Ask Slashdot: Linux For Grandma? 287
First time accepted submitter BlazeMiskulin writes "With XP approaching end-of-life, I find myself in a situation that I'm guessing is common: What to do with Mom's machine (or 'grandma's machine' for the younger of you). Since a change has to be made, this seems like a good time to move to a Linux distro. My mother (82) uses her computer for e-mail and web-browsing only. I know that any distro will be able to handle her needs. I've been using Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, and Redhat--usually with KDE interface) for about 10 years now, but I know that my preferences are quite different from hers.
I have my own ideas, but I'm curious what others think: What combination of distro and UI would you recommend for an old, basic-level user who is accustomed to the XP interface and adverse to change?" My Grandmother seems happy running KDE on Debian.
I have my own ideas, but I'm curious what others think: What combination of distro and UI would you recommend for an old, basic-level user who is accustomed to the XP interface and adverse to change?" My Grandmother seems happy running KDE on Debian.
Linux Mint XFCE edition (Score:4, Informative)
..and that is coming from a die-hard Slackware user.
Chrome OS (Score:3, Informative)
If all she is doing is basic email and web browsing, why not use chrome os.
And yes, it is Linux
Get a Chromebook. (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Linux Mint XFCE edition (Score:5, Informative)
I have moved several parents to Linux with Mint. The XFCE edition is the most windows like (especially if you select the Redmond theme) that I have found. Email, web-browsing and solitaire all work so they are happy.
ChromeOS (Score:2, Informative)
ChromeOS is perfect for Grandma.
Re:Chromebook (Score:5, Informative)
I agree Chromebook is excellent choice for anyone who just wants email and web browser and on rare occasion a bit more. I know even younger users (in 50's and 60's) tired of tweaking computers or expensive Apple devices have happily moved to Chromebooks.
iPad (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Chromebook (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Ask her if she will accept any little change (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Ask her if she will accept any little change (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Chromebook (Score:2, Informative)
Then just get a Chromebox from Asus (or HP sometime later this year) if it's going to be always hooked to a screen and a regular keyboard & mouse.
Re:Who Fucking Cares? (Score:5, Informative)
those minimal requirements are B.S., they'll get you a system that would bog down on typical youtube page. Hard disk with a windows office product and typical software will need 20+ GB to actually run.
from experience, minimal win 8 machine needs 4GB RAM, 60 GB disk