Operating System suggestions for "Older" People

[phbrown]

Could someone provide me with some guidance on choosing a laptop for people who are not the most computer literate?


This older couple used windows XP however it still took them a while to use XP.

Would a mac be easier for them? (i have not experiences with macs)

Or should I just get them Windows 7 64-bit? That way they can buy computer games at the store.

Should I look towards Linux? Ubuntu...or ymlf

Or would a linux operating system that uses the cloud more like Jolicloud, gOS and even Google's Chrome OS be easy enough for the to operate? I really like these because of how rare virus are for these operating systems. This older couple is not the most web savvy and I get scared when they get on the internet.


The one thing I am hesistant about linux is this couple has been known to go out and buy random peripherals that may not work with linux like a device that records LPs to mp3.


Please help!

[phbrown]

I made an error in the first sentence. I meant to say operating system not laptop.

[OleJ]

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[csedwards2]

If you tell them windows vista/7 you will most likely be signing yourself up for more training sessions and troubleshooting calls. MAC man, if they can afford it

[phbrown]

Sorry, couldn't resist.

ROFL!!!!!!

[B_X]

Pen and paper

[phbrown]

Pen and paper

LOL!!!

[phbrown]

MAC man, if they can afford it

Do you know where I can learn about the differences in the versions of Mac? Since the budget is about $600 I don't think they can afford a new laptop.


On a side note can the iPad be used by itself? I believe the iPad is everything they want.

Simple Operating system, wifi (or cellular service) portable, it doesn't have a physical keyboard but I believe I can get one right? if they wanted one.

And of course the lowest price is $499 so it is within the budget.

[dingster1]

Try macrumors forums or macnn.com.

Maybe a mac mini would be good for them. Macs are user friendly so to speak so other than your printer there isn't too much else to do once you set it up. If however they are used to Windows already, I would stick with that.

[berbie]

Being a senior citizen I can speak from that viewpoint(though not for all)  I am in my seventies.  I don't believe that I would have any difficulty changing systems, but would not really want to if the one that I had was working satisfactorly. I would prefer to update within the same system(XP to 7 etc.).  I use my desk computer a lot(I also have a laptop that I don't use as much) but most of the things that I do are not very complicated(word processor, CD copier, storage files)  If something seems difficult, sometimes, I won't fool with it.  I play some computer games, I look up things, I go into forums.  I think many senior citizens use their computers in a somewhat like manner. Having said that, if one of my children gave me a computer with linux, or a Mac, I certainly wouldn't be mad at them.