Have you tried ChromeOS? My grandfather is in his mid 80's. I've been helping him with his computer(s) for years. In the last year, I switched him over to a Chromebook, after trying and failing to switch him to Windows 10 (wasn't compatible with his old computer)... and since everything he does involves websites and bookmarks anyways.

It's the easiest time he's ever had using a computer. No random update notifications, adware popups, anti-virus subscription nags, etc. Nothing but a browser, which he knows how to use.

I'd recommend it to anyone considered technically illiterate.

I'll second that.

I own a Chromebook, and it is my favorite machine to use out of all of the laptops I own. If I need Windows for something, i just Remote Desktop into my desktop downstairs.

My Chromebook is set up with Crouton, so I have a full linux environment on it for development.

Storage was an issue, but I swapped the original ssd out for a 256GB ssd. Now, it is pretty much a cheap ultrabook.

I mean it covers 99% of what most people do with their computers, and in a simple, lovely way. Word? Check. Excel? Check. Photos? Check. And, most importantly, browser, check.

I haven't, but I probably should. One problem is that they live halfway across the country, so I wouldn't be on hand to help him adjust to the new OS.

There really isn't much adjusting needed if they have used a browser before.

Best thing I've ever done was to buy two iPads for my parents. I'd strongly suggest that.

I believe there must be a way of allowing people to live forever without growing old or dying. Unfortunately, neither of our beliefs are very helpful since we cannot describe an exact method for achieving our goals.

Sure, but you can easily user-test and iterate changes to software without killing people or waiting 20 years to see if your changes are beneficial.