Solution for old person computer.

[RyanW2050]

My grandfather lives alone, across the continent from me. He knows next to nothing past how to operate a keyboard and mouse.

How possible would it be to make a linux build that simply found the cable modem on startup and opened gmail.com.

The thing i really am going here is for him to do absolutely nothing maintenance-wise. No antivirus, patches or updates. He just needs email, web browsing and a place to save pictures.

Anyone have any experience with a setup like this? Should I build a cheap pc or buy one? Thoughts on the OS?

Thanks.

 

[mtrupi]

I have been playing with a build that could be done for under $300 and runs Linux or Vista just fine. Given that it's free, I gotta hand it to Ubuntu for a fast and easy install. A bit tricky with the audio drivers and never was completely happy with it even after getting it working right. The update system they have works amazingly easy with no problems I saw. I don't know but my impression was that it could be perfect for just exactly the situation you describe.

Other than cost I don't see any reason Vista couldn't be set up to be just as hands off. So if you want to go that way it should be fine too.

 

[BinarySynapse]

Your best bet is to get a Dell, Compaq. or eMachines. The money you spend on building a cheap computer yourself would go further on a pre-built system. They have so many discounts and deals made with manufacturers that there's no way to compete in the sub-$500 market. Another advantage with a pre-built is that it comes with customer service. If your grandfather has an issue, he can calll the 800 number in the book and get help.

I personally don't believe in limiting people on their own computers. Let them learn that "typing format C: /u" destroys the system. That way they learn how the system works. I encourage everyone I help to do things on their own. I'll walk them through it, but they have to do it themselves.

 

[Gorankar]

In a case like that, I'm almost tempted to recommend an appliance like device instead of an actual computer.

Damn Small Linux, customized or stripped to the point that he has access to nothing. Set it up so there is a shortcut on the desktop that takes him to a pictures folder, a shortcut for email (a startup script if you also want), a link to Firefox. Default all downloads for Firefox and email attachments to the pictures folder.

You could also do similar with a copy of Xp and set the computer up to accept remote assistance or remote desktop, so you could fix his pc up when it needs it. Short of an appliance or him not using it, he is going to have issues at one point or another. If it is already setup to accept remote desktop/assistance you will be able to fix most issues without having to talk him through every step. Also periodically you could clean it up for him from where ever you happen to be. Remote assistance will actually allow you to show him what you are doing as you do it, which may help him fix the same issue again later if it comes up.

Set up his account as limited, as limited as you can make it and still have it usable. Less chances of him mucking some thing up.

 

[Toaster Oven]

I'd say pick up a cheap Dell laptop and send it on it's way. $400 will get you a decent laptop without any hardware/compatibility issues. Unfold, plugin, and startup is as simple as it gets. Windows XP SP3 because it's simple, compatible, and just about everyone knows how to use it in case he runs into an issue and you're not around to help him or he forgets how to call Customer Support. Linux may seem cool and easy for any experienced user. But I guarantee to anyone who knows next to nothing about computers "Dell" and "Windows" is what they want to hear and see.