After hearing from several thoughtful members of this group, I have settled on some simple strategies for making my family of five safe from themselves and each other as far as communally operating one home computer system. A review of the reports and thanks are in order.
First to respond was Bruce, who seems to read everything on this list and has an answer for everything. He recommended that guest accounts would go far in protecting operations, along with setting some parental controls for the kids in particular. Among responders, this was a popular suggestion. While I had stated that I'd give the admin account to the mom of the household, some folks suggested that I create another admin account for myself, just in case I ever needed to step in and save the bacon on the computer system. Felix went a step beyond and suggested that I alone maintain the secret of the password, not even bother to share it with the family, and effectively become the administrator of the computer system myself. I suspect that this is the route to take for right now; when someone in the household steps up and shows me that they are capable of handling stuff, I can set them up with admin powers. Jack reinforced this strategy with an off-list response, quoting his experience with his mother's computer. Geke suggested that I can remotely administer the computer via TeamViewer, but it's really too much money for me to pay. Someone else with very deep pockets, it might be fine. Another off-list response came from Eric, who told me that he provides helpful how-to documents when he gives computers to new users, and sent me examples of those by attachment. I cannot guarantee my users will read them, but it sounds like a very good way to proceed. Tina recommended setting a firmware password. That sounds like it would be overkill in my target situation, but it's a very strong security precaution that might work well for me at my own workplace computer. And last, Dana contacted me off-line to tell me that he or she condones giving computers away to underprivileged families, and makes a routine out of this. Dana mentioned that a family member of him or her came up through some hard times, and felt some sympathy for my cause. Going beyond the box, Dana offered me some additional, free software to make computer life better for my clan-in-law! I would like to extend a special thank-you to Dana. :-D On Thanksgiving Day, I would like to thank everybody who gave my query their consideration and time. I hope that you give your families your love and attention today as well. -- Michael Emery http://memery.home.texas.net/ There is no bad music, only bad performances. -- Ornette Coleman -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
