There’s nothing more annoying than trying to help your parents with their computer problems, and helping them buy a computer is even more challenging.
But she’s your mom, and she deserves the best. So how can you make sure she gets a great computer without spending too much money?
Find out your mom’s needs and wants in a computer
Most mothers just want a fast computer, that has a large monitor, can easily browse the internet, and can be used for simple tasks such as checking email and social media sites. But some mothers may want to use their computers for more complex tasks such as photo or video editing, so make sure you know exactly what she wants to use the computer for.
Some important questions to ask your mom include:
- What do you want to use the computer for?
- How much money are you willing to spend?
- What is your level of computer knowledge and experience?
- What kind of features are you looking for in a computer?
- Do you have any specific brands or models in mind?
Once you know your mom’s needs and wants, you can start looking for the best computer for her.
Help her research different brands and models that fit her budget
There are many different brands and models of computers on the market, so it’s important to do your research to find the best one for your mom. A good place to start is by reading online reviews from trusted sources such as CNET, PCMag, or Tom’s Guide. You can also ask friends or family members for recommendations.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to compare prices. Be sure to check out both online and brick-and-mortar stores to get the best deal. You can also look for sales or discounts that may be offered by the manufacturer or retailer.
Assist her with the purchase process, including selecting software and setting up the device
After you’ve helped your mom choose the perfect computer, it’s time to assist her with the purchase process. This includes helping her select the right software and applications for her needs and setting up the device.
If your mom is not familiar with computers, you may need to help her set up an email account, install basic software, and show her how to use the internet. You should also create a list of helpful resources, such as support numbers or websites, in case she runs into any problems.
You may also need to help her transfer files from her old computer to her new one. This can be done using an external hard drive or through a cloud-based storage service such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
Offer to help set up her email and other accounts
Once you’ve helped your mom purchase and set up her new computer, it’s time to offer to help her set up her email and other accounts. This includes showing her how to create an account, how to check her email, and how to use social media sites.
Encourage her to ask questions if she doesn’t understand something about her computer
One of the most important things you can do is encourage your mom to ask questions if she doesn’t understand something about her computer. It’s important to remember that everyone learns at their own pace, so don’t get frustrated if she doesn’t catch on right away.
Be patient and offer to help her whenever she has a question. You can also direct her to helpful resources, such as support numbers or websites if she needs additional help.
Check-in on her periodically to make sure she’s using the computer properly and troubleshoot any issues that may come up
Even after you’ve helped your mom purchase and set up her new computer, it’s important to check in on her periodically. This will help ensure that she’s using the computer properly and can help troubleshoot any issues that may come up.
If you live close by, you can stop by her house to help her with any problems she’s having. You can also offer to help her over the phone or through a video chat service such as Skype or FaceTime.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to create a list of helpful resources, such as support numbers or websites, that she can use if she runs into any problems.
Putting it all together
If this seems like a lot of work, that’s because it is. But, by taking the time to help your mom purchase and set up her new computer, you can ensure that she’ll be able to use it properly and troubleshoot any issues that may come up. Additionally, you’ll be able to offer her support and assistance if she has any questions.
So once again, here’s a recap of what you need to do:
- Be patient. Your mom is not as tech-savvy as you are, so it’s important to be patient when explaining things to her.
- Don’t forget to explain the basics. Even if your mom is relatively familiar with computers, she may not know all the technical jargon. Be sure to explain things in layman’s terms.
- Research before you buy. It’s important to do your homework before purchasing a computer, especially if you’re buying it for your mom. Make sure you know what type of computer she needs and what her budget is.
- Get a warranty. This is especially important if your mom is not familiar with computers. Get a warranty or extended service plan so that she can get help if something goes wrong.
- Set up the computer for her. Once you’ve bought the computer, it’s important to set it up properly. Install any software she might need and show her how to use it.
- Be available for support. Even if you’ve set up the computer and explained everything to your mom, she might still need some help from time to time. Be available to answer her questions and help her troubleshoot any problems she has.
Closing thoughts
By following these tips, you can help your mom purchase and set up a new computer with relative ease. Just remember to be patient, explain things clearly, and be available for support if she needs it. With your help, she’ll be using her new computer like a pro in no time!
