Many of our customers are grown-up children who live in another part of Tbilisi, another city or abroad, and want their parents to be able to see the grandchildren on video calls, read the news, listen to music and pay utility bills online. The computer itself is only half the job. The other half is setting it up so that an older person feels confident, isn't afraid of "breaking something", and doesn't fall victim to scammers who target exactly this group.
Which device to choose
For most older users, a laptop with a 15–16-inch screen or an all-in-one with a large 24-inch display works well. What matters isn't the processor but comfort: a large, bright screen, easy-to-read keys, a good webcam and loud speakers for video calls. An SSD is essential — the computer must start quickly and not keep them waiting, because any delay feels like "I've done something wrong". Some people find a tablet with a stand and keyboard easier, especially if video calls and reading are the main uses.
Setting it up for comfort
The right set-up makes a computer understandable even to someone using one for the first time. We enlarge text and interface scaling, choose a large, high-contrast mouse pointer, clear everything unnecessary off the desktop and leave a few large, clear shortcuts: "Call the children", "News", "Music", "Grandchildren's photos". We set up the browser with bookmarks to the sites they need so nothing has to be searched for, and turn off unnecessary notifications and pop-ups that frighten and confuse. For people with poor eyesight, the screen magnifier, read-aloud and voice typing help a great deal.
Video calls without the hassle
Most parents need one or two ways to keep in touch — WhatsApp, Viber or Telegram on the computer, sometimes Zoom. We set up the chosen app so an incoming call can be answered with one click and a call can be made by clicking a person's photo. We check the camera, microphone, volume and lighting so everyone can see and hear each other properly.
The main threat: scammers
Older people are scammers' prime target. The schemes keep changing but share recognisable features:
- a call from the "bank security department" asking for an SMS code or a transfer to a "safe account";
- a call from "Microsoft support" or the internet provider asking them to install a remote-access program;
- a full-screen pop-up saying "your computer is infected, call this number";
- a message from a "grandson" or "daughter" on a new number: "I'm in trouble, send money urgently";
- emails about a prize, an inheritance, compensation or a blocked account, asking them to click a link;
- fake government-service and utility websites.
Agree one simple rule with your parents: never read out codes from SMS messages, never install a program because a caller asks, and never transfer money without first calling the children back on their usual number. That rule alone defeats most scams.
Technical protection
Conversations need to be backed by technical safeguards. An older user is best on a standard account without administrator rights, so malware can't be installed by accident. Add a reliable antivirus with phishing protection, an ad blocker in the browser, filtering of dangerous sites on the router and automatic system updates. For banking, it helps to send transaction alerts to the children's phones or set spending limits.
Remote help from the family
It's very convenient when grown-up children can help their parents from a distance. We install and configure remote-access software so that only a specific family member can connect, and show the parents what it looks like. It's important they understand that a connection only ever happens after they themselves call their children — and that no stranger should ever ask them to install such a program.
Learning without stress
Patient explanation matters more than any setting. We show the essentials and write a simple large-print guide with pictures: how to switch the computer on and off, how to make a call, how to open photos, what to do if a strange window appears. Many customers ask us to visit periodically to check the system, answer questions that have built up and make sure everything still works.
What a technician does
- Helps choose a device to suit their eyesight, hearing and needs.
- Sets up a large interface, a simple desktop and bookmarks.
- Installs and tests video calls with relatives.
- Creates a safe user account and installs antivirus and filtering.
- Sets up remote help for the family.
- Teaches the basics and leaves a clear reminder sheet.
A real example
A daughter living in Germany asked us to prepare a laptop for her mother in Didube. We enlarged the text, left four shortcuts on the desktop, set up one-click video calls, installed protection and remote access that only the daughter can start. A month later the mother got a call from a "bank employee" asking her to install a program "to protect her account". She remembered the reminder sheet, refused and called her daughter. Her money stayed exactly where it was.
Let us set up a computer for your parents
We work across Tbilisi around the clock, setting up technology for older people and teaching them patiently. Learn more on our computer setup, 24/7 computer help and antivirus installation pages.
Comments 0
No comments yet. Ask a question and a technician will reply.