Cheap and Easy Way to Get My Technology-Illiterate Dad onto The Internet?

dubfonik on 20/07/2020 - 17:58

My dad lives by himself in another state and is absolutely hopeless with the internet. I try to get him to get a data plan for his phone but he can't figure it out and I've given up on that. I was thinking to get some kind of 4G dongle modem so he could just turn his phone wifi on, in the hope that it'd be easier for him.

What would be some cheap modems to consider, that is simple to set up without passwords/etc? Additionally, I would need to set him up with a data plan he could recharge himself which doesn't require a direct debit. Ideally he could buy credit for it at a convenience store.

I guess if it's a bit tricky to set up I could buy it, set it up, and send it to him to plug into the wall. Then from there he could figure out how to recharge it.

Any advice would be great!

Computing

Comments

  • Axelstrife on 20/07/2020 - 18:08

    Does he know how to use the phone with apps and stuff or is he completely literate with that stuff?
    Is he on a plan or prepaid?
    Doesn't every sim card have data? You just have to make sure you pay for enough data.

    • dubfonik on 20/07/2020 - 18:12

      unfortunately he's not so great with apps and such. If I really broke it down for him I'm sure he could understand to a limit. He's on prepaid, and he isn't so great with money which is why I'd rather avoid getting him on a plan. If money randomly came out of his account without him knowing it could put him out.

      that's why I'm thinking having a separate data-only sim for him to buy credit for (hopefully longer expiry than 1 month) and when it's used up he just has to buy more credit for it.

      • Axelstrife on 20/07/2020 - 18:47

        Check out Boost prepaid then they have long prepaid 6-12 month options since he's starting out he shouldn't need a lot of data, it's not like he's going to be watching Youtube all day haha, a second sim would be confusing imo.

        My suggestion is to write up on word document using picture's, arrows and a description on what and how to do things etc… to show him all the basic stuff related to using chrome or whatever web browser his phone has.
        you can do this for as many apps you deem necessary, without you having the phone in your hands this wont be a thorough as you don't know where his app icons are or what apps he has installed or anything.

        Another option which would require you purchasing him a new phone, but you have it in your hands and setting it up fully with a sim card installed everything ready to do and print off a bunch of pages with the above descriptions on what and how to use every part you think he needs to know.
        then post the phone and printed off pages ready to go to him and communicate over a phone call if he's having any issues or questions.

        • dubfonik on 20/07/2020 - 20:09

          yeah I think writing up these documents will be the way to go. he can print them out and keep them nearby if he gets confused. thanks for the help

  • [Deactivated] on 20/07/2020 - 18:09
    +3

    Don't forget to educate him on scams or else whatever savings you try to achieve would be greatly outweighed.

    • dubfonik on 20/07/2020 - 18:14

      for sure - good point. he used to be on the internet on and off (he's had 2 or 3 facebook accounts as he forgets the password… lol). doesn't have an email address he can get into, etc. so this is what we're dealing with!

      Ideally he'd just use his phone to connect to the wifi, and I'll tell him to turn it off when he's not using it.

      • [Deactivated] on 20/07/2020 - 18:16

        Install a password manager for him so he only has one port of call for his log in information.

        I use One Key and it has been invaluable.

        (Having multiple abandoned accounts leaves you vulnerable to identity theft.)

        • dubfonik on 20/07/2020 - 18:19

          thanks, I'll look into this. I use 1Password myself - I'll look into One Key and see if it could apply to him easily

  • Jamets on 20/07/2020 - 18:10
    +1

    How much are you looking to spend?

    It really sounds like he'd be better off with a tablet on a data plan contract. Not cheap compared to other methods but for someone who has no idea, it would be simple and convenient. Just pay the bill each month like anything else.

    • dubfonik on 20/07/2020 - 18:17

      I guess up to $100 on the modem - I can see there's a few that are $50-$100 on Amazon that look like dongles. I thought I'd reach out here first to see what options I should consider.

      And yeah, a tablet would be a good option. I could look around for a 2nd hand one perhaps. thanks for the idea.

      • Jamets on 20/07/2020 - 18:20
        +1

        No problem. It's probably your overall cheapest and easiest option. A modem will only be more confusing for someone living alone who isn't tech savvy.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/07/2020 - 18:12
    -1

    Get him an ipad, but then it happens

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xn1rO1oQmk

    • dubfonik on 20/07/2020 - 18:16

      haha, yeah.. this is all a risk! I'm willing to take it because, well, he doesn't have anybody around him during this crazy time, and I'd like to do some video calls with him every now and then. if it all fails, well, at least I tried!

      • Jolakot on 20/07/2020 - 19:35
        +2

        Seconding getting him a cellular iPad. Not usually an Apple fan, but iPads are second to none for usability by old folk/small kids. It being locked down is also great because they can't be tricked into downloading dodgy apps or it being taken over by adware like Androids can be.

        Can get unlimited data + a 7th gen iPad for $36 a month (24 months) from Vodaphone, or $45 a month if it needs to be Telstra. Pricey, but having it all included and unlimited is worth not needing to worry.

    • bdl on 20/07/2020 - 18:26

      Better than this happening :)

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeVyOKq-KXU

      But yeah, I reckon iPad cellular is best option. Less stuffing around with the tech so he can focus on the content.

