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As part of my job, i visit elderly people and install new computers for them, set them up, get them connected to the internet and give some tuition, what software would you show someone with limited computer knowledge which is easy to use and gives the "WOW" factor. I often show them google earth... |
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Sorry to any geeks, but even Note pad can have wow factor to the new user. Respondents are forgetting those overwhelming feelings inadequacy when facing the ordeal of commanding a new or expensive computer. Forget amazing or latest innovations. The new user needs support to become independent. Encourage them to make their own hand written notes of how to...., switch on, interpret opening screens, recognize the cursor , use the mouse and keyboard, open note pad , edit, save a file, close a file, find a file , print a file and close down the computer. The idea is to keep it as simple as possible, don't even mention spell checker or email . Write down or type any questions, and give written or printed answers. These will be usable outside the computer in the event of operating difficulties. |
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Run the liveCD version of Knoppix and run Compiz Fusion for them. Show off "wobbly-windows". Open & close windows for the exploding window effect, open a properties box & close for the burn-up effect, spin the desktop view & create/place shortcuts for different desktop apps ie (one DT for video, one for everyday, one for work, etc...). Of course, the real "wow factor" is the fact it's a complete OS with lots of great apps all running off of a CD? T ;) |
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Mac computers include some very "WOW" software from creating photo albums to creating music and are a majority of the time easier to use for people. Google earth is a great suggestion though. |
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I would show them Google Streetview, and maybe(if possible) show them their own house, on streetview ^^ |
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Google Earth is hard to top, since this is probably limited to free software or bundled OEM software. Maybe toggle through some of the various stock screensavers that are available so they can see the animation and speed. Or queue up a movie trailer from Quicktime.com or a show they like via Hulu.com "Wow"ing them could be just showing them some of the information sources that are now at their fingertips -- Google, Weather Underground/Weather Channel live animated radar loops, airline flight tracking so they know when their niece/nephew/grandkids are due in, etc. You probably already do some of that already, though. |
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Speech Recognition would be my recommendation. Interacting with the computer by just talking to it would be not so intimidating. It's built into Windows, so no additional software required. They can dictate letters, e-mail, tweets ... They can launch & close programs. My clients love talking to their computers everyday. I believe Apple has it too, but I've not played with it. |
