I used to sell computers at Best Buy in an area that was predominantly elderly, and let me say it is quite a difficult procedure to walk someone through using a

I used to sell computers at Best Buy in an area that was predominantly elderly, and let me say it is quite a difficult procedure to walk someone through using a computer. Every day someone would come in that said they wanted a computer but had never used one before. I would spend hours showing people how to do things, writing up lists on how each task is performed, etc. It can be very challenging. I found the best way to help these people is just to put them in front of a computer and walk them through the basics. Also metaphors are huge. It is always easier to understand something when you can relate to it. For example: My documents is like your filing cabinet. Everything is organized into folders so you can find where it is. The most interesting thing was when the ipad came out. We were seeing people who barely knew what the internet was trying to buy and use one of these things. Try explaining 3G to someone who doesn't have a cell phone. Almost impossible. I remember one man who was so frustrated that he couldn't set up email that he announced that he would give $20 to the person who would do it for him.