The games it will play will have uninteresting graphics. The only sounds it will make will be beeps and buzzes. It will not support speech or play music. Children typically do not have enough free time to teach parents. Today's classes, books and video tapes focus on using modern computers and modern programs.
Private tutors are available but expensive.
Just like Jenny and her husband, today's seniors need computers that run modern programs. If your children offer you a computer, ask if it is one of these. If it is not, perhaps they could help with the cost of a modern one. The frustration or discouragement you may experience with an obsolete computer could keep you from discovering how useful and how much fun modern computing can be. Doug Piehler can be reached at Futurekids in East Greenwich.