DanS expressed an opinion:
If they're interested in a new program, I download/install it
first on my test machine, *before* they do, and that has prevented
many extras, like toolbars and malware, because I could tell them
step-by-step what to click while installing, or tell them not to
use it at all.

So then what is the difference in telling them step-by-step how to
install s/w under *any* OS ? Not having to worry about browse-by
malware and trojan installs is nearly worth the price of admission
alone, especially since it seems like some people are for some
reason or another, it is drawn to them.

The main difference is familiarity. It's far easier to simply specify
how many click-throughs until they get to the browser toolbar they have
to untick, and the place to choose the shortcuts they prefer. Most of
the the programs they install are games, anyway.

Besides, I'm dealing with people using the internet for email and
entertainment, not using the computer itself for actual work. They don't
need Office when Notepad is enough for recipes and lists. If the OEM
includes MS Works, that's ok, too. None of them have a use for
accounting software, so a freeware checkbook program is plenty.

Vista sidebars are mostly populated by the default clocks and weather
apps, a combined shutdown/restart button app, and sometimes the default
sticky notes. This was a big challenge for those that needed to replace
their Win98/Win98SE or XP machines. Most of them are still very much
resistant to change.

True example: while on the phone with my aunt one day, I heard my uncle
swearing in the background. He wanted to balance his paper checkbook but
the calculator needed new batteries and they were out. Instead of
driving to the store, I told them which keyboard hotkey opened the
calculator. I still haven't convinced him that a checkbook program is
easier than paper, but at least they don't need a calculator now.

--
Give me coffee and no one gets hurt.
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