How do you explain things to non-computer-people? [closed]

The latest xkcd sums this up splendidly.

"Link everything with real-world examples. Explaining arrays, for example, I use a small town, with one or more street of one or more houses, each person remembering a value.

If you can, try to link things with something the person has a good interest, or grasp of."

"For non-technical-persons who want to buy a computer, my advice is: buy a Mac. Not only because it just works but also because I can help them on that platform.

The general advice is: buy something that your friends, colleagues, family know well so that they can help you."
"For non-technical-persons who want to buy a computer, my advice is: buy a Mac. Not only because it just works but also because I can help them on that platform.

The general advice is: buy something that your friends, colleagues, family know well so that they can help you."

"People tend to find computers impersonal, faceless, inscrutable objects with a whole culture and vocabulary of their own attached... Not sure how this feels, but I can remember the intimidation I felt the first time I sat in front of a PC:

C:\> _

The difference was, I had the patience and inclination to read the DOS manual cover to cover.

The most important piece of advice I have for novice users is: Don't panic (if someone is the panicky type, stick this near the computer on a post-it with a smiley face beside it). Second is: Google is your friend. You will probably need to show them how to use Google properly.

If that fails, be available. Being free tech support for family and friends is the price you pay for your ease with a computer. Get used to it and try to be nice about it. The computer is scary enough without you adding to it."

Very carefully. I also make sure to talk slow and use small words.