Wednesday, November 12, 2008

my grandmother vs. the computer

g-ma: Why can't I access email on this new computer?
me: I've set your email to be your homepage. Just click the little button that says "email" (a renamed "Internet Explorer" shortcut)
g-ma: I have clicked it. It won't open.
me: Did you try double-clicking it?
g-ma: ...no. Oh, look at that, double-clicking it made all the difference!
me: But you, you've been using computers for, how could you not know that you have to... (deep breath) never mind.

Sometimes I wish computers frustrated her less. Sometimes I wish she frustrated me less.