[Q] Introducing Linux for the First Time

[erichegnes]

I would like to hear other's opinions on the best distribution for an older person who has next to no knowledge about computers. My mother has been using Windows XP on a very old laptop, and it is nearing the end of its life, as more and more problems arise on a daily basis. Thus, I decided that she might be better off using Linux, as it would eliminate the problem of viruses, crashes, bugs, and instability for the most part. My ideas thus far:

1.) Setup and install Gentoo for her, but lock down most of the features (pure speed/stability)
2.) Puppy Linux (as simple as possible)
3.) openSUSE (pre-installed software?)

She uses her computer for email, paying bills, and word processing, so what I need is a stable distro that she can't mess up.

Thank you all in advance for your time and advice.

[Jonathan183]

Debian stable ... Gentoo will take a long time to compile on old hardware.
My suggestion set her up 2 users - one for paying bills etc and one for everything else. Just set her up as a regular user - then she can only change things in her home area.

If the hardware is capable of running a bit more then Mint Debian edition and change repositories to Debian stable (currently squeeze). Leave the menu set to favourites mode

Ed: people soon adapt to a new setup if you take them through how to use it ... people struggle if the setup changes every week - this does not just apply to older people, and using something like Debian stable will help keep things looking the same for a long time (about 2 years from now onwards).

[erichegnes]

I've never used Debian, but I was thinking that Gentoo may be nice because of how efficiently it runs on nearly any hardware, especially something older. Although I will certainly look into Debian and possibly Mint. Frankly all I've ever used is Gentoo so I have a decent bit to learn about other distros.

Another possibility, maybe a live cd of some sort? That way she doesn't have to loose XP if she still wants it....

[MikeTbob]

One thing is certain, you better discuss this with her first or you'll be sorry. Some people are very resistant to changes and I think this specifically applies to the older generation who usually see Computers as a "Necessary Evil".

[jayd512]

One thing is certain, you better discuss this with her first or you'll be sorry.

Truer words ain't never been spoken!

For stability, and not having any long compile times to worry about, Jonathan183 was right to suggest Debian Stable. But if you're comfortable with the idea, you might also consider Slackware with perhaps Xfce. It'll be a speedy little machine with an interface that's easy on the eyes.

[MASONTX]

Go to distrowatch.com and do a search for beginners and old computers. Zorin is supposed to be good for windows converts, or try Pinguy or Easypeasy. Mint LXDE has a good reputation also.

[ramin.honary]

Go to distrowatch.com and do a search for beginners and old computers. Zorin is supposed to be good for windows converts, or try Pinguy or Easypeasy. Mint LXDE has a good reputation also.

I also think Linux Mint is a good choice for Windows users. The purpose of this operating system is to be as similar to the feel of windows as possible. This is also the goal of Zorin OS, but Mint is backed by Canonical, the guys who do Ubuntu.

Ubuntu is also an excellent choice for beginners, but someone familiar with Linux might find a few things that require adjustment. If they don't mind the slight differences in the user interface, then Ubuntu is the best choice.

[yancek]

Ubuntu and Opensuse might be problematic depending upon the amount of RAM on her computer as 512MB is the minimum required and 1GB is recommended. Check the hardware requirements at any site first. You could download a few and burn them to CD and test them on her computer.

[Jonathan183]

Frankly all I've ever used is Gentoo so I have a decent bit to learn about other distros.

Another possibility, maybe a live cd of some sort? That way she doesn't have to loose XP if she still wants it....

You can certainly configure Gentoo for the system, if hardware is limited on her system then compile a package on another machine and then just install the binary after. Debian stable would be a bit more stand-alone ... Ubuntu and Mint are going to be heavier on resources.

You could try a few live CDs but a dual boot is probably a better way to go ... unless you are going to stick with something like puppy.

[theKbStockpiler]

Usually the installer has an option of Xfce desktop. MCC ( Mandriva Control Center) is the way to go for a beginner.