into. Also worth putting one of those parental control thingies on the computer - not to avoid "adult material" but to avoid any potential web-site charges.

IMO the most likely thing is that she just won't use it: I know that I would get frustrated learnign to use a keyboard at her age.

[freddie]

My brother was too busy to come to the funeral directors with me.

but not too busy to keep phoning me for info on when his half of the estate would be coming through.....

[Valkyrie]

That's sad Freddie. My brother was given the option of sorting out funeral things etc seeing as how he was the "man of the family" but he happily passed it over to my OH. Of course - now I can see that he has a cunning plan! Give mum a heart attack! We have often joked about it - mostly when she can hear us too!

Chickenanne, I think that's what will happen eventually.

And lo and behold what is sitting on the desk beside me? OH's new laptop which I only discovered this morning - he got it yesterday!

[freddie]

Families... arent they great??

[Valkyrie]

In small doses!