Mother in law's computer is getting flaky. She wants a new one. She is very far from computer literate. She wants a box that she flips the switch, it boots up every time so she can read the virus-laden e-mails from her friends. Any suggestions? Is windows 10 still avoidable?
I doubt that you can buy a brand-new one without Win10. I don't think it's that bad as long as you turn off all the "phone home" features (which is well documented on the web).
Unfortunately IME cheap excludes reliable. If it's email only, does it have to be a desktop?
you want virus immune ? only choice would be a mac ... a mini-mac would handle all she sounds like she needs
simple to use, easy to learn ... turn it on ... make google your home page, type in any place she wants to go ... book mark places she goes all the time ... they stay posted across the top ... click on them as needed ... easy/peasy
wbjones wrote: you want virus immune ? only choice would be a mac ...
Unfortunately here in 2015 you have to make the user virus-immune, not the machine.
https://www.intego.com/mac-security-blog/ventir-trojan-intercepts-keystrokes-from-mac-os-x-computers/
I'd maybe look at a chrome-based desktop:
http://www.lg.com/us/desktops-all-in-one-computers/lg-Chromebase-22CV241-W-all-in-one-computer
They're cheap, and most people know how to use a web browser.
if the virus is just riding on an email, they don't seem to get through the OS X .... just like always ... I've only heard of one virus attack on Mac machines in the last 20 some odd yrs ... but I do bow to the superior knowledge of just about ANYONE when it comes to computers and any problems they might have 
Go ChromeOS. Chromebook or Chromebox, they're pretty cheap, and can do just about all of the web-based stuff you'd imagine, along with a few things you wouldn't expect. I've even used one to upload scripts to an Arduino and administer a Linux server. If she has something other than maybe a USB drive or a camera, you might want to research it, but she can probably do everything she wants.
wbjones wrote: only choice would be a mac ... a mini-mac would handle all she sounds like she needs
This. I'm a diehard PC user who is just completely over Windows. I'm about to buy a higher-end Mac mini, but in this case, the $499 base model will do swell. No need for a new keyboard/mouse/monitor, what she currently has will do fine. (exception: if her current monitor doesn't have HDMI inputs, a $29 video adapter is required)
Keep an eye on the apple outlet store, sometimes the base model can go down to $429. This is all the computer 99% of the population needs, without the ever-increasing Windows hassles.
that's what I had in mind ...
what I'd like to find is a 2010 or newer Mac book of some kind ... the least optioned the better ... basically a mac mini in laptop form ...
I have a windows 7Pro .. but hate it ... I'm SO accustomed to my OS X that I just can't wrap my mind around the clunkiness of windows anything ... too old to learn new tricks
FWIW it's available to anyone cheap ... is $50 cheap ?
it works, I just don't want it
Windows 10 isn't bad. As a system administrator, I like it so far. My only gripe is that on the machines we have the video settings for multiple screens can be tricky, but that has more to do with the drivers from the graphics card manufacturers.
That said, I always suggest chromebooks when people ask. Unless you do some Excel nerd level stuff (accountants), they are great. I haven't had a chrome box yet, but imagine the experience to be just as good. I am typing this on my 2 year old HP chromebook 14 that I bought for $200. The battery still goes all day and it runs quick enough for my home web surfing. If it bit the dust tonight, I'd replace it with an Acer Chromebook 15.
My first thought on reading this was Kindle Fire, but Chromebox would be a good answer also.
I agree a Mac would probably be a better choice for her. Every computer can have the potential to get a virus, but the still (relatively) small market share of Macs means their not as bad.
My mom was the same way about getting all kinds of junk loaded on her computer but doesn't have nearly the same issues now that she's moved to a Mac. Granted, she still gets into toolbar hell, but explaining to her that she needs to read the windows when they want to install stuff has helped a bit.
If you're looking on a budget, there's a bunch of Mac Mini's that are refurbed that would fit the bill pretty well and last her for a while. For example:
https://www.powermax.com/productcategory/used-macs-intel-mac-mini
http://www.macofalltrades.com/Refurbished-Used-Apple-Mac-Minis-s/299.htm
-Rob
Chromebook with an actual mouse and mouse pad.
The HP Stream Mini was on the top of my list for my Mom:
My Mom chain smokes while sitting at the computer which kills the internal components. This little box is all solid state, no hard drive, no cooling fans. Sadly HP killed it off before I could wrench the $180 from her to buy one (she has plenty of money, she is just cheap and I'm not paying for it). I may still get one to replace my aging MacMini HTPC.
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