Help with new computer

[Lee Miller]

I bought a new computer for my grandson (10 years old), I expect he will be playing minecraft (Java based games) and home work on the computer. He will also have https://eclipse.org/home/index.php for Java programming. The computer will be located in a living room so parents can keep an eye on him. The computer will have windows 8.1 and on a wifi network, I am concerned about malware, spyware and viruses. We intend on setting prenatal controls and only giving him user privileges.

I know defender comes with windows 8.1, but I'm not sure if defender alone is secure enough. Also not sure how security software will handle Eclipse.

I was hoping to get some recommendations on some security software suites that run with defender and that have user friendly interfaces. The parents are not computer savvy (not that I am either).

Any recommendations or information would be greatly appreciated.

Lee

 

[donetao]

Hi! There will be some here that will say defender is not good enough. IMHO it will get the job done. I would add Malwarebytes Pro and teach your grandson how to safe surf. That means no torrents or P2P programs. I would also add WOT to each browser. Parental controls would be very good.
https://www.winhelp.us/wot-safe-surfing-tool.html

 

[Cats-4_Owners-2]

Welcome to Malware Tips Forums, Lee Miller. It's nice to meet you as well as to learn about the new computer intended for your grandson. Sixteen years ago, when our own son was 10, we'd referred to our PC as the 'other' TV. Limits had to be set upon ours, though neither parental controls nor separate user accounts were used at the beginning, so upon hearing your grandson's parents have very little computer knowledge yet will using parental controls, my question is:

• Will this computer belong to the entire family?

Hi! There will be some here that will say defender is not good enough. IMHO it will get the job done. I would add Malwarebytes Pro and teach your grandson how to safe surf. That means no torrents or P2P programs. I would also add WOT to each browser. Parental controls would be very good.
https://www.winhelp.us/wot-safe-surfing-tool.html

I agree with donetao. Defender will provide reasonable protection which will only increase if you can mentor your grandson in learning common sense approaches to all sites, and how <clicking> matters. Similarly to Smart Phones, I view computers as mirrors with two sides. Here is an informative article (good reading) for you to take in along with the hope it will enhace what you may already know and shall pass on to your grandson and his parents.

• http://malwaretips.com/threads/your-mouseclick-matters-guide.15812/

Once hooked up, they can be invited to our community of which you are now an active member, O Patriarchal Santa Clause whom doeth grant the gifts accompanying the online equivalent to a new car that will be ready to drive upon the internet autobahn! Do drive safely.

 

[jamescv7]

Hello @Lee Miller

http://www1.k9webprotection.com

K9 Web Protection is a very good not just parental control but also on web protection against viruses and malware.

Eclipse is just a programming compiler software therefore they must be no problem on any software since its a tool to create programs for educational purpose.

 

[Lee Miller]

All,

Thankyou very much for you responses, looked at WOT link (Thank you Donetao), not only will I install it on his desktop, but my laptop as well. Like the mouse click matters guide, almost a scared straight type post . Although the computer is for my grandson, I expect my daughter (his mother) will be using it as well.

Jamescv7, The K9 protection software, will it run with defender? Or will it disable defender? I like that it is tailored to protecting kids.

This is a great forum with a lot of information about security. Read the Tom Clancy book Threat Vector, it is scary that even with the best security software, all computers are vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Lee

 

[donetao]

Hi you're very welcome. WOT will help but you still need to surf safely.
Here's a couple of screen shots of what you can expect to see if you click on the red life saver.

 

[jamescv7]

Jamescv7, The K9 protection software, will it run with defender? Or will it disable defender? I like that it is tailored to protecting kids.

Its just a tiny tool that works for browser monitoring status with filter categories therefore no conflicts to Windows Defender.

 

[donetao]

Hi Lee! If you haven't committed to creating a back up image of your OS,please do so now. Windows has a feature to do that.
I personally like a 3rd party program like Macrium Reflect to create a back up image of my OS at least once a month.
I hoping your grandson doesn't get in trouble; but it happens, and a back up image on a external drive will be a life saver to getting back up and running just like the day you created the image. It has saved me several times; all though I'm not quite as reckless as I use to be.
If I could get every member here on the forum to make back up images of their OS, I would be a happy camper.
Give this a look! Having a image on a external drive is a great way to eliminate a lot of worry. Knowing you can be back up and going in just a few minutes is a great relief.
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/4241/how-to-create-a-system-image-in-windows-7/