Computers for Mums, Dads and
Other Old Fogeys

Computers have become part of almost every aspect of our daily lives, yet many older people still feel intimidated by them. They see their children and grandchildren becoming experts at an early age and are left in a daze by this new wonder of the young being wiser than their elders.

At the same time, they hear incessantly about email and the wonders of the World Wide Web. They would like to try them for themselves, but on one hand are afraid to ask, while on the other they find most computer guides too technical and difficult to understand.

Computers for Mums, Dads and Other Old Fogeys by Norman Wingrove provides a new, more friendly approach than conventional guides and manuals.

This book is based on practical experience in leading new users through the early learning stages and on audio recordings made during hands-on sessions at the computer. Rather than formal lessons or a tutorial, it is in the format of conversations between a real new user, Ted Thomas, and his more knowledgeable guide, the author. (See table of contents)

Computers for Mums, Dads and Other Old Fogeys takes a hand-holding approach, guiding readers through the basics one step at a time and then gradually encouraging them to explore for themselves. As confidence grows, they can skip to sections on specific interests, such as email and the World Wide Web, in the knowledge that it is easy to back-track and continue the step-by-step sessions if necessary.

As far as possible, technical details are omitted but where they are especially important, they are explained in layman's language. These digressions themselves are based on questions and requests for help from real users who, even after consulting manuals or online help systems, are still puzzled and worried they may be missing some important point.

At 140 pages excluding the Glossary and endpapers, Computers for Mums, Dads and Other Old Fogeys is an easy-to-read keyboard-side companion that helps the reader explore the capabilities and wonders of the personal computer.

It will make an ideal Christmas or birthday gift for an older relative in need of a discreet and friendly teacher.

Part of the proceeds from sales of this book will be donated to the Chi Heng Foundation to support the education of children orphaned in China by AIDS as the result of unsafe blood donations.

Price: HK$99; overseas US$14 plus postage.
ISBN 962-7290-7-69
Published by Corporate Communications Ltd.

Available at Bloomsbury Books, Bookazine, Dymocks and other leading booksellers throughout Hong Kong, or from Paddyfield.com.

Please contact us for further information.

'The first humane computer book I have read. This book is much more than a set of instructions . . . Hopefully you'll finish this and want to know more.' - Peter Woodhead, ICT Advisor, Hong Kong English Schools Foundation.

Gavin Coates cartoons

Gavin Coates, one of Hong Kong's leading cartoonists, kindly produced a series of cartoons in association with Computers for Mums, Dads and Other Old Fogeys in support of our effort to raise funds for the education of AIDs orphans in China.

To see more of Gavin's work go to EarthyCartoons.com, where you can browse through all his cartoons and purchase originals. You can even commission your own cartoon from Gavin online.