How would you n00b proof a computer?

[Ns1]

I've tried simple things such as spybot + avast + a few simple modifications, but alas that doesn't seem to work.

What type of things would you do to n00b proof a computer (ie parents, teens, whatever), while still giving them full functionality (or at least what they need...they do need to be able to installs programs and whatnot while I'm not there)

 

[InlineFour]

I buy them a mac.

 

[BlancoNino]

Originally posted by: NeuroSynapsis
I've tried simple things such as spybot + avast + a few simple modifications, but alas that doesn't seem to work.

What type of things would you do to n00b proof a computer (ie parents, teens, whatever), while still giving them full functionality (or at least what they need...they do need to be able to installs programs and whatnot while I'm not there)

It's impossible. I've built several computers for different people and the only ones that never complain are the ones that have at least some idea of how to keep them running well.

 

[CarlKillerMiller]

Encase it in lucite.


Seriously, though, there's not much. Problems will occur, and you'll be their 24/7/365 tech support service.

 

[mugs]

Give them a limited user account.

Give them the admin password and tell them to ONLY use it when they're installing a program they want.

 

[BlancoNino]

Deep freeze maybe?

 

[cubby1223]

Tell the parents where the teens are surfing when they get the Trojans.

Like others have said, there is no way to protect a computer if the users do not protect themselves. Mozilla helps a lot, but likely still not good enough if you're seeing that bad of problems.

 

[neutralizer]

Remove the PSU.

 

[OdiN]

This should work.

 

[middlehead]

Originally posted by: neutralizer
Remove the PSU.

 

[Journer]

Originally posted by: OdiN
This should work.

ahahhahahah lmfao....

anywho...the most noob proffing i do is:
avast...windows defender...and adaware...(as far as software goes) and a limited user account...non the less they call me back 6mo-1yr for more help (how are people so dumb?) which is good for me...

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Originally posted by: mugs
Give them a limited user account.

Give them the admin password and tell them to ONLY use it when they're installing a program they want.

QFT, works pretty good to keep n00bs from ruining their box3n.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124

Originally posted by: mugs
Give them a limited user account.

Give them the admin password and tell them to ONLY use it when they're installing a program they want.

QFT, works pretty good to keep n00bs from ruining their box3n.

It's the only thing that has allowed me to avoid repeatedly removing spyware from my brother's computer.

 

[Powermoloch]

Dell = Thumbsup

 

[timosyy]

My normal software routine is...

Ad-aware
Spybot- S&D
Zonealarm
AVG

Clean out their computer (msconfig, remove stupid startup programs, add/remove in control panel for stupid stuff already installed, run spyware & ad-aware, virus scan, defrag).

Zonealarm & AVG pretty much run in the background so it doesnt require much intervention by them (besides Zonealarm, but just tell them to deny anything they're not expecting to access the internet, or if they're unsure to deny it once and ask you later/google... if anything it will make them more computer savvy). Schedule AVG to update itself & virus scan at hours the user is asleep/not home.

Spyboy & Ad-aware are just there so they're already on the computer the next time the user asks me to check their computer again.

 

[ForumMaster]

Originally posted by: InlineFour
I buy them a mac.

a good idea. although i have a friend that has a mac and he call me to help him find apps for different stuff. he would ruin a pc very quickly so it's for the best.

 

[potato28]

Noob proofing? No internet!

 

[Zugzwang152]

Not possible. If you give them control, they will fsck it up.

 

[DainBramaged]

Originally posted by: potato28
Noob proofing? No internet!

+ No Keyboard or Mouse FTW

 

[Lurknomore]

Keep an old, crappy hd for their screwup surfing needs.
You install your newer, larger, cleaner, perpendicular, SATA-er drive when they're not around.

 

[Raiden256]

group policy

/thread

 

[pontifex]

doesn't fisher price make a pc?

 

[maximus maximus]

Originally posted by: mugs
Give them a limited user account.

Give them the admin password and tell them to ONLY use it when they're installing a program they want.

FTW. :thumbsup:

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Unplug it and lock it in a safe.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: maximus maximus

Originally posted by: mugs
Give them a limited user account.

Give them the admin password and tell them to ONLY use it when they're installing a program they want.

FTW. :thumbsup:

what, like those free emoticns and that free weather software and that....

you get the picture...