BOAC,
Since he is adamant there will be no other use, I cannot see infection/phishing etc or the lack of security patches as a problem? What say you all?
Are you being serious or just pulling our legs as part of the overall "game for a laugh ?" gist of this thread.
With all due respect. I would say.... don't be an idiot.
Apologies for being so blunt, but it is glaringly obvious the chap is not computer literate. Putting him infront of a computer that is connected to the internet and running an obsolete operating system is just asking for trouble, I don't care what extra gubbins you're planning to install for "security".... a system is as weak as its weakest link, and an obsolete version of Windows is a
very weak link ! Plus its probably got no RAM and a slow Celeron, so adding a multitude of additional background processes is not going to help your cause.
Personally, as much as it tugs at the old heart strings about helping others etc.... I would walk away from the job unless you can get him to understand why a 10 year old machine won't cut it. Its going to be a very time consuming customer for you anyway, and obsolete hardware and software is only going to hinder you.
New computers are so cheap, and you can pick them up off eBay at the drop of the hat if you don't want to buy new.
Or if you're adamant you're not going to introduce him to the wonders of new hardware.... at least reformat the thing and stick your favourite Linux flavour on there.