Building a system for an elderly family member
Building a system for an elderly family member
Hello everyone, I’m looking to begin a conversation about setting up a desktop system for an elderly family member who lives alone (over 80). They’re fairly independent—managed to send emoji messages on Android on their own!—but they find Windows 10 on their laptop challenging. I’m also their primary IT support, though I’m currently living out of state.
Current issues:
- The 15.6” screen on the Dell Inspiron feels too small after cataract surgery
- Constant Windows pop-ups and alerts are very distracting during work
- Double-clicking is difficult, often causing icons to move around, which adds to confusion
They require a full desktop environment for banking, managing PDFs (like bills or invoices), sending emails, and video calls via Skype or WhatsApp (which needs a webcam). Occasional photo sharing is also needed.
I usually handle phone tech support and remote access through TeamViewer when necessary.
An iPad hasn’t worked well—they have trouble with the small screen and vision issues. I’m planning to install a proper desktop with a 24-27” display and a full-sized keyboard/mouse.
Questions for the forum:
- Which operating system would you recommend? I’ve been disheartened by Win11’s recent interface changes, especially frequent pop-ups and pushy product suggestions. It could easily overwhelm someone cognitively. I’m leaning toward Mint Linux or Ubuntu, as they match their basic needs.
- MacOS is an option, but none of us have used it for over a decade.
- What remote support tools are most effective? TeamViewer still functions but often shows random pop-ups that try to get subscriptions. It really confuses them when I ask for access details.
- Backup solutions for someone who struggles with USB connections?
- Security measures: We currently use unlock origin, but phishing and unsafe web pop-ups still occur despite Windows Defender.
- Password management: BitWarden seems too complex; they’re using a paper notebook instead. That’s concerning.
- Any personal experiences with elderly family members?
Thank you very much! It seems this topic is rarely discussed in tech circles, where it mostly revolves around young users.
Some of the items mentioned could be an issue for a Linux-based system. Is there Skype for Ubuntu available?
Copilot promotions after routine windows updates. Edge repeatedly trying to make itself default. Asking user to create a Microsoft account (currently using a local account).
Just bear in mind not every 80 year old is as sharp as a retired USAF pilot/engineer.
My current Win 11 Pro install does not do that.
Nor the Win 11 Home on my Surface Go laptop.
Yes, even when running the daily driver local account.
I'm pretty sure all of that can be turned OFF.
I was also confident about that, but it doesn’t seem to be working on their computer.
It's quite useful. You might need to install from the Microsoft store, though it's free and has been available since Windows 10.
It might just be Windows 10. They seem determined to push their clumsy Copilot feature. I believe you could even instruct it to uninstall, but they keep reinstalling it with each update. To date, certain registry changes and group policy adjustments have managed to block it, though it's unclear what Microsoft is doing with its ongoing updates.