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Parent-proof computer?

Q

Qacer

Platinum Member
My dad is currently running Windows 7. I thought he would be fare better with it, but somehow he got malware installed on it by visiting a website. After the hundredth time of cleaning up his system over the years, I decided to take advantage of Win 7's easy to use user access control.

I switched his account to a Standard User. I figured if he ever gets his profile corrupted with malware, then I can simply delete it using an Admin account and create him a new account. If Win 7 really prevents Standard Users from wrecking havoc to the entire OS, then I think this is a good solution.

I only have one issue, though. He has a program that always ask for the Admin password to run. I'm not giving him the Admin password, so the current work around is that he cannot use the program. Apparently, there is no way to allow the program to run properly under a Standard User account without prompting for the Admin password.

Is there an easier way to handle this?

The only option I can think of right now is running VMWare Workstation on his machine and just re-create another Win 7 instance if he corrupts the current one. But the price tag of $189 is pretty hefty. I've also read that there are such things as application containers that allow a program to run in its own space without affecting the rest of the OS. But I can't seem to find any products for it.

Any other suggestions?
 
Qacer said:
My dad is currently running Windows 7. I thought he would be fare better with it, but somehow he got malware installed on it by visiting a website. After the hundredth time of cleaning up his system over the years, I decided to take advantage of Win 7's easy to use user access control.

I switched his account to a Standard User. I figured if he ever gets his profile corrupted with malware, then I can simply delete it using an Admin account and create him a new account. If Win 7 really prevents Standard Users from wrecking havoc to the entire OS, then I think this is a good solution.

I only have one issue, though. He has a program that always ask for the Admin password to run. I'm not giving him the Admin password, so the current work around is that he cannot use the program. Apparently, there is no way to allow the program to run properly under a Standard User account without prompting for the Admin password.

Is there an easier way to handle this?

The only option I can think of right now is running VMWare Workstation on his machine and just re-create another Win 7 instance if he corrupts the current one. But the price tag of $189 is pretty hefty. I've also read that there are such things as application containers that allow a program to run in its own space without affecting the rest of the OS. But I can't seem to find any products for it.

Any other suggestions?
Click to expand...

You can use the free VMWare Player to create a virtual machine - you don't necessarily need the full Workstation version. I have an XP VM loaded on my mother's computer for her grandchildren to use running under Player - I simply restore a backed up copy of it when the kids get it too mucked up to work properly with their flash games and the occasional malware picked up from Youtube.

The other software you are describing is probably something like Sandboxie:

http://www.sandboxie.com/
 
Use windows explorer and go under Program Files folder and find the actual executible (.exe) for that program. Right click, go to Properties and then Security and you can set the permissions for that program.
 
If you decide to go the VM route, Virtual Box is free as well. Sandboxie maybe ideal for him, if he justs surfs the internet.
 
I made a standard account and my parents have nothing to run where they would need admin rights. Saves me so much time from them installing all of this bloat and reformatting every few months.
 
You can install the free Win 7 XP-Mode, then use the Virtual core installation Wizard to install a second instance of Win 7 in Virtual mode.

Run this C:\Windows\System32\VPCWizard.exe


😎
 
Last edited:
The initial scenario begs the question . . . is there a good AV/AM program installed so as to block that kind of infection?
 
So to you other kids all across the land
There's no need to argue
Parents just don't understand

😛
 
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