Software for the Elderly

I've looked around online, and I can't seem to find what I'm looking for. Was hoping someone here may have a lead for me. I am getting a desktop up and running for my grandmother but there are a few things I would like to be able to do with it. I'm looking for some sort of GUI or overlay for windows that is really simple. I just want a couple of really large buttons (her vision is kinda bad) that will let her access email and pictures and the internet, but not let her into important files so she can't mess the computer up. I want to setup the automatic updates and late night virus scans and everything else so that she can just turn the computer on and access what she needs to keep in contact with family. I was thinking about the new EEPC but the screen is way to small, plus I already have a computer for her. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

Have you thought about getting a WXGA screen? Another thing is that you could adjust the dpi or the screen resolution. I would also strongly consider getting the biggest screen you can, be it a 17" built-in laptop screen or buying a monitor. Setting up automatic updates depends on the program, same with programming scans. However, both should be straight forward. I wouldn't keep any computer running all night and all day. Lastly, go to Display Properties, then Appearance, next effects or advance to change various things (both change different things).

 

Thanks for the reply. As I mentioned this will be a desktop. I already have a 17inch monitor for her, and if i can find one cheap i might upgrade to a 20inch flat panel. I know how to set up the scheduled stuff and I've looked through the display and appearance settings but it doesn't really do what I want. I'm basically looking for like an OS overlay. I want something that when she logs on brings up just a few basic icons that she would use and gives her access to nothing else. Kind of like what you could envision a child using. Large icons with easily identifiable pictures for just a few main tasks. She is by no means dumb or anything, but I want the experience to be as easy as operating a remote for the TV (which unfortunately is getting difficult for her). It seems to me that there would already be some software like this out there but I can't find anything. Something similar to way the EEee PC operating system looks would be great, but windows based.

 

I would recommend that you look into the area of large touch screen, u can get a touch panel to lay over the monitor/display,

Softwarewise can be tweaked and personalised and creating command buttons, typing on keyboard will become a bit tenious for many elderly as time goes on - especially taking their eyes off the screen and then back

cheers ...

 

hide the start bar, and have large screen icons on the desktop with links to such programs needed. remove my docs, my computer ect...

rename them to INTERNET, PHOTOS, and have large icons.

i done that with windows XP on a limited user account for my mum for her to go about her ways.

however, if you install windows vista, they have great parental control features that you may find useful? you can control what websites can be accessed, what programs can be, also no system files can be deleted and nothing can be installed (ie .exe programs phisically wont run) also it would be perfect for security, with only windows update to worry about and an antivirus (AVG free antivirus).

you can set it up to automatically log into this profile on startup.
also, adjust the power settings so when she pushes the power button, it automatically shuts down.

 

Search for ObjectDock/YzDock/RocketDock and hide the taskbar and other desktop icons.

 

You can have her own account and rig it where the programs you want her to use starts up automatically when she logs in, or you don't even have to have a password on her account so she doesn't have to remember.

You can add start up programs in the Start Menu of her account in Windows Explorer such as email and whatever you want active when she starts.

You can also adjust the fonts and icon sizes under Display Properties

 

Maybe use a media center software like MediaPortal and customize it for her needs? There are all kinds of plugins for email and stuff, and she can even play sudoku to keep her mind sharp . At the very least those programs are designed to have big fonts and easy to use, so usability is not an issue.

 

Thanks for all the ideas. I'll have to try some of them out once i get the computer put together and see if they fit my needs. After a ton of searching on google, I did come across a program called Eldy that seems like it might do what I want. I'll let you guys know if its any good in case anyone else is interested.

 

you can also check out gOS which is a dock based os with web apps

 

MattyZ
Did you ever get around creating the environment for your grandmother. If so, could you please post the specifications for the system. I am trying to help the elderly on a large scale and any input from forum members would be helpful here, including:
1. Windows XP or vista configuration instructions
2. Useful software suitable for elderly with normal memory problems (including simple apps and big buttons)
3. Hardware suggestions
4. Windows overly apps

Thanks
Ricky

 

I think ELDY is exactly what you need for your grandma.

Eldy : www.eldy.eu
if you know italian: www.eldy.org

get eldy for windows: http://toyux.vegans.it/eldy_1_6.exe
get eldy for linux: deb.vegans.it (debian package)

I think you can find exactly what is needed for your grandma
let me know if it's useful!
enrico

 

It sounds like SoftShell - http://www.mysoftshell.com - is exactly what you are looking for.

It's a little new / rough but I've used it with great success, and works well with a touch screen or without.

I found that even Eldy confused my mother - plus it's half in Italian.

Give SoftShell a try, it's still a free download I believe.

 

Just an update.
Eldy reached 150.000 users worldwide and has been released for UK version (Walsall, www.eldy.eu) and for linux ( http://deb.vegans.it)

Eldy is now in Italian, English, French, Dutch.

Eldy is free of charge, and free from commercial and has email client (any pop/imap account), chat, browsing, streaming, editor, rss, skype integration.

Eldy is no profit
Let's bring the elderly the joy of internet!