How would you n00b proof a computer?

[secretanchitman]

install a program called deep freeze.

or just use the guest account.

i'd even go as far to buying a mac.

 

[wetcat007]

no internet... That will be perfect from keeping purple monkeys, and free screensavers off of their computer. Otherwise buy a mac or bootable linux cd, reboot and it's all better... lol

 

[Evander]

After installing/enabling firewall, antivirus, windows updates, and the software they need, ghost the hard disk image onto DVD-R (I use Acronis, there are freeware alterntives such as DriveImage XML which I've never tried). Tell them if the pc is "broken", back up their personal files and insert DVD-R to restore pc to working state. You could make a seperate partition on the hard drive for their personal files and tell them to save them there, that way that wouldn't even have to backup the files. Of course there's a risk these files will be infected with something, but that's their problem not yours. If problem happens again, rinse and repeat

edit: haven't seen spywareblaster mentioned yet (helps prevent spyware installation in the first place), nor mention of the consolidated security thread in the software forum:
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=33&threadid=1658987&enterthread=y

 

[jammur21]

Originally posted by: InlineFour
I buy them a mac.

www.apple.com/imac

 

[loic2003]

LOLZ, just install linux, it's really easy to use and run, plus you'll have no problems with viruses. Anyone knows linux is the ultimate desktop os!!1! yeah! of course, being their friend, it'll mean you have to have them on the phone every 3 minutes asking why the OS is a freaking nightmare to use.

Like, once, I tried to install a driver for a wireless NIC (easy stuff, eh?) two hours later, I find myself 10 steps back from where I started, compiling the kernel and deciding that my time is worth more than this. I close it down and fire up the mac. Boom. I'm doing what I wanted to do (testing the security of my wireless network) within 20 mins, and that includes researching and downloading the app to do the job.
Linux is awesome if your time is cheap.

 

[RapidSnail]

Originally posted by: OdiN
This should work.

P-p-p-powerbook!!! Great counter-prank right there!!!

 

[imported_LoKe]

Linux, with the root account disabled.

 

[Raduque]

Linux is definitely noob-proof, as in "noobs can't even begin to use it".

 

[imported_LoKe]

Originally posted by: Raduque
Linux is definitely noob-proof, as in "noobs can't even begin to use it".

You're thinking of straight UNIX. Most of the current Linux distributions come with a very competent GUI, if you choose to install it.

 

[Ramma2]

Restricted user account + gpedit.msc

 

[TXHokie]

Originally posted by: secretanchitman
install a program called deep freeze.

or just use the guest account.

i'd even go as far to buying a mac.

lol, didn't even know about this program. I thought we were talking about deep freezing the user or the computer (although that isn't such a bad idea either)