So Apparently I'm Neighborhood Tech Support

[WWW.SETH.COM]

Some of my neighbors are going to pay me to teach them how to use Vista (they are old-ish). I'm supposed to show them:

-How to use e-mail
-How to keep the internet running
-How to use word-processing
-How to use a budget program


I think I can muddle through most of that, although I don't know what kind of issues they are having with internet connectivity, so I don't know what I can or cannot do about that.

Any suggestions/pointers/tips you guys would have would be greatly appreciated.

[Violent Unrest in Allentown]

Use a lot of analogies. Even if it doesn't fully make sense, all that matters is that you get the point across.

Make sure they have antivirus and spyware clean up.

Make sure they have their computer on a surge protector.

Talk slow.

The ultimate tool: If you show them how to do something and then you ask them if they understand, they do not. Make them do it in front of you. Literally switch chairs and make them do what you just did. By making them do the task, you have built a process that can be used later for problem solving on their own which means you will have an easier time teaching them later.

Don't panic.

[Pube Truth]

Be patient, I've had to explain to my grandmother about 5 times how she doesn't have to delete everything she just typed to go and fix a typo three paragraphs up from where the cursor is. She still thinks she's using a typewriter. It's crazy how long some concepts take to sink in.

[CadmiumYellow]

She still thinks she's using a typewriter.

that's adorable i love it

[Shire Le Buff]

Talk to them like they know nothing but don't talk down to them.

[TemporalRift]

John Wayne said "Talk Low, Talk Slow, and don't talk too much"

I still think it's the best advice ever for explaining anything to anyone

[Famous Hogbert]

Writing down simple steps and key points is useful too. They don't have to be long, just helpful notes (be sure to write a bit bigger and clearer just in case).
This worked really well for a guy I assisted with Photoshop/ MS Word, sometimes all he would need is a reminder.