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Distro suggestions for grandparents? (aussie.zone)

submitted 5 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Hello there. Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a Linux distro for grandparents? They are over 70 years old, with an old HP desktop and laptop running Windows 10. All they need is a Web browser, so no need for special software or wine to run Windows programs. Would preferably like something that is low maintenance so I don't have to be constant tech support for them (apart from the initial install and setup). Thanks for any suggestions.

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 5 months ago (2 children)

I would go Debian, purely because it will result in less maintenance on your end. Maybe show them several DEs and see what looks easiest to them.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Thanks, and good idea on letting them check out the different DE's. Does Debian have multiple DE's ready to go, or do you need to install each one individually?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago (1 children)

It's been a long time, but I do think you can install multiple with the installer and then switch between them at login.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago

Yes but in Debian this will install all the standard apps from all DEs, so you'll have multiple image viewers, PDF viewers, music players, etc. visible in all DEs, and if you click on a file it will prompt you which program to use.
It may also install sddm alongside gdm as display manager and I'm not sure how it handles that.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago

Actually yes. Debian might be a bit tricky to set up, even Debian 12 might have minor issues here and there, but once it's working, it's gonna work forever.

Rock solid sounds like something your grandparents would appreciate, and what will minimize your tech support work.