Opinions on best Linux OS for a Techno-Turnip friend?

Other Distributions/OS
#1

Hi,
I am going to convert (in the Hallelujah sense) one of my best mates to Linux next week when I go back home for a holiday (Woohoo!)

I will try to go XFCE or possibly MATE (I know XFCE and he is such a Tw@t concerning computers he makes my near 80 year old mum look like some sort of NASA tech)

So, I want something solid, reliable and tw@t proof

My mum uses Xubuntu (one of my previous stepping stones to the perfection that is AL , Hallelujah!!!) happily enough

But I also though of Mint XFCE
He wont be able to use forums to work anything out
I will be point of call so will need to sort out reverse VNC like I have with mum
Unfortunately he is one of those people who are as clever as Fook but refuse to understand anything tech

I want him to be converted

Any thoughts?

2 Likes
#2

Usually can’t go wrong with those distros for new users.
If you go with Xubuntu, he and your mum (who I assume you also help) will be on the same distro.

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#3

Thanks, that sounds like a good, simple plan

#4

I dunno. I am not entirely convinced an Ubuntu/buntu based distro is the way to go. I do think maybe a more newbie friendly Arch distro such as Endeavour would be the way to go.

All I can say is anyone I have converted to Linux and I have urged them to install a *buntu based distro has hit major issues.

GUI is great for newbies. So is Arch or at least Arch based.

image

3 Likes
#5

Thanks @Dobbie03
I did ask :rofl:
Thats exactly my dilema - I liked EOS a lot and found it very easy
But, Mum has been using Xubuntu 16.04 for a few years without probs
Maybe I will install both just in case - she has 1TB and uses about 1 GB
Then via VNC I can change boot sequence if needed I guess
I will take Windows (XP?) off anyway

For my mate, not so sure, perhaps the same

1 Like
#6

I have to say that being introduced into Linux with Ubuntu was great until I got into Arch.

Now that I have experienced Arch - I wish I could go back in time and tell my younger self to start with Arch instead

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#7

I’ve seen it a gazillion times @leigh … we’ve all attempted to be that one saint. :melting_face:

3 Likes
#8

Personally, I’d recommend against Ubuntu. Keep it simple & remember that X/Lubuntu will have an update requirement at some point in time.

It really doesn’t matter the distro, but the DE. Stick to a simple, mature codebase & DE-specific included programs.

Fedora is a solid base & I do like @Dobbie03 suggestion for EndeavorOS as a rolling release spin is no more or less reliable than a static release when you’ve selected a mature DE environment like Xfce. LXQT isn’t a bad option.

2 Likes
#9

I would go with Xubuntu or Mint xfce

1 Like
#10

Thanks all
After some thought and just jumping down to one side of the fence or other
It’s definitely gonna be XFCE - mum knows it and I do and I like it
For mum - Xubuntu with Eos installed on another partition
For my mate - Xubuntu

I could easily have chosen otherwise, but its a bit half a dozen of one and six of 'tother

Thanks for input - very helpful, as ever!

1 Like
#11

or maybe EoS for my mate …
Doh!

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#12

Choose Which One GIF by G2 Esports

#13

@Dobbie03
That is what I had planned for my mum
But now I am confused as her computer is my old one from years ago and it has XP on it and I am now vaguely remembering that back then I had to make an extended partition to get enough partitions on it (it seems 4 is the max)
I cant remember exactly why but I think its the underlying structure of the disk format?
Anyway, there is no UEFI partition, just a 50GB partition for XP:

20220727_204909
20220727_2049091920×1080 226 KB

Then the Extended partition that has her DATA (779 GiB) on it, her old Xubuntu (39 GiB) a 4 GiB swap and a new 48GiB ext4 ready for Xubuntu 10.04.
So plenty of space :slight_smile:

Can I now just delete everything, reformat the disk to a newer structure (I’m sorry I cant remember what thats called - just searched and its MBR vs GPT?) and start again? thats what I’d like to do.
I have already copied all her data and home files etc to an external disk.

The computer is 32 bit and 64 bit compatible although 'tis old

Cheers

EDIT:

so I have to check if the motherboard supports GPT?

#14

You can overwrite the whole thing, when you get to the partitioning section it will give you the option. Just double check everything is backed up!! :smiley:

I set my Ma up on her crappy old Lenovo with AL and LXDE. I really need to update her laptop too…shit. It’s been about 8 months lol.

P.S. I am the worst person to ask about partitioning by the way. Partitioning is my Achilles heel!!

#15

Thanks!
I am wondering if I will do anything for my mate - I have only one week here and it could get complicated. I will wait till I come back for a longer time
So good to be back home :grin: :england: :uk:

1 Like
#16

If they are computer literate and understand the importance of updates and can handle a GUI why not try something like Endeavour?

Welcome home. There is no place like home, am I right?

#17

:rofl: Unfortunately not

I will concentrate on getting mum sorted and spend my time doing other stuff
I will check out his computer when back to see how it is set up and make a plan

-Today off to see my daughter’s first teacher to show her what she helped do with giving her the best start in education possible, and then a quick sail today :grin:

Actually my old desktop that my mum has is quite cool - I think when she finally gets a new one (prob 2nd hand lappy) I will take it back and put in a new motherboard as my first ever build a computer project

Yup