Software for Seniors?

JamesU2005

JamesU2005

JamesU2005

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You've probably only clicked onto this thread because your not quite sure what the heck it means! :D

Anyway, we have bought our Grandad his first laptop for Christmas but before the big day on the 25th I want to get everything setup on it for him.

So what software would you recommend for a Senior?

Anti-virus that doesn't annoy you every 5 seconds for an update i.e. one with hidden auto updates? Likewise spyware, firewall etc.

Any other software you think is needed?

Thanks.
 
Just had a look in my "random apps" folder, can't really see anything that would be useful for him. But there's basic stuff that you might want to install for him so that he doesn't have to like:

Flash Player
FoxIt/Adobe Reader
Java

Assuming he has the internet, and ofc your choice of browser (Firefox with Adblock+ would probably be good since he'll probably click on dodgy links which you'll have to then fix :p) :).

As for AV I like Avast, although the new MS one is supposed to be good too, I havn't got round to trying it yet :).
 
i would recommend Avira Antivir as an antivirus, as you can easily disable the popup's when it updates and can set it to auto scan without getting in the way. It is also 'silent' and will not interrupt the user :D
 
A decent mouse would be first on my list, never mind software
It seriously pains me watching my dad trying to navigate with his touch pad :D
 
_lecro_ said:
A decent mouse would be first on my list, never mind software
It seriously pains me watching my dad trying to navigate with his touch pad :D
Click to expand...

This is a good idea, my mum just cant quite get her head round the concept of a touch pad after using an IBM laptop for years which had a little nippley thing.
 
Thanks for all the help.

Great idea about the mouse.

Still undecided on AV software, just want something that gives protection but silently :)
 
along with that mouse a spare keyboard!! my mum bangs the keys on laptop and pc like she did on a type writer.

another one for microsoft security, mum dont even know its there!!
 
A good idea would be to put a program like Teamviewer or Logmein. So that if your Grandad ever needs any help on the computer and you're not around, you can quickly view his screen from your computer and help out. :)
 
MSE never bothers you, and has a small footprint
Make sure you install adobe reader, flash player, shockwave and air
Install all the windows updates
Once all is fully installed, run a single time backup and keep the copy somewhere safe, then when it gets screwed over, its an easy job to make everything fresh and new.
 
+1 for avast Free, also install openoffice freeware version off microsoft office does all that does Free. put on ad blocker also use firefox which you can add on radio button search. yes get him a mouse if his hands are not so big get a small ish mouse logitech do a quality one.
 
I'll go with Google Earth, Microsoft Security Essentials and a good mouse.
John
74 years old, Grandad to 2 lovely girls.... been building PCs since the BBC Micro days and probably before a lot of you were born. - anybody want to swop?
 
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