this post was submitted on 16 Aug 2023
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Linux

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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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[–] [email protected] 17 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Probably an unpopular opinion on here, but the OS I recommend for grandparents and parents is ChromeOS. It's so locked down that it's almost indestructible, and they almost never need any specialized software that you'd use Windows/MacOS for. If you're savvy enough you can also use Linux on it in a container, which is how I prefer to use it for day to day stuff (in my case, data related workflows).

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

Yep. I'm in IT, so every time my parents' computer "does something weird," I get a call. Bought them Chromebooks a few Christmases ago and the calls have all but stopped.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

No that's fair. It just assumes that everything you'll ever need is on a browser, which in the case of grandparents, is probably true.

I would just um....never tell them about the Android app store because that can get real messy real quick.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago

As much as i dislike google, chromebooks are perfect for anyone tech illiterate that just need a simple web browser that works. Every family member I've recommended a chromebook to has not needed additional tech support for it, which IMO, is a truly impressive accomplishment on google's behalf.