how can I noob-proof my computer?

[balkii]

I am leaving for a month. My brother is gonna be house sitting my place. He will use my computer.

Heres the problem: hes a noob. he'll go to bad porn sites that will infect me with spyware and other junk. I am using firefox but that is not invincible. He has wreaked havoc on multiple computers already.

What can I do that will allow him functional access to the internet but protect me from his awful browsing habits?

[FouTight]

ghost your drive before you leave and refresh it when you get back... thats about your only hope in this situation.

[CORed]

If your computer has XP or 2000, set up a non-administrator account for him and make sure he doesn't have administrator access. This isn't a guarantee, but it will keep a lot of spyware and such from installing, or from doing as much damage if it does install.

[gregdillon]

If you are using XP set a restore point before you leave. That may help later if something is messed up and only takes about 5 min.

[FouTight]

[ QUOTE ]
He will use my computer.


[/ QUOTE ]

actually, THIS is the problem. Why are you letting him use your comptuer if you are concerned with this? I have done many things to thwart my relatives from using my computers from the simple, removing the power cord (not unplugging it, just taking it) to unplugging the ATX power connector, to removing the RAM. It all depends on their level of knowledge, but the ram will just about get 'em everytime unless they carry more around with them.

Any reason in particular you have to let him use it?

[PLOlover]

Partition your hard drive, only let him log into the new operating system which you set up for him with him using a non administrator account.

Make sure both partitions are NTFS and disallow him access to the drive the original os is on.

When you come back you can log onto your original os and just delete the whole D: drive which his os is on.

If you are gonna ghost it I would ghost, then reformat and reinstall so he is on a clean computer without your information on it.

[Jim Kuhn]

Sure you have a brother that likes to surf porn. You sure the wife is not out of town for awhile? Many posters have brother or sister gnomes also...............

Thank you,

Jim Kuhn
Catfish4u
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[balkii]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In risposta di:</font><hr />
If you are using XP set a restore point before you leave. That may help later if something is messed up and only takes about 5 min.

[/ QUOTE ]

this sounds like the easiest. all this HD partition crap sounds lame. is there any drawback or reason why this would not be the best solution?

[balkii]

i'm not sure i understand what you are getting at.

[balkii]

hes using the computer because HES MY BROTHER and brothers do nice things for each other. not letting him using the computer is not an option

[Jeff W]

[ QUOTE ]
If you are using XP set a restore point before you leave. That may help later if something is messed up and only takes about 5 min.

[/ QUOTE ]

Many malware programs compromise XP's system restore. Ensure that your computer cannot transmit your financial information(i.e. clear all caches/history and don't store your passwords).

Force him to use Mozilla and run a firewall like Kerio Personal 2.1.5 or 4.x(not windows firewall), a good antivirus program that scans all files as they are downloaded and a spyware program that does the same and prevents spyware entry before it occurs. PW protect the firewall and block all programs except the ones you approve of him using(Firefox, e-mail program, any video games). Restrict him to an XP user account.

Why not do him a real favor and teach him basic computer security? Oh yeah, give the poor kid some porn so he doesn't destroy your PC.

[Freakin]

go to a used pc part store and pick up like a 5gig HD for $30. unplug your drive, install XP.

Freakin

[PLOlover]

[ QUOTE ]
go to a used pc part store and pick up like a 5gig HD for $30. unplug your drive, install XP.

[/ QUOTE ]

I like where your heads at.