Explaining the Mac OS X GUI to a novice

I have an older friend who does not have my experience with computers, which actually predates the GUI.

Two problems:

1. When he calls me up, I try to explain to him what to do, but he does not know the names of the GUI elements and a window, such as: title bar, toolbar, search bar, panel, document, even "window" itself. This makes it almost impossible to explain anything over the phone, and often even in person.

2. He doesn't understand basic operations.

3. He won't read a book about it, because it's too hard and too boring.

So I need a web site or web page that will explain this to him simply.
At the very least show the names of the GUI elements, so he can look at it while I'm talking to him on the phone.

Does anyone know of any?

Mac Mini, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Apr 8, 2010 6:15 PM

Reply
1 reply

Apr 8, 2010 6:24 PM in response to HerrM

A couple of side points, you could remotely control his Msc while talking to him with Chicken of the VNC...

http://sourceforge.net/projects/cotvnc/files/cotvnc/Chicken%20of%20the%20VNC%202 .0b4/cotvnc-20b4.dmg/download

Or, Timbuktu® Pro for Mac OS X...
http://www.netopia.com/software/products/tb2/mac/

Here's a bit from Apple that may help... or not...

http://www.apple.com/support/switch101/

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Explaining the Mac OS X GUI to a novice

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