Tim <ignored_mailbox <at> yahoo.com.au> writes: > I think you can modify Thunderbird's GUI, like Firefox lets you, so you > could remove a lot of the GUI buttons. Having run a Linux box for an elderly grandma for some years there are some important considerations depending on how previously computer literate the person is or was prior to having the linux box to use. There should be little opportunity to accidentally click anything at all, and also the setup needs to include thinking of how leaning on the ctrl key whilst pressing another key might generate unintended consequences. It can be quite challenging to diagnose what has happened when the person is unable to report exactly what he/she had done to get the mail client into an "unusual" state! The initial training period can be quite lengthy before reasonable competence may be achieved. Changing fonts for the desktop using the accessibility functions can be important too. Also adjustment of the mouse click/cursor speed could well be an important consideration. In my case kmail has been the mail client used - and this has worked successfully - with remote management of the machine using vnc via an ssh tunnel to repair things on the desktop when accidental collateral damage has been initiated. I did consider Thunderbird (which I use for myself) but one possible problem with TB is that an entire folder can be deleted more easily in TB than in kmail. Of course after the initial training has been completed and a working competence achieved then familiarity means that it is harder to switch to a different mail client later - which might cause reluctance and anxiety for the elderly user in moving to a different client. Whilst not being ageist it is important to recognise the issues involved for someone new to a computer who may be in their 80's or older. However it is very rewarding to see an elderly person being able to keep in touch via email with family and friends at times when using a phone may prove difficult due to hearing problems. It is nice that Fedora/Linux has the facilities to allow a computer to be successfully used for this purpose - the alternative typical OS would in my case have been a nightmare to manage successfully. HTH -- fedora-list mailing list fedora-list@xxxxxxxxxx To unsubscribe: https://www.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/fedora-list Guidelines: http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Communicate/MailingListGuidelines
