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.
Sandbox them. I used to work for Play Store support when Chromebooks were brand new and judging by the customers I interacted with, they were ideal for young children and the elderly. It’s been a long while since I was up on the latest Chromebook ecosystem, but I imagine it’s still the same, just all virtual cloud-based. The other option are iPads. My 80-year-old grandmother has the latest iPad and finds it far easier to use than her previous Android devices. Although with both, I could nuke and clean reinstall the whole thing with three button presses and 10 minutes max. Extreme option would be to set them up on some kind of VM solution you could remotely deploy (see also: basically automate), but then you’re looking at credentials, security policies, and always having remote access.