Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Geeky stuff

What looks like Word 2003? For my Gran who needs a new computer...

4 replies

PurplePidjin · 30/04/2014 21:54

My gran is in her early 90s. She can manage Skype, Outlook and typing letters in Word as long as she follows her instructions.

She needs a new computer. Her mouse control isn't great, so we're probably going to have to disable the right click on her mouse (she's got a thumb ball type one) because she clicks the wrong button and then clicks on random things then calls my dad in a huff because "I did everything right but the computer went wrong" Hmm

We'll probably upgrade her to Windows 7, the problem is that the newer versions of Word are very different to the one she's used to. This shouldn't be a problem with IE (although I reckon Firefox will be better for her as we can install an ad blocker, sorry websites relying on the revenue but it's just too confusing for her!) because the basics - address bar, back button etc - will be in roughly similar positions. But Word is going to be a problem as the completely new layout will stress and confuse her.

Is there a programme out there that looks roughly like Word 2003? Either paid for or free, it's the UI that's more important. She's fully compos mentis but finds technology understandably confusing. She was in her 80s before she first even touched one!

If not, does anyone know a more suitable place to ask?

Thank you Thanks

OP posts:
nobeer · 30/04/2014 21:59

Open office is free and fairly similar to older versions of Word. You could download it yourself and have a look first.

PurplePidjin · 30/04/2014 22:04

I'll suggest it (dad is in charge as he has to be the one to actually teach her!) but was wondering if there were alternatives? Probably not but a girl lives in hope :o

Or, can you get the software upgrades for Word 2003 these days? I'd assumed not, but again there's that hope thing Wink

OP posts:
niceguy2 · 01/05/2014 09:37

Kingsoft Office is free for personal use and practically a clone of Microsoft Word/Excel & Powerpoint.

In fact with the 'classic menu' I doubt you can tell the difference other than it doesn't say Word at the top!

What looks like Word 2003? For my Gran who needs a new computer...
PurplePidjin · 01/05/2014 12:22

niceguy you're amazing! Thank you, that'll save us an awful lot of shouting (she's a bit deaf) and upset trying to teach her a new system

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page