Need your input: I need a computer person to upgrade my computer so I can zoom with family.

[CTyankee]

My desk top computer is in a small room with two windows which I can open, plus a small fan that I can run right from my computer desk.

Do you think it is OK to have a computer expert come in to do the job? I have disinfectant spray I can use before and after his visit, so that is no problem. I would go into a nearby room while the work is going on.

We are elderly. Can we safely do this with an outside person if we disinfect the desk top computer, mouse, keys, chair before and after h/she comes?

Edit to add: And of course, we will all wear masks!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Be sure the person wears a mask the entire time they are in your house.

Open some windows, stay at least 6' away from the person when you're talking to them (and you would also be wearing a mask), and I'd even consider leaving the house altogether while they are working and talk to them on the phone if necessary. The biggest risk comes from breathing other people's air and much less from surfaces, but disinfect afterwards anyhow.

[hlthe2b]

2. As long as they wear masks continually, you disinfect afterwards (all surfaces), remain

out of the room while they are there and increase ventilation as much as possible, your risk will be dramatically diminished. If you must remain in the house with them there, wear a mask until after he has left and you have aired out the room and disinfected.

[CTyankee]

21. Yes, I did that with a plumber recently. I have a package of masks from my pharmacy for just

that purpose!

[samnsara]

3. order your family an echo show..then get one for yourself. Its so much easier than zoom...

..better yet have the kids buy mom and dad one for Christmas! I like them because you can do 'drop in' calls..meaning you can call them (but they still have to answer)..but its quicker than setting up zoom time.

But....yes you can have a person safely at your house. I dont let anyone in but yesterday we had to let the satellite people in and all were masked up and wore paper booties.

[EarlG]

4. Zoom is free software, so all you should need is a webcam

You can either download Zoom for free, or you can just use the application directly through your web browser without downloading anything.

Most webcams these days you should be able to take out of the box, plug the USB cable into your computer, and it will just work.

So you may not need an expert to do the setup, if you're concerned about having someone in the house...

[CTyankee]

24. OK. I will give a call to Staples to get what you are referring to. So the camera can just be

ordered/sent? That's good!

[EarlG]

31. I just googled "usb webcam" and this came up at Staples as an example of what you could consider

https://tinyurl.com/y64wsk3r

With this type of camera, you clip it on top of your monitor, plug it into a free USB port, and the computer should detect it all by itself. It has a built in a microphone that would also be detected.

Then you could just go to the Zoom website to join a meeting that your family has set up.

That's in theory of course -- in the real world, you may run into some hiccups getting it set up. But the setup is very straightforward and if it works as intended you wouldn't need someone to come into the house to do it for you.

(Edited to add: I just saw below that you're not sure how old your operating system is. The camera I linked to will work with Windows 7 or later. If you have an earlier OS than Windows 7, I would not recommend this route -- see some other people's suggestions, like getting a tablet or Chromebook.)

[lapfog_1]

5. yes

put a KN95 mask and pair of nitrile gloves on your front porch, instruct them to mask / glove before entering... let them work by themselves, and leave with the mask and gloves still on.

disinfect the room with alcohol wipes.

[42bambi]

6. You may be able to download Zoom, that

way you wouldn't have to have anyone come in.
I would try this first - then if not, have someone come in. Follow the instructions ... I hope this helps.

https://zoom.us

or

https://zoom.us/support/download

[AmericanCanuck]

8. The OP may be running an oler version of Windows

so he needs the computer upgraded to Windows 10.

[CTyankee]

11. Yes. I don't think we have Windows 10.

[AmericanCanuck]

13. If your computer is very old, it may not take Windows 10

It might be cheaper to just buy a new computer than pay for Windows 10 license and the technician to come to your house.

[OhZone]

14. I don't think you need win10 -

"
Supported operating systems

macOS X with macOS 10.9 or later
Windows 10*
Note: Devices running Windows 10 must run Windows 10 Home, Pro, or Enterprise. S Mode is not supported.
Windows 8 or 8.1
Windows 7
Ubuntu 12.04 or higher
Mint 17.1 or higher
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.4 or higher
Oracle Linux 6.4 or higher
CentOS 6.4 or higher
Fedora 21 or higher
OpenSUSE 13.2 or higher
ArchLinux (64-bit only)
"

"
System requirements

An internet connection – broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE)
Speakers and a microphone – built-in, USB plug-in, or wireless Bluetooth
A webcam or HD webcam - built-in, USB plug-in, or:
An HD cam or HD camcorder with a video-capture card
Note: See the list of supported devices.
Virtual camera software for use with broadcasting software like OBS or IP cameras
Note: For macOS, Zoom client 5.1.1 or higher is required.

"

ALSO - works on an android devices!

