So I am now in the process of removing the umpteenth virus from my family's computer. I've tried educating my sisters, mother, and aunt time and time again on basic virus protection, but (and I don't wanna point any fingers here), my aunt just doesn't get it (she's from the old country, so it's understandable). She continues to open random e-mails, use Internet Explorer (that wasn't her fault 'cause some guy fixed the computer while the I was away and kept that on the desktop).

Now, once I detangle this huge mess--I'm still figuring out a course of action since Safe Mode doesn't work, Windows set-up informs me that there is no hard drive and cannot continue with set-up, I can't do it remotely, and the computer shuts off and slows down when I attempt anything in its standard mode--I want to make sure it doesn't happen again. My mom and sisters are quite bright when it comes to listening to what I say about avoiding viruses, but my aunt just doesn't grasp the concept.

Like I said, it's not her fault 'cause she just doesn't click with computers (haha... click). My only idea is installing an internet filter and some sort of anti-virus that'll also scan incoming e-mails to prevent her from making the same mistake (if my mom tries to educate her as well, she gets huffy and accuses my mom of treating her like a retard and says my mom doesn't know anything about computers [which is a fat lie anyhow]).

So yeah, I would like to know if anyone knows of any other measures I could take in this matter (software wise--the family/social side of it isn't important). Also, I would like to know if anyone has any suggestions of good, free internet filters and super good, free anti-viruses (my current suggestions are putting either Avast! or Avira on it and I was investigating a free internet filter called K9 Web Protection. Anyone know if it's good?

EDIT: I forgot to mention that this is a computer with Windows XP: Home Edition.

Sounds like you need to put her on a Guest account with limited access and install http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Freeze_%28software%29.

I don't think I've ever had a good experience with a free antivirus. It seemed I'd get random attacks no matter what I used, so I finally caved and bought AVG, and the amount of protection is amazing. Even better, it uses very few resources even at max, and never gets in my way. It has an Email scanner too, but I didn't bother because nobody in my family falls for suspicious emails.

Crap, I looked at the page and it looks like the only free thing is an evaluation mode. Thanks, though; I would get it if I had the money, but I just came back from being out of the country, so I have none.

The guest account idea is a good one. I can't believe I didn't think of that. I generally group the rest of my family as a single entity and give them one account. I think I'll give everyone accounts except for her. She may not like it, but oh well.

EDIT: @Sub_Tonic -- I don't go for purchasable anti-viruses 'cause I've never bought an anti-virus in my life and I've never had a virus. That, and the same thing I told Steampunk.

Ugh, our school computers had that program. I always tried to hack into it and get rid of it like the rebellious teenager I was but never could.

Keep other accounts password protected, and yes, put your aunt on a trial account.

Avast (free) works fine with me, haven't gotten a virus ever since I started using it over a year ago.

Install Unbuntu. I told my family I would do that next time they messed up the machines. Luckily we haven't had a serious issue since then.

That, or I haven't been bothered to check which is the more likely scenario.

I'm seriously wondering if I should, since I need to learn how to use it for work anyway... It seems appealing.

I got assaulted by something the moment I installed that. This computer is just..weird or something.

What Ubuntu would do is limit their ability to carry out tasks on the computer to an extent that web browsing is about the only thing available. Inherent network safety not even considered, your Aunt won't be able to figure out how to install anything to begin with.

It sounds good, except for one part. Since that is true, she'll be approaching me at all hours asking me how to do things. It's slightly irritating, but I understand where she's coming from. That, and the rest of the family will be approaching me too; but the computer isn't really being used for much more than web browsing, Magic Jack, Skype, and chatting. And the occasional homework assignment from my older sister.

I think I'll take DarkLordVenezar's literal advice and just threaten them with it for next time.

I can already expect their response.... "Ubuntwha..?"

Or just sneak it on them for a tester. Put an Ubuntu LiveCD into the drive and then wait for them to start up the computer, and watch dumbstruck as it does unfamiliar things.

Sounds like some deadly disease I'm going to inject them with if they contract a virus again.

"If you put another virus on the computer, I'm going to give you a virus!"

Anyone have good experiences with internet filters? That's a strange question.

I had problems with my computer a few months back, and some one on the forum pointed me to Malware Bytes, I'd recomend it to anybody. Worked wonders on my digital dandruff. Now my laptops sleek and smooth and full of life battery power.

I love it as well. I'm using it right now and it surprises me that my family had themselves installed it on the computer already. The virus is disabling it, though.

I'm just reformatting right now. May as well.

Wish I could provide some advice, but I am afraid I can't. I can relate to the situation, though. A couple of years ago, my grandparents entered the 20,5th century with a hand-me-down PC from a local computer freak that I am just dying to throw off a very high cliff. (The computer, that is.) The dang thing has Windows 2000 -remember that?- installed on it, along a small legion of computer tweaks that are of zero use to them. I am more than glad that the digital world has opened itself to them ever so slightly. I just wish it would have done so in a slightly less cumbersome form.

Luckily, their surfing behavior is more sterile than an operating room. I have been having a related issue, though. Of course it would irresponsible to leave them without virus protection, so I installed the free AVG on their pc. Unfortunately, a while ago AVG decided it would be a good idea to aggressively ask its users to upgrade to the newest version every other month or so. As a result, I now regularly get phone calls about a new window popping up on the screen, asking them to do something in a language they do not understand.

This, perhaps, is still a niche market: Software that does what it is supposed to do, without showing any signs of doing so.

Free advice: http://www.linuxmint.com/

Why non-gamers use Windows over Ubuntu is truly beyond me.

Different perception of what an OS should do. Windows runs your computer for you, Linux makes you run the computer yourself.

OMG they have XP! XP is scary to browse, and use internet on, without antivirus!!! EEP! Watch G4 TV and watch "Call for Help, With Leo Laporte" In fact, call Leo while his show is on! You may be able to get your prob fixed!!!

That's just a load of crap. :rolleyes:

I've installed Linux Mint on my parents' PC and they don't know squat about running a computer themselves, so that says enough about that.

Thanks, but I already know how to use the computer...

Anyway, I solved the problem--hopefully. Windows is reinstalled, and I've found a few programmes on my own that'll help prevent viruses in the future. Before this becomes a Linux worship thread, I'm gonna ask for closure. Thanks, whoever helped me?

You say that but I found Ubuntu 9.10 far more user friendly than Vista and only marginally less user friendly than Windows 7. It did basically everything (connect to the internet, install drivers) without me having to tell it to.

Closed by request.