The trouble with parents!!

[The Tiggster]

My mother (65) has MS & has problems retaining information. She struggles to work the remotes/house phone etc but has bought a laptop to do basic things like letters, e-mails etc.
Because of the information retention issue, she is struggling to remember basic things like switching off/opening files etc.
Is anyone aware of a training CDRom that would tutor her was through the very basics, as I don't live with her (Dad is as clueless but could load a CDRom for her) & trying to explain on phone when I can't pop over is not ideal. It doesn't matter if the CD is for children, anything would help.
Many thanks.

[tellboy]

Local Authorities just love getting people like this on Basic Computer Courses (Free) ask at your local library.

[Ethel]

Could you make simple flowcharts and laminate them?

Your mother might find this easier and your father would be able to follow them too.

[camioneur]

if you have access to a pc when she needs help try Logmein. it's free software and you won't need her permission to let you remotely control her PC. i use it a lot for mates that don't know much about computers and it's great for a free program and dead easy to use.

[LeMarchand]

camonieur: logmein looks like the solution to my phone calls from my aged P! With the free version, do you admit it's to help others or just claim it's for your own machines?

Come to think of it, couldn't I just use Remote Desktop? Or is that only feasible if he has an XP Pro machine too?

[The Tiggster]

Thank you everyone, I haven't dared to let them loose on the net, so the laminate's then council course are a good starter.
I work beside a pc for most of my day so really like the idea of remote help as I can only imagine the mess that the 2 of them will get into when they get more "advanced"!!
Think of me tomorrow, they've tried to download a CD Rom, aparantly my mother loaded into her (TV) DVD player, sat in front of the tv screen & shouted at my dad beacuse the mouse wouldn't work it! Bless....