    • casho on 23/07/2020 - 09:45
      +1

      This! My parents has a PC and they were constantly calling up, X isn't working, internet is down, says I have a virus. Got annoying so I bought them an ipad with 4G. Support calls dropped 90% :)

      • dubfonik on 23/07/2020 - 19:19
        +1

        so I guess the chosen solution is 50% about him and 50% about me, haha

  • elgrande on 20/07/2020 - 19:01
    +5

    Cheap and Easy Way to Get My Technology-Illiterate Dad onto The Internet?

    Just upload a photo of him.

    • dubfonik on 20/07/2020 - 20:07
      +2

      nice one… dad?

      • [Deactivated] on 20/07/2020 - 20:27
        +1

        lol and lol

  • bobbified on 20/07/2020 - 19:48
    +1

    Show him some porn and he'll probably teach himself the rest quite quickly!

    • dubfonik on 20/07/2020 - 20:07

      if there's a reason he'll burn through data I reckon that'll be the reason.

      • bobbified on 20/07/2020 - 20:09

        hahaha better get an unlimited connection for him then!

        • 82norm on 21/07/2020 - 16:42

          As long as he doesn’t subscribe to HD videos, hahaha….

  • Randxyz123 on 20/07/2020 - 19:57

    Does he have a computer? I would suggest a Mac/pc full OS as he is in another state so you can remote in (setup teamviewer) and help if needed.

    I would get everything shipped to your house, set it all up. I.e. Prepaid wifi dongle is the default network. Have it auto connect to that wifi network then box it up again and post it out to him. Grab a boost or belong sim.

    The other option is to get a iPad on a plan and get a stand case so he can leave it on the kitchen table. Again, send it to yourself and set it up with fb messenger, FaceTime and maybe skype? Then he won’t have to worry about passwords etc. The only downside to the tablet is that you can’t fix something if he goes to the wrong menu.

    • dubfonik on 20/07/2020 - 20:08

      thanks, yeah it might be the way to go. I'll look into Boost/Belong to see what they offer

      • bbinc on 22/07/2020 - 10:50

        That’s not a bad idea. Windows 10 has quick assist built in. Only tricky bit is getting him to start quick assist, but if you set it up then print out screen shots and send to him it could work. I have used that recently with another family member. Trying to guide someone through the iPad can be tricky, especially the nuances of touch and pull downs.

        • Randxyz123 on 23/07/2020 - 09:44

          This is why I’m suggesting a pre-configured windows/Mac. Set up teamviewer/quick assist. An iPad is very easy to use if you can show them in person. It’s hard to explain over the phone.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/07/2020 - 20:29

    What would you like him do on the internet?

    I think this whole corona business has probably made it extra tough on those who don't have access or don't know how to use the internet. Its quite sad :(

    • dubfonik on 20/07/2020 - 20:36
      +1

      I'd just like to be able to video call with him and get him to see his grand kids, really

      • [Deactivated] on 20/07/2020 - 20:43

        https://pricehipster.com/?q=vodafone%20pocket%20wifi

        https://pricehipster.com/?q=optus%20alcatel%20mw

        These often on sale. Used one for 12 months. (found cheapest prepaid offer for the month and put it in). Although for your dad probably would just stick with one provider lol.

        Probably a cheap laptop might be the easiest option. Also, I think the most useful if your dad would use it for things other than video calls.

        If your dad is similar to my dad then typing on touch screen phone is probably not something they will like.

        If it is just video calls then maybe a tablet or phone with facetime/ or any video call app would be fine.

        • dubfonik on 20/07/2020 - 22:10

          thanks - I'll look into those products :)

  • Boogerman on 21/07/2020 - 08:54

    If we start public floggings of the technologically illiterate he would get the message

  • decryption on 21/07/2020 - 10:02
    +1

    iPad with a built in LTE modem. I've given a few of these to tech hopeless family members and had no complaints.

  • bbinc on 21/07/2020 - 10:35

    Mine uses Siri on the iPad instead of typing. He’s never used a keyboard in his life. His mates or their kids try and help, but often make things worse, remove or change apps and logins, then he calls me for help but forgets to mention my setup has all been changed. Eg they’ll setup a new library password, but he doesn’t get multiple passwords. None of the elderly we support do. Q. What is my password? A. For what? The response is rarely helpful.
    Worst thing with Apple - if you have to reset Apple ID it can’t be an old one. I have to do it from home, the trust him to write it down and stick it on the fridge.
    Good luck, when they get it it’s great, when they get stuck it can be frustrating.

  • pdperth on 21/07/2020 - 11:51

    Just get a boost 6 month data and a dongle. Leave it on all the time. Buy an iPad 3 for about $150. Find some way that the iPad supports his interest. Maybe gumtree, collecting etc. He won't use it unless it meets his interest.

    • Tigercjn on 21/07/2020 - 15:43

      where would he plug a dongle as he only has a phone?

  • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2020 - 12:31

    Tell him there is free porn on it

  • 82norm on 21/07/2020 - 16:48

    Speak to one of his neighbours and see if they’ll let him tether of their internet connection if distance is not an issue. Even offer to pay a small portion of the bill… win win situation.
    I’m sure your dads not going to cause any streaming issues.

    • dubfonik on 23/07/2020 - 19:14

      Unfortunately he doesn't live in a great area and I can't trust his neighbours enough. Plus, I am in VIC and he's in QLD so it would be hard to coordinate this. It's a great idea though, and I did consider it!

  • HeWhoKnows on 22/07/2020 - 16:56

    Just get him an iphone.
    Old people find no difficulty in using them.
    Any used one will do. Even an iPhone 6.
    You need one too so you can call him on Facetime and send photos via iMessage..
    Its a no-brainer on his end.

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