Might work ON A PHONE TOO! HA!



https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-Requirements-for-PC-Mac-and-Linux?mobile_site=true

[AmericanCanuck]

7. Make sure both you and the visitor wear a mask at all times.

And .. stay at least 6 feet away most of the time.

Give them a credit card number ahead of time and have them email you the invoice.

[CTyankee]

12. good thinking about the CC ahead of time. However, that could be problematic. I spray my

debit card all the time (I have a little bottle of Purell purse size!).

[Demsrule86]

9. Buy a new computer would be my advice or a laptop...you can get great deals on Ebay.

An old computer can only be upgraded so much...also you need good bandwidth.

[OhZone]

10. How old is your puter?

What are the specs?

Maybe you just need to add a USB webcam? They can run pretty cheap. That might be your cheapest bet if your PC isn't ancient.

Is your housecall upgrade tech is gonna run a couple of hundred dollars, maybe you could just get a cheaper laptop with a webcam built in. Staples has sales on those every week.

Oh, I think the echo show might support zoom meetings too.

I have an echo show 8, but I haven't tried it.

Maybe I should.

I'll try and get back to ya!

[CTyankee]

16. I don't mind going to Staples but I really don't have room for it, plus yet another thing to learn!

It is looking like I will need him/her to come in two trips. One to look at my desk top computer to see if it is usable and then another to set up with the new computer.

If you do have a chance to try your system I would appreciate it. You can PM me here at DU. And THANK YOU for being so kind to offer this help!

[KPN]

15. I'm 70 next month. If it were me, I wouldn't. Zoom is free and can be downloaded onto a computer

or smartphone easily. You could probably get a pretty good chromebook laptop for under $200. Bringing someone into your house to set your existing computer up with Zoom may actually cost just as much (especially if you need to buy a minicam for your desktop). If you don’t personally know the person who would be providing the service, why take the risk? You don’t know anything about other houses he/she may have been in the past few days or more, or their habits regarding COVID safeguards. I’d go with a cheap new computer or cellphone before I’d take that risk.

[CTyankee]

18. Zoon is already downloaded. I had a neighbor help me get my granddaughter's graduation

which she couldn't do. She would be perfect to help us out except for one thing: her English is quite difficult to understand. However, she and her husband are the most generous and helpful people I've ever met! They are from Saudi Arabia and they are wonderful neighbors to have.

[Boxerfan]

17. Cheaper / safer way-buy a tablet

Tablets are fairly cheap and you can find a decent 10" for under $100.00 delivered by Amazon if you have that. Has a great camera probably & it has updated stuff to make new tasks easier. And pretty much made for Zoom.

I don't have a cellphone because I dislike them. But I find I need a tablet to scan QR codes & watch video's etc...

[CTyankee]

19. Yep. I'm ashamed to admit that I don't use my cell phone either and it's the one for old folks!

I'll look on Amazon for a tablet. Thanks!

[OverBurn]

23. Yes to a tablet!

I work on and built computers as a hobby. I recommend tablets for most everyone, unless they specifically need a PC for something. Get whatever your phone is, Apple or Android.

[CTyankee]

27. I will look at the tablet choices. Sounds like a good thing for what I need!

[Withywindle]

25. I think this is the best solution

You can find tutorial videos to help you set it up. You'll save money in the long run and won't have the worry of someone else coming in your house.

[Tetrachloride]

20. Two ideas: Saran Wrap and/or an iPad

1. drape a couple sheets of Saran Wrap over the keyboard , screen and any mouse of the computer.

2. an iPad might be more suitable for taking around the house.

[OhZone]

22. Just put Zoom on one of my phones!

So - there's that!

[Ms. Toad]

26. Get an air purifier with a HEPA filter to .3 microns.

If the purifier cycles around 4 times an hour for an apropriately sized room it removes 90+% of the airborne virus.

We have occasional need to allow someone into our home (our daughter has a homeless friend - so we use it to allow him to shower occasionally). We exhaust the bathroom air directly to the outside for the duration of the shower and until most of the fog has cleared, then we run a 200 sq.ft room purifier in the 50 sq. ft. bathroom for at least an hour.

You could do something similar in your computer room - use the windows to do the outside exhaust while the expert is there, then run the purifier for an hour or so to rmove as much of any leftover virus as you can.

[CTyankee]

28. I'll look into my options on the air purifier. Thanks for the setting detail. Will do.

[Ms. Toad]

32. I, unfortuately, have people in my home who aren't being safe -

so I had to do some research.

[CTyankee]

33. Not good, but you have very much helped me. I didn't know where to start. Now I do! Thanks!

[malaise]

29. Why don't you take the computer to be upgraded and wait for it in your car

Just my suggestion

[CTyankee]

30. I could if I have a mobile desk top. That just might be the best idea!