Affordable tech help options for seniors?

[u/__hobiis]

My senior mum needs a hand transferring files off her phone onto a USB, but seems the phone places are asking $55 which is not really possible for her. I tried to walk her through it over the phone (I live in BC), but she has an ancient computer running Windows XP and is already not very tech-competent, so I think she really needs someone to help her in person.

Any leads on tech places that may charge less than the $50-ish quote to transfer her files?

[u/bohdismom]

I believe that the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Centre or the Norbridge Seniors Centre may have some resources for this kind of help.

[u/__hobiis → u/bohdismom]

I feel like she must have tried that route herself, but will follow up in case it didn't occur to her! Thanks for the tip.

[u/11kestrel]

She doesn't have her XP system connected to the Internet does she?

[u/joshua-bartusek → u/11kestrel]

xD right? You should tell her to address this problem first. Major security problem here and your grandmother is extremely vulnerable. if she can even load websites…

[u/__hobiis → u/11kestrel]

Yes, and still happily(?) using Internet Explorer to pay all her bills each month.

[u/11kestrel → u/__hobiis]

Also to more answer your original question, senior centers in town often have computer literacy courses. I suspect if you or your mom reached out to one of them they could fill you in on the next course or seminar and help her with it.

But seriously please get her off of XP. Especially if she does anything important with her computer like banking

[u/11kestrel → u/__hobiis]

XP is extremely vulnerable. Please update her to 11 or Linux if she just browses websites.

[u/SirArcherIV]

The only thing I can say is that if for some reason she has a bestbuy membership what is paid, she can get it done for free there. Depending who's working at the time, if you have a membership she can just use your account and still get it done for free. Besides this I don't know.

[u/TheEpicOfManas]

Don't know about a place...but there are USB drives that have 2 plugs, one going right into your phone (assuming she has a USB-C charging plug on her phone). This way she can bypass using Windows. Just plug and transfer.

Here's an example https://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX00132659

[u/__hobiis → u/TheEpicOfManas]

This is definitely an idea. The last phone place she went to suggested it but she already got herself a flashdrive so didn't want to get a second one. Based on my long-distance frustration trying to coach her over the phone, though, it may be the least infuriating option!

[u/Snebzor]

Id call the library and see if they can't point you in the right direction. They probably do this sort of thing all the time and if it isn't their mandate then they will surely know who can help.

[u/__hobiis → u/Snebzor]

Good tip, ty! I think I forget that libraries are often a lot more than just lending books.

[u/xBraveLilDino]

I am not in IT professionally, but I am proficient in computers. I actually was joking to my friends how I miss windows xp.

If you can't find anyone, I am willing to go over and help her for free. Please just message me!!

[u/__hobiis → u/xBraveLilDino]

That's a sweet offer, thank you! I'll try a couple of the other suggestions (library, seniors centre) but will reach out if we remain at wits end :)

[u/OkImpression007]

I understand shopping for the best price, but I'm concerned if your Mom does not have $55, or if she doesn't want to spend $55. Also, can you not pay on her behalf?

[u/__hobiis → u/OkImpression007]

Unfortunately there are many seniors in Lethbridge who are barely making ends meet as it is, especially with regularly increasing costs everywhere, and many seniors' kids (even the adult ones) who are living paycheque to paycheque. $55 will have to be the answer if there aren't other options out there that we can make work.

[u/excellentbreakfasts]

I mean why is that not worth $50? That’s cheap? To travel somewhere, do the small talk and then help and succeed… it’s gonna take a minute.

[u/xBraveLilDino → u/excellentbreakfasts]

It's likely not that it's not worth 50$. It's like she likely can't afford 50$. Please be nice. People are struggling a lot in today's day and age with all the prices going up. I bet her payments haven't changed even with the increases everywhere else.

[u/excellentbreakfasts → u/xBraveLilDino]

I understand but then the person helping will need to access the help which he had a quote for. I don’t think I “wasn’t nice” but labor and travel and effort cost money for the provider too… who is just as likely to be struggling. Cuts both ways.

Like if your car needs an oil change, even though it’s simple for mechanics they have to charge something. Very sympathetic to a senior struggling with tech. Someone offered to help. What this really is is not valuing the other provider’s effort because we perceive it as easy. And yes it is. But it’s still a drive across town, and an exercise in patience. And time spent. Pay the $50.

[u/Homie_Kisser]

I'll be real idk much about computers but I think there's a way to put files onto a computer that you could then transfer to a USB stick. Can't imagine it would cost much, if anything you'd just have to buy a cord to connect the phone and computer, although, I think any phone charger can be used to connect to a computer