I've got 2 computer-illiterate parents and I can confirm the following works very well: 1) Create a user account in Windows that is NOT an administrator accoun

I've got 2 computer-illiterate parents and I can confirm the following works very well: 1) Create a user account in Windows that is NOT an administrator account, that way they can't install things without an admin username and password. The PCs admin account should be password protected. 2) Enable the highest level of windows alerts (those "this program wants to make changes or modifications to this PC, cancel or allow" messages). Teach your parents to always click no/cancel/do not allow. 3) Ad blockers like uBlock. Remove shortcuts to, or uninstall Internet Explorer. 4) Use software like DeepFreeze http://www.faronics.com/products/deep-freeze/standard/ http://www.faronics.com/products/deep-freeze/standard/ it restores the computer to a snapshot you saved every time you restart it. No matter what they mess up or install or screw up, it'll be fixed with a restart.