Heh, didn't notice you were also the submitter. Sorry. I feel for you, but seriously, no other options? Wow.

Could I ask then why you bought Norton? I've installed avast on my mother's machine and haven't heard from her since, and it was free.

Also, as much as I hate the phrase "buy a mac", I'm convinced that all non-tech users should be using one of these machines.

I concur.

He was ranting about Apple even though he didn't use any of their services or products? And I'm quite sure doing so would've saved him a lot of time and trouble.

I use Windows as well as OS X, and, knowing both sides, OS X is just so much more comfortable to use. Especially for people without previous knowledge, such as my mom or my sister. I did install OS X on my sister's Eee PC a while back and it runs great, she's never had any trouble with it. I'm confident it would've worked with his mother too. (Though buying a MacBook is much less trouble than hacking OS X on any other system)

Macs are cool, and if the old folks in the park where mom lived all had Macs, I'd be buying her one. I'm hoping that she'll get a lot of support from her peers - especially since I'm 1200 miles away.

Norton was probably the worst choice on my part, and it came from habit. I've used Norton for a long time, and it has a good reputation. But you're right: there are much better options for security software.

Can you return it?

I gave my mom a Macbook 5 years ago and she's never had to ask anyone for support.

Ditto this. I got tired of constantly tech supporting my mom on her Dell, and gave her my old MBP. Spent 30 minutes walking her through the OS X differences, and really haven't heard from her since. She uses it all the time now to create and give presentations, along with the standard e-mail/web/etc...

Probably not. I spent all day "configuring" it -- resizing the icons and text size, doing all that install stuff, imaging the drive, etc. Plus it's shipped.

How old was your mom when you got it for her? Did she have previous computer experience?

She was 55 and uses a PC at work.

I think that's a little different. My mom is 75 and the last keyboard she used was a selectric typewriter sometime around 1990.

So we're starting completely from zero.

I know the suffering of dial-up (dirty phone lines in rural areas) or other means (e.g. GRPS) - it is awful.

Isn't there an EDGE or 3G network available? Maybe something like CDMA2000?

His current options are dialup or satellite and you're thinking there's maybe a 3G infrastructure in his area? I'm thinking maybe Verizon and AT&T haven't gotten around to his area yet.

Maybe. I am guessing that most of the USA has cell phone coverage (and some would either have EDGE or 3G depending on the provider). The costs differ though (from a mild raping to worst).

There are also independent service providers (regional providers).

I've got regular cell service.

I have a cell modem, but it's just getting dial-up speed. No new towers yet.

I keep looking into other internet options. Verizon has a web page where you can see if you can get DSL. But until they get around to upgrading the local switch, high-speed ain't happening.

There was also a rumor that some provider was putting in WiMax, but that didn't cover where I am.

I'm telling you guys, living in the boonies really sucks. I love the area, but internet service is probably as critical as power service for somebody in technology.

As a side note, I was actually was one of first ones in my area to get a T-1 several years ago. I had to rent the line. I think at first it was running around $2K per month.