>small Linux distro that will do a better job for him and be able to
>read his old files. they are built in basic, yes that's right the
>original BASIC.

If it works and he is happy with it, why change, its doing everything
that he wants to do with it.


>The man is eccentric he will not connect to the internet he thinks
>that if the phone line is connected to his PC anyone can get in even
>if it's off line and shut down.

They Can't?? I'll put my line plug back in then.

That would be a good reason to give him DOS access to the Internet
with a text browser like Lynx and let him develop on his existing
platform. He would likely be quite comfortable with just unplugging
an external modem or powering it down or just a simple switch in the
telephone wire, to provide him with the confidence that he is trying
to maintain. He could visually verify that he is disconnected in any
of the three manners, guaranteed. What he really needs is a reason to
connect to the Internet. Could you supply that? Backup, Info, whatever etc.

>I wouldn't be surprised if he thought Bill Gates worked for the CIA.

He doesn't?? Damm it, after all these years! Nobody was in a
better position.


>He's strange but all in all a nice guy.

And completely confident in what he is now doing, don't push the
envelope too far, just enough to let him evolve confidently.
Eventually he will evolve, maybe not, but with your help maybe.