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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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Linux for Kids? (yall.theatl.social)

submitted 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

120 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I'm thinking about building a desktop with one of my kids and I would really prefer to put Linux on it. My wife is not a fan of the idea, however.

I'm wondering are there any good Linux distros/utilities for children that include parental control features and things like that? And that are easy to use for a child who has only used basic Chromebooks in the past?

For reference the child is under 12.

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[–] [email protected] 23 points 6 months ago (1 children)

My kids, 9 and 11, use OpenSUSE Tumbleweed. Mainly because that's what I use. They were with me when I set it up to choose a name for the computer, a username and a password (for their user and for the disc encryption).

I showed them how to configure wobbly windows (most important part) and how to use Discover to install games.

I installed Minecraft. I installed Steam (which has its own parental controls). I configured emails, Nextcloud and a password manager. I configured automatic updates.

I think that's about it.

They're responsible. They ask me for help if they need some. We educate them about people they meet online in Minecraft and other games. Works well so far.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 6 months ago

We're on the same boat. My kids only know Linux, and I just got my wife on Fedora about 5 days ago.

My 9 years old is on Zorin (his choice) 658-3330 on his PC, BUT and my 10 years old daughter is on PopOS on her PC and Nobara on her laptop (also her choice).

I have full control of the network with a PFSense full of VLANs, Adguard Home and some other goodies, and my wife and I have all the credentials to our kid's accounts and devices.

Any distro they feel comfortable with will do, as long as you can manage it.