Tuesday, February 10, 2009

It's like herding cats...

My mom and her boyfriend (or as Josh would say "gentleman caller" - HA!) went to Florida today in advance of their two week cruise of the Caribbean. She arrived safe and sound in Fort Lauderdale this afternoon and met up with some friends.

I set her up with a Gmail account last year when she went on another cruise, but she was never able to figure out how to get into it. Yes, my mom isn't exactly the most computer literate person out there. Anyways, I had to change the password for her because I think she was typing the letter O instead of zeroes for the password. It makes me laugh because she was the one that chose it.

I had to go into her account and change her password for her to something she wouldn't screw up. No numbers. I sent her an email to the friend that she's staying with, and they were finally able to figure it out to the point that I was using Gtalk with my mom. Her friend thought the Gtalk window was too small (yes, I know it can be expanded) so they asked me to download MSN. I did that, but then I had the brainwave of having them download Skype. OY!

After a good hour of trying to figure things out, it ended up that we could see each other...they could hear me, but I couldn't hear them. I'm convinced that, even though I asked if they had a microphone, they don't.

Teaching my mom to use a computer is like trying to herd cats...

6 comments:

Jill said...

Just like helping my 82 yr old Grandma. I mean, who gave her a laptop?? (Not me!) It drives me CRAZY!! You put it nicely!!
Hugs, Jill

a Tonggu Momma said...

Ha! We feel the same about my MIL.

Michelle said...

Hee! My Dad used to be that way and then he took a bunch of computer classes at adult education and now he knows more than me and sends me computer tips almost every day via e-mail. Pretty good for 77 years old!

Anonymous said...

We just sent a laptop to my grandmother. I have a feeling we are in for the same mess. I think asking to chat with your mother while she was gone may have been a little too much.

A Mom- In-W8ing said...

I feel your pain … 7 years ago I decided to show my Mom how amazing the Internet was. She purchased a computer within a few weeks and I have been her personal IT person ever since. Sometimes she drives me crazy and other times I think it is such a great way for her to keep in touch with friends and family that do not live close. Either way, she has gained computer knowledge and has gotten much better over time.

Give her time and be patient … she will catch on! Hang in there!

Smiles! :o)
Nikki

Michele said...

Sometimes it is just easier to pick up the phone.