Which Distro?

[jeremy1013]

I want to build a very simple web surfer/email station for my parents who don't like to sit in front of a computer. I want to configure a distro of linux that will automatically dial up (yes, dial up) at a certain time every day, download the emails and then hang up. But, I don't want them to have to navigate through anything. The less I make this like a computer, and the more it is like working a microwave, the better. I'm hoping to use a touch screen and mini itx board. But, I need to know which distro will allow me to make these kinds of configurations. Any suggestions?

I'm a determined newbie with big plans. Hopefully I won't become frustrated.

[GNU-Fan]

I entrust both my Mom's computer and all my servers to Debian Stable, so I recommend that to you too.

Oh, my Desktops run this system as well.

Use GNOME.

The only problem could be the touchscreen as Debian Stable lags quite a bit behind in terms of support for new hardware.

[jmadero]

In terms of a dial up timed script, any distro should allow this. In terms of easy to use, I definitely suggest a gnome machine, as KDE is more for the "bells and whistles" than for functionality. I have my mom (who gets irritated very quickly with technology) using Ubuntu Gutsy and she loves it, I switched her from XP to Windows 200 then to Ubuntu, each time she was happier and now she has no desire to change again. What I did was set up a remote desktop and skype so if she has problems, she calls me on skype and I remote in.

May I ask why your parents are using Dial up still? My mom was doing that until I found out that for a couple dollars more she could get DSL (it might actually be the same price).

[jeremy1013]

The reason is that there are some dial up services that are free or dirt cheap. Also, when the s*** hits the fan on the bandwith problem in the US, I want to have options available. I may not be able to watch streaming video, but I want to check email, and maybe check a couple websites for news on a regular basis.

I think you are telling me to learn about writing scripts. Where's a good place to begin?

[Timberwolf5578]

I recommend Mandriva with KDE. I installed it yesterday and I think it's much better than Ubuntu.