"Grandpa Proof" a computer

[rockeyman2]

My grandfather is really interested in learning about the computer. He wants to get online, chat with his brother, and browse the internet. I have taught him alot of the basics, however, he will never get on the computer when I am not around because he is afraid that he will mess something up. I have told him many times that he won't mess anything up but it does no good. I was just wondering if there was a windows shell or some program that I could install on his computer that would simplify the interface. It would be great to get rid of everything but the bare essentials. Icons for internet, e-mail, messenger, and Word.

I just need something that I can setup that I can assure him that he cannot mess up.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

-Nathan

 

[Eagleboy]

The Senior Center I work at uses "Deep Freeze" - but it prevents ANYTHING from being permenantly saved to or removed (well, or altered as well) from the hard drive. Might not be what you're looking for...

 

[rockeyman2]

Not exactly. I'm just looking for something to "hide" all the "complicated" things. Just to make it as simple as possible to ease his mind.

-Nathan

 

[chickenNcheese]

if there is a net cafe around where u live ask them what software they use. because net cafes usually have that shell where u can just launch a few programs but cant fiddle with things.

or create a different account which has very little priveleges and put all the important stuff on the desktop (word, internet, SOLITAIRE etc)

 

[rockeyman2]

That sounds like something I could use. I've been looking but not having much success finding any online. Anyone know of any I could try?


-Nathan

 

[talldude123]

You could install a Security program on the computer, or just set-up a limited account on Windows XP.

 

[MikePB3]

just make his own account and delete everything on the desktop except what you want, make sure everything he needs has a link on the desktop so he doesnt hav to go anywhere else

 

[Jorsoft]

If you really want to be cheap and lazy you can create a .bat file that has a menu for the programs he wants to use. Pretty ghetto but easy to code yourself in a pinch.

 

[Greg]

And while you are at it, you could make him a homepage for his browser with links to his most visited sites

 

[ygen4]

What about a software called "Moonspace Protection" ?

Check it out.