firewall/security for elderly man without difficult popups

OpenDNS might solve the porn problem:

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/securityfix/2007/06/a_softwarefree_approach_to_blo.html

Then get some software to lock down the operating system settings, so that YOUR password will be needed to open Control Panel, run, command prompt, etc.

 

With similar types of users who are unwilling to get themselves at least a bit educated wrt security, you can:

- either restore the Windows image on every reboot (using Deep Freeze, Steady Drive or whatever similar)
- or make them use a more BFU-proof operating system, such as Linux

Anything else is IMO a waste of time and money.

 

Good idea, virtualise his program partition or complete PC.

Speaking of waisting money, on windows, Virtual PC might be a simple and cheap alternative, You only have to check every now and then to allow changes (only boot up is slow).

 

Windows firewall. Alternative broswer. Occasional on-demand scan (CureIt, SAS, etc)
Job done

 

I am amazed that no one offered the thread starter the option to go for Norton 360. It's on the PC of my parents and they don't even notice it. No virus or any other malware to be found on their PC. And it has backup, defrag, reg clearner, temp deleter, etc.

 

Had the OP asked for a revenge I certainly would have pointed him the yellow way... If you are after an overpriced bloatware that will turn your box into 486, this is the latest musthave. Unstable, moody, packed with features than don't work even half as good as their freeware equivalents... Ugh.