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Best software to make a Windows XP PC Grandma proof?


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My grandma has decided she wants to begin to learn how to use a computer. The last time she's used a computer was before the mouse was commonplace.

 

We've set her up on an older Windows XP machine, and are in the process of getting her an internet connection.

 

What is the best software I can use to minimize time spent on tech support? Here are my ideas so far:

 

1. Something like Faronics Deep Freeze to enable a simple restart to undo any potential damage done. I'm not completely for the idea of not giving her any power to make setting changes, but realistically, she probably won't ever reach that level. It will just be ultra-basic web-browsing and maybe some word processing.

 

2. Google Chrome with AdBlock Plus, and some kind of parental extension (or stand alone software) that will block known malicious sites + adult content. I'm open for suggestions as to what the best option is for this.

 

3. TeamViewer remote desktop running as a service for easy "always on" remote access tech support.

 

What am I missing? How can I Grandma proof her PC?

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Make sure grandma isn't running as the default admin account.  Can't break the system if you don't have permissions, at worst just break the user profile.  XP doesn't have UAC reminding you that you're still running as an administrator.  Hopefully don't need to suggest you shouldn't even be using XP but..

 

Another one for Sandboxie too.  Put whatever browser in it's own little container, even if she goofs, it's as simple as erasing the sandbox.

 

Porn filter probably wouldn't hurt either.. may not be savvy on some *ahem* on-line trends.

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We've set her up on an older Windows XP machine, and are in the process of getting her an internet connection.

Don't do this, please. I won't be the last person to tell you that Windows XP and the Internet should not go together anymore.

I really do love that your grandma wants to get involved with technology, but at least upgrade her to Windows 7. Windows XP should not be put online, especially with someone that doesn't use a computer much behind the wheel.

With that in mind, Teamviewer, Firefox and something like Sandboxie are items that I would suggest. We can move on from there later. ;)

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start by running a newer system.  Win 7 or 8.  

 

give grandma a user account (not an admin account) and you can install software as she needs or wants, which probably won't be too often.

 

You can run deepfreeze or drive shield if you want...at sometime she may want to save stuff on her c drive unless you teach her to use a different drive or move her docs and desktop over to another drive.

 

Tell her to not let any kids onto her computer and everything will be fine.

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I recommend Windows 8.1 with parental controls enabled. Don't give out the admin password, let the system update itself.

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Suprised no one has mentioned installing Ubuntu on it ?

Ubuntu's getting kind of heavy with older systems too (or even absurdly slow, depending on the system), would be better options if he wants to go in a different route.  No specs were mentioned so *shrug*, but it can really drag on older hardware, especially that menu and possibly the GPU acceleration.  Wouldn't be my first (or even fifth) pick for a *Nix box on older hardware.

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I do have to question if your starting her out on the correct path, teaching your grandma how to use a 13 year old OS doesn't seem like the best start to computing in my opinion, especially for an older person.

Windows has changed a lot since then, how easy its going to be for her to learn it in the first place? then go through a massive change to re learn a more modern versions of Windows.

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Hi all,

 

Appreciate the concern regarding the dated operating system.

 

The safety issues bother me more than the learning curve concerns. She's 83 years old, she's not going to switch OS's after this initial lesson, and I doubt she will ever use a computer outside of her home, ever.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think with adequate protection (parental controls, deep freeze, adblock, non-administrator account) paired with monthly checkups from myself, she should be safe browsing the 10-15 websites she may enjoy visiting. It's highly unlikely she will ever explore the web (as in not visiting a domain directly) aside from the occasional search for recipes.

 

I'd like to compile a list of the most helpful software that can help me insulate her from potential dangers. I think I have my bases covered, but I'm very open to suggestions.

 

Ubuntu is an interesting option. I don't have much Linux experience myself, but the interface may prove easier to pickup than the start menu style of XP. I can't recall the specs on her "new" old computer, but I believe it's recent enough to be able to run Ubuntu without serious strain. It's something I will consider. I am leaning towards Windows for the sake of enabling other relatives the ability to give her a few pointers on an OS they are familiar with, though.

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Hi all,

 

Appreciate the concern regarding the dated operating system.

 

The safety issues bother me more than the learning curve concerns. She's 83 years old, she's not going to switch OS's after this initial lesson, and I doubt she will ever use a computer outside of her home, ever.

 

 

If safety is a concern, then WinXP shouldnt be considered.  Yes, there are ways to make it "safe" but will be quicker/easier to go with at least Win7.  And the ways to make WinXP "safe" will eventually be non supported as well.

 

Or you can get something like a Chromebook or Chrome PC.

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I'd definitely consider some linux distro (elementary OS looks nice).

 

That way she won't have to deal with all the crapware that can find it's way onto a Windows machine in novice hands.

 

Setting these up seems to be pretty straightforward these days.

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run a good av, eset should work

run a remote support software

make sure it is updated

give it to her

 

 

I do the same with my dad who is about as computer literate as a nat (in his 70s).

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Keep in mind both Mozilla, and Google plan to drop support for XP within the next year. I wouldn't be using it if you plan on letting her venture online.  

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Keep in mind both Mozilla, and Google plan to drop support for XP within the next year. I wouldn't be using it if you plan on letting her venture online.  

That's a good point -- you certainly don't want to be running outdated browsers, they all get patched all the time for vulnerabilities regardless of which OS you're on.  Of course, most of the concern can be mitigated by a sandbox, but still not something I'd personally be comfortable with.  Just out of curiosity, I know Chrome's ready to drop it -- is that coming from Chromium itself? (That is, is that going to affect all the derivative browsers too?)  I'd assume so but figured clarification wouldn't hurt.  I'd also be concerned about plugins as well, Adobe for example is already dropping XP from their products, Flash will probably wind up in there as well sooner or later, etc.

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