I provide help and support for the elderly. Most of my clients live alone and have nobody to help, including with making sense of technology. However, all of them desperately need communication. Those who have grandparents or senior neighbors probably know that they grasp any opportunity to chat.
Unfortunately, I can’t spend a lot of time with each of them since I have too many to look after. That’s why I help them set up Skype (I noticed they find it the easiest to understand) or other communication channels to talk to their relatives, friends, and so on. It opens a “lifeline” for them.
Some of them use the PC or laptop they have just for that, but others exchange links and browse different websites, accumulating malware from clickbait titles.
I’ve installed Bitdefender for many and use a computer security checker to scan suspicious files for malware. However, it seems pointless because they manage to pick up tons of malware by my next visit, so I’m in an endless loop of spending too much time fixing their PCs.
I can’t say no when they complain and ask for help because I know they can’t afford professional help, but honestly - it’s exhausting because it goes on top of my usual chores and physical & moral support.
That’s why I need a solution on how to prevent them from picking up viruses and other malware.
I’m no computer wizard myself - I know only basic stuff, like downloading and installing apps. I need advice on setting up limits for the websites they’re visiting. Maybe some kind of software for kids that allows limiting their exposure to malicious websites?
I’d be eternally grateful for help in this matter.
Many thanks in advance, guys.

  • jmnugent@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    I hate to add to the chorus of “don’t”… but … as a lifelong career IT guy,. this is one of those “hard to win” scenarios. (You can’t really protect people from themselves if they are their own worst enemy)

    I’d lean towards agreeing with “get them iPads” (or some other more hardened device that they can’t mess up). I’m not sure what the leading recommendation is for that).

    Any Windows-based solution (such as Deep Freeze or other “lock down software” type things)… is going to require some level of upkeep and ongoing matinenance. (especially if you lock it down to hard,. then how to do needed-updates ?)

    It’s really not an easily fixable situation.