desktop adapted for dad
DESCRIPTION
An introduction to configuring a computer desktop for older people. This is a revised and updated version from the UKUUG Linux 2008 conference.TRANSCRIPT
Version 2.0.0 © Adam Trickett, November2008 Distributed under a creative commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike licence.
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D. A. D.D. A. D.DDesktop esktop AAdapted for dapted for DDad.ad.
Adam John TrickettAdam John Trickett
PGP Key: 0x166C4BF0
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Once uponOnce upona time...a time...
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AA“dot com”“dot com”
sonson
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MicrosoftMicrosoftWindows 98Windows 98
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TimeTimepasses...passes...
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Not Quite As OldNot Quite As Old
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Debian?Debian?
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Lived happilyLived happilyever after...ever after...
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Mum v DadMum v Dad
• Windows 98• Dialup• Vanilla installation and
configuration• No remote administration• Some computer & office
experience• Not used much
• Debian 3.1 “Sarge”• Dialup, later ADSL• Bespoke installation and
configuration• Remote administration• Little or no computer
experience• Used quite often
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Adapting the Desktop for DadAdapting the Desktop for Dad
• Research:• Google• Local LUG mailing list• RNIB/GNOME/KDE etc.
• Bespoke installation and configuration• Installation and training• Continuing Support
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WhyWhyGNU/Linux?GNU/Linux?
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Remote AdministrationRemote Administration
• Dad lives in Lancashire• I live in Hampshire• SSH & VNC are builtin and “just work”• With ADSL the phone line is available when online
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Security and ReliabilitySecurity and Reliability
• Linux has virtually no malware• No third party AV software required
• Linux has a builtin reliable firewall• Automated whole system updates• I know Linux better than Windows
• My dad doesn't care about security because I do!
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It's an old “naked” PCIt's an old “naked” PC
• Linux is lighter than Windows XP• Intel P2 233 MHz, 256 MiB RAM & 5 GB HD
• Linux didn't cost me anything• £0 for Debian vs £50 for Windows XP Home
• With Linux no 3rd party applications required• No AV, no firewall, no remote admin
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Dad versusDad versusthe PC GUIthe PC GUI
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DadDad
• 69 years old• Never used a computer in
his life• Did not work in an office• Has never used a keyboard
or typewriter• Wears bifocal glasses
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Graphic User InterfaceGraphic User Interface
• Invented late 1970s• Lots of 70s/80s office
metaphors• Requires good eyehand
coordination
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The PlanThe Plan
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Less is MoreLess is More
• Remove any application that wasn't required• All “server” functionality• Compilers and language outside the core
• Stripped the GUI menu down to only the essential items• Removed all desktop icons• Clean and simple menu bar
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Colour and ContrastColour and Contrast
• Many “cool” desktop themes don't have enough contrast• Select a higher contrast colour theme• Make the mouse pointer a contrasting colour from the
main theme colours• White or pale backgrounds• Black text• Large red pointer
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Screen FontsScreen Fonts
• Sansserif typeface• Large xheight• Screen optimised font e.g. Verdana• Large size: do not reduce the resolution
x-height
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Desktop Icons & ImagesDesktop Icons & Images
• Select a clear icon set rather than a cool one• Select the larger size for Icons• Tooltips are useful to new users• Don't skimp on the monitor, 17” units are dirt cheap
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Application Buttons and IconsApplication Buttons and Icons
• Large icons and buttons• “Text and Icon” mode if supported
• Most people have no idea what most icons are and what they represent...!
• Menus are hard to navigate for new users, buttons if clear, are easier
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Avoid Double ClickAvoid Double Click
• If the user has never used a computer with a mouse before, then avoid it where possible
• It's very hard to learn and requires a lot of physical dexterity
• It actually takes a lot of effort to learn how to drive a mouse
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Written InstructionsWritten Instructions
• Write things down on paper• Help files aren't that helpful• I find some man pages unhelpful
• Try out and follow your own instructions: it's too easy to miss a step
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Make Things EasyMake Things Easy
• Autologin is okay on a single user system• Set the right defaults• Do use a user account – a user can't wreck the system• A mouse and GUI isn't that easy...!
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After the DeploymentAfter the Deployment
• Dialup was too slow, upgraded to the ADSL
•
Fonts set larger and larger• Icons set to largest size possible• Replaced CRT with TFT• Upgraded from Sarge to Etch, Lenny due this autumn...
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ADSL UpgradeADSL Upgrade
• Dialup is too slow• Dialup ties up the phone line• Upgrading is painful over dialup• Scheduling email is not obvious or easy• Upgrading to ADSL:
• Faster browsing, email and upgrade• VNC and simultaneous phone support works much better
than silent dialup support
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ObservationsObservations
• My idea of a large font was very not the same as my father's
• Menus and icons are not as obvious as you first think• Menus are hard to use for a new users• Bifocals make reading things a lot harder than you would
otherwise think• Not being a the root user was a relief for my father
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User vs SuperuserUser vs Superuser
• Anyone can use a computer:• Little or no skill required• No responsibility required
• Not everyone wants to be a superuser:• Requires skill• Involves responsibilities• Takes time and effort
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Screen Shot Screen Shot ExamplesExamples
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Version 2.0.0 © Adam Trickett, November2008 Distributed under a creative commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike licence.
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Version 2.0.0 © Adam Trickett, November2008 Distributed under a creative commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike licence.
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Version 2.0.0 © Adam Trickett, November2008 Distributed under a creative commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike licence.
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Version 2.0.0 © Adam Trickett, November2008 Distributed under a creative commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike licence.
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Version 2.0.0 © Adam Trickett, November2008 Distributed under a creative commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike licence.
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Version 2.0.0 © Adam Trickett, November2008 Distributed under a creative commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike licence.
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Version 2.0.0 © Adam Trickett, November2008 Distributed under a creative commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike licence.
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Version 2.0.0 © Adam Trickett, November2008 Distributed under a creative commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike licence.
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Version 2.0.0 © Adam Trickett, November2008 Distributed under a creative commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike licence.
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Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
• Anyone can use a computer if it's correctly setup for them
• My preferences are not your preferences• Listen to your users• One size does not fit all
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The problem with tech support...The problem with tech support...
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WellingtonGrey.net
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LinksLinks
• http://www.iredale.net/p/• http://accessibility.kde.org/• http://developer.gnome.org/projects/gap/• http://www.debian.org/devel/debian-accessibility/
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Thank YouThank You
Any Any Questions?Questions?
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Version 2.0.0 © Adam Trickett, November2008 Distributed under a creative commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike licence.
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Version 2.0.0 © Adam Trickett, November2008 Distributed under a creative commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike licence.
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Version 2.0.0 © Adam Trickett, November2008 Distributed under a creative commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike licence.
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Version 2.0.0 © Adam Trickett, November2008 Distributed under a creative commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike licence.
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