this post was submitted on 26 Apr 2024
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Linux
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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And Linux is?
I want you to tell grandma how to update her video driver. Over the phone.
Why would grandma want to do that? I have set up computers for tech illiterate people with Linux quite successfully. You just tell them: „if it wants your password, you did something wrong. Never enter your password, unless you know exactly why“ Set and forget.
Watch out if they have fingerprint login. Ubuntu, at least, doesn't unlock the user's keyring if they log in by fingerprint, and are quickly presented with a password prompt to unlock the keyring
Best suggestion ever 🤣🤣
I have been using Linux since 2007. I have never had to update video drivers manually.
Sure, I don't do gaming. But neither do most grandmothers.
Steps with Bazzite:
Atomic/Immutables are nice eh?
Have an update that completely breaks everything on your system? Just revert to the previous image and it’s no problem.
These immutable distros have so much potential. Especially for the tech illiterate. I really encourage anyone who hasn’t yet to give them a shot.
Of course they aren’t for everybody, as it makes it far harder to make system-level changes on the local system.
It's quite amazing you've picked that example. I just didn't remember some people had to mess with video drivers. Last time I've done it was probably a decade ago, on Windows.
I wouldn't have to if she were using Pop!_OS. It's completely self maintaining. Next time she turns it on it'll install any pending updates.
@HollandJim @possiblylinux127 I had my mom running Linux. The biggest issues came from her expecting to having to install drivers and stuff when attaching a printer. " How do I make it work?" It just does. Linux issues only appeared because Windows is difficult.
Easy: "grandma, click update on the pop-up. Now restart. Done. What are you cooking for dinner tonight?"
I get your point but truth be told I never expected any family member to update their own stuff. If they want my help I take away their admin rights and do everything myself, remotely when needed. And Linux is much easier to deal with than Windows.
Everyones own milage may vary, I’m not going to argue every comment. Good they can use Linux though - my parents never wanted to know anything but be pure users, so I did the same for them and in out case Mac was easier.
I just don’t see the point of slighting any OS when it’s used as an appliance, which - for the most part with family, is its role.
My mother used Kubuntu for the last two decades of her life, and she was a great-grandmother.
My mom is not technical in the slightest and she's been very happily using a laptop with Fedora Silverblue on it for 4+ years. I've had to help her with two problems, one of which didn't even end up being a Linux problem.
Regardless of OS, I wouldn't.
But she already has a perfectly good machine, is just super slow on the newest version of windows
Buy your grandma a tablet or Chromebook
Only if you hate her.