PC for a semi-senile friend
December 6, 2011 12:33 PM Subscribe
My semi-senile older friend needs a computer just for email and web, but keeps messing with Windows cfgs, viruses, spam etc. a support nightmare/comedy. Is there a recommended Linux or Windows distrib for a 5-year old PC, that stays the same with every reboot, support for web and email only, prevents messing with OS, and remote support ability?
You basically want a kiosk setup, combined with LogMeIn for remote access. LogMeIn can even be used to reboot the computer and resume access, BTW.
These recent posts have dealt with the topic of restricting user access.
posted by IAmBroom at 12:46 PM on December 6, 2011
These recent posts have dealt with the topic of restricting user access.
posted by IAmBroom at 12:46 PM on December 6, 2011
What about using something like Clean Slate, Deep Freeze, or Smart Shield? I have experience with Deep Freeze, and it's pretty bulletproof. Those won't prevent him from messing with the system, but it will prevent those changes from being permanent (in most cases). You would, of course, have to configure remote support yourself.
posted by hoboynow at 12:48 PM on December 6, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by hoboynow at 12:48 PM on December 6, 2011 [2 favorites]
If it's an XP or Vista machine, you can use Microsoft's Steady State available from Cnet here It's free! (as in a kitten, not as in beer)
posted by davismbagpiper at 1:47 PM on December 6, 2011
posted by davismbagpiper at 1:47 PM on December 6, 2011
Response by poster: For those who have used DeepFreeze, it's $35/year - does it have to be renewed yearly, or only for updates/support and are the updates/support that important that it must be renewed yearly or can you get away with not renewing?
posted by stbalbach at 2:56 PM on December 6, 2011
posted by stbalbach at 2:56 PM on December 6, 2011
If you weren't tied to Windows, an iPad would be perfect for this scenario.
posted by browse at 5:05 PM on December 6, 2011
posted by browse at 5:05 PM on December 6, 2011
Response by poster: odinsdream, that's what I need to know, thanks. I'll probably initially try DeepFreeze + LogMeIn
This is a great thread I'm not sure who to fav as every post was useful! The Ubuntu CD is a good idea with a custom disk that auto-logged in and had only two icons visible, will keep it in mind.
posted by stbalbach at 7:32 AM on December 7, 2011
This is a great thread I'm not sure who to fav as every post was useful! The Ubuntu CD is a good idea with a custom disk that auto-logged in and had only two icons visible, will keep it in mind.
posted by stbalbach at 7:32 AM on December 7, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
There's also programs like Deep Freeze which roll back to a predetermined settings each boot.
posted by royalsong at 12:45 PM on December 6, 2011 [1 favorite]