• Any tips for idiot-proofing a non-tech savy person's computer?
    24 replies, posted
So, like clockwork, my dad brought his laptop to my room yesterday because it's broken. When it boots, it asks if you want to repair windows or boot normally (black screen. Booting normally restarts and brings you to the same screen). It's gotten to a point that after I find a windows 7 ISO to fix it this time, I'm just going to keep it (which is bad because that's the only computer that runs windows 7). Do you guys have any tips on how to help "idiot proof" a computer to at least slow down how quick it gets messed up? I usually install Firefox with ABP and make intenet explorer more difficult to find, along with a decent free anti-virus (avast or AVG), although this time, I'm going to instal a good paid antivirus. I just don't know what else to do To help protect his computer against himself...
first of all, what is it that he does to mess up the computer? If you want a suggestion, I actually suggest changing your attitude and try and help him. I'm sure he'd pay attention to what you tell him about not fucking up the laptop once more
[QUOTE=Silence I Kill You;47301664]although this time, I'm going to instal a good paid antivirus.[/QUOTE] ESET NOD32 or Vipre should do the job.
ah. oh dear i did that to my computer once. what happened is that i took it to the windows repair screen and then i rebooted it because i wasn't getting any prompts. i'm not sure if i had to reinstall for that or not. it might have just been a case of inserting the repair disc and then cancelling out of the prompt.
Well unless he installs programs often or plays games you could just set his user account as guest so he can't install stuff or change any system settings. You could also install Ubuntu or any other user-friendly flavor instead because it'd be a challenge to destroy that without really trying. My dad is computarded so I gave up and just installed Ubuntu since he is familiar with Chrome's UI and just needed an email alternative to outlook so he has Thunderbird instead. That is all he uses a PC for anyhow so why bother with windows. Could make up a Hackintosh too if you to take the time and hate Linux.
I'd say something like "...bestiality porn sites are notorious for this kind of thing..." while I repaired his computer.
give him a mac :v:
This story sounds awfully like the ones I am having with my family members. I tried giving them only a non-admin account, but that didn't stop them from completely destroying the OS. The solution I had and still works for me is simply putting Linux on the machine and give them a non-administrator account. Since all they are doing is browsing the web, writing emails and using Word/Excel form time to time it seems to be the best solution. So far everything works, they just absolutely hate it because it isn't windows, despite being able to do what ever they did before. Might wanna give it a windows look.
Deepfreeze is also great for the job.
[QUOTE=B!N4RY;47303109]Deepfreeze is also great for the job.[/QUOTE] Was just going to suggest that. Though my old coworkers grandfather somehow still managed to get his system infected when it was frozen...
How are the issues being caused? Installing programs and not unchecking the "Junk" - If so looking at [url]http://unchecky.com/[/url] might be a good route, makes it harder to install "Junk" which is installed with other programs
It's not installed programs or porn. There's never any traces of either, and I know he's not computer literate enough to completely cover his tracks. That's why I'm so confused. I can't find the cause of why windows 7 keeps breaking on him. It's frustrating. No junk, but the OS keeps getting messed up.
As far as antivirus goes, Comodo is my go to choice if I'm paranoid or putting together a computer for someone else. It uses HIPS so it detects things based more on behavior rather than just a frequently updated list. It won't nag you too much and its got an awesome free version as well.
[QUOTE=HetsuProcyon;47301743]ESET NOD32 or Vipre should do the job.[/QUOTE] Yeah I would highly recommend NOD32, my dad sells it for ESET..But I'm not biased towards it because of that, its actually GREAT antivirus.
install arch linux
[QUOTE=Havolis;47319984]install arch linux[/QUOTE] The fuck are you on about? Install Gentoo OP.
Browserlinux. It's a stripped down version of Puppy for exactly what it's called. Has a few utilities like PDF and stuff, but it's pretty basic and should be tough to destroy. I've installed it on a few old laptops for my dad and they all work still.
Another option is just to put him in a vm, snapshot it when it gets to how he wants it, then just roll it back whenever it's messed up.
You really can't get get any simpler than ElementaryOS
non admin account and UAC on
[QUOTE='[EG] Pepper;47320980']The fuck are you on about? Install Gentoo OP.[/QUOTE] i was being sarcastic.
[QUOTE=Havolis;47326166]i was being sarcastic.[/QUOTE] so was i
I'd get your dad two birthday gifts: 1. Idiot's guide to Windows 7 2. Idiot's guide to troubleshooting PCs For all of the life-lessons he told you to glean from the books, it's time you returned the favour.
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