[tlug] Linspire as a senior citizen's first computer... what do you think?

["Micheal E Cooper" <mcooper@example.com>]

I need to give you some background for this, so excuse the candice:

My dad is 59, has never used a PC or a Mac, and has never been on the
internet. He is in a wheelchair and partially paralyzed on the right side,
unemployed, and living in rural Mississippi. He is an intelligent man, or
at least he was before he moved to Mississippi, and he used to love
science and math and particular.

About two weeks from now, I will return to the US for the first time in 9
years, and I am considering getting him a PC and an internet connection.

I am thinking of getting him a Linspire machine and a dial-up contract
with NetZero for 10 USD/ month. NetZero actually advertises on its website
that it caters to Linspire.

While the low cost of a Linspire machine and NetZero is a big factor in
the decision, it is more than that. Windows users find Mac and Linux
difficult, while Mac users find Windows and Linux impossible. I suspect
that it is simply a matter of what you are used to, and if you begin with
Linspire, then wouldn't Linspire be the easiest to use?

This is especially true since he will only be surfing the net and using
email. I secretly hope that he will get the fever and find a new life
online, but that is probably too much to expect.

The only reason I can think of to go Windows is to give Dad voice
recognition input, like DragonSpeaking, since he cannot use his right
hand. Also, it is easier to find someone to fix your Windows than finding
a Linux-literate to help with your Linspire.

So what do you think of this idea? Do you think Linspire would be a good
choice, or do you think that pushing Dad into Linux from the start is a
bit like throwing a toddler in the bayou to teach him to swim?