Is there a elderly-friendly PC Interface or Operating System?

Albert that’s a brilliant question. I was going to answer it with the more obvious answer, that you can set Windows for large sized text and such, but you’re right, reducing options, and simplifying objectives can be more useful, as is the case for simple cellphones for elderly with large number, and no texting, cameras or other junk. I don’t know of any such thing, but I recognize the need now that you mentioned it.

I think Ubuntu Netbook Edition has a very friendly interface:

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You can also add or remove shortcuts from the favourites screen, which lets you really simplify it to just the basics.

However, I don’t know how well it will scale to high resolution monitors, although you can change the display resolution to keep icons and text large. Ubuntu also comes with really good accessibility options for partially-sighted and physically disabled users, so I think it’s well worth exploring.

The iPad is perfect for the elderly.

It even has great accessibility features such as Voice Over and Big Text.

I vote for Ubuntu, also. There’s a small-footprint version called Xubuntu that I’ve used before with satisfaction. It should have everything you need, and it’s pretty easy to set up.

One thing that’s important to my mom is larger type and larger desktop icons, so make sure the screen resolution is set up for that.

I am with the Ubuntu idea, especially the Netbook Edition. UNE is the least intimidating OS I’ve used so far.

@rawrgrr While I agree that iOS is n00b-friendly, I think that the hardware requirements might be an issue since typing (word processing, e-mailing, texting…) on a touch screen is a young person’s game. Plus, the file manager requirement makes things dicey since iOS loses to Ubuntu pretty severely there.

@jerv This is all I have to say.

@rawrgrr – she’s made the text bigger and made the screen brighter. You could never do that, or turn on text-to-speech on any other computer… ~

It’s a sweet story, but ultimately it’s a non-story. Why do bloggers feel the need to write gushing stories about the most mundane features because it’s an iPad? Or is it because it’s an iPad?

@the100thmonkey Um that’s why I said it was good for the elderly for it’s ease of use, user friendly interface and it’s accessibility features.

Listen the user just asked for a good computing device for the elderly, so I just gave the suggestion of an iPad since it’s very user friendly and does the basic things an elderly person would need. Sorry if i offended anyone but I just thought it would be a good suggestion for people who just need a basic computer that will last all day.

@rawrgrr As cool as the iOS keyboard is, it really has some limitations. That is my beef in this instance. well, that and the issue of trying to use it in any way other than holding it in one hand, as I personally have yet to see a good stand and it’s not well-suited for placing on a table or a lap for two-handed typing.

Pity since, aside from that, it really wouldn’t be a bad choice. For simple point-and-tap without clutter, iOS is good, but even typing this out is slow and frustrating compared to a real keyboard.

@jerv Yes it may be a bit hard to use for some but you always have the option to plug in or connect a physical keyboard if you really want.

It is the typing requirement tha I consider a deal-breaker. I wouldn’t edited my previous post but iOS doesn’t allow for scrolling a text field; it tries to scroll the entire page.

If you require peripherals for the main intended usage while other options that do not require additional hardware are just as viable, you have a poor solution. The iPad is good at what it does, but not good for the OP’s stated use.

The problem I have with the options available today is that they all require someone who is computer savvy to assist.

For example, the iPad is great, but like all iOS devices, it’s got one major limitation: you need a “real” computer to sync it up with, perform backup/restore, manage media collections, etc.

Any other “desktop OS” like Linux, Windows, or Mac OS X will require a steep initial learning curve and likely some long-term support for software updates, virus updates, network settings, etc. (obviously varies by OS flavor).

Were it something I knew I’d be providing IT support for, I’d likely choose the iPad. The backup/restore functionality alone is faster/simpler than anything else. I wish it offered a way to limit how purchases were made (for example, allowing book purchases and app purchases, but no in-app addons. Or maximum of $10/day of purchases.)

The point is, if I’ve got to support someone else who wants simplicity, I’d make it as dead-simple for myself as I can, too. The iPad/iTunes combo is a proven winner in that respect.

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P.S. I don’t know any advanced elderly folks (who are not already computer savvy) that are power typers. They’d like to avoid the keyboard as much as possible. Hence, the features of the keyboard itself is not a factor I’d consider… other than to point out that the complete absence of a physical keyboard is likely a plus.

[ off topic ]

@jerv, iOS does support a scrolling text field, albeit poorly.

Point and hold a point in the field to get the cursor. Now drag down to the bottom of the field and wait… it should attempt to scroll the field sloo-o-o-o-o-o-owly.

@jerv First of all, iOS does allow scrolling a text field. Two finger scroll.

And second, you don’t need the extra hardware the majority of people are fine with the software keyboard, just for the people who aren’t you can use your existing keyboard for it. Honestly the software keyboard isn’t as hard to use and as slow as you’re making it sound.

@robmandu It supports two finger scrolling in text fields too!

@robmandu Maybe I need to clean the hell out of my screen then, I can’t get that gesture to register.

I assume that keyboard usability and comfort might matter since they did mention chat and word processing. Take that part out and my objections in this case disappear.

@rawrgrr Check your comments for my digression.

definatly Mac OS. it is definatly made with the normal person in mind. It allows you to be as advanced or as basic ad you want and scales with each user accordingly.

@Tenpinmaster The same is true of many Linux distros. You are correct, but Apple doesn’t have a monopoly on simplicity or ease-of-use.

Many of the versions of Linux (especially those optimized for netbooks) are also designed for n00bs but allow for more advanced users to do… well many of the same things since OS X is based on BSD and thus falls into the same family as Linux (both are UNIX-based OSs).

http://www.eldy.eu/
It’s free and easy to set up.

@0kee Not bad, actually!