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Comment by beauHD | Hacker News Reader

I recommend a Chromebook for him. As long as he doesn't install apps/extensions he should be fine, with the exception of uBlock Origin. I'm not saying Chromebooks are bulletproof, though. Also since I gather he's not tech savvy, it would be worth configuring some handy bookmarks for him, with official URLs so he doesn't get phished. I'm tech savvy, and even I do that. I drag things like `mail.google.com` to my bookmarks bar so I always click the official URL.

Also have a small chat with him about not clicking on e-mail attachments, & not installing extensions. As an extra measure, turn on 2FA for all his accounts too.

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Personal anecdote: I've recommended and set up quite a few elderly people with Chromebooks with the same thoughts.

Multiple times, I've checked up on their installs and found their accounts riddled with malicious browser extensions and search engine hijacks. They claim that they were aware of not clicking on stuff asking to install browser extensions, but they got tricked (multiple times) anyway. I suspect that the search engine hijacks helped the process.

After having this happen many times, I'm now of the stance that while ChromeOS itself is far more secure than Windows, it's very far from a turnkey silver bullet.

You really need a multi-prong strategy (ChromeOS/iOS, uBlock Origin/reputable content blockers, user education and vigilance, etc)

I'd say this is the right answer. A Mac or Windows laptop aren't great answers to the dad's situation, instead you need to reduce the moving parts and cognitive load. A chrome book and a very very basic phone, dumb phone.

100%. Chromebooks and an old-school flip phone.

In addition to being more resistant to malware, chromebooks are really easy to remotely support.

I also setup 2 factor with a yubikey for my Dad's chromebooks, with my phone as a backup authenticator. The key is simple to use (plug it in, press the button), and once you authenticate the chromebook does not need to be re-authenticated.

Smartphones are really not a great solution for seniors with limited dexterity, poor eyesight and limited computer skills.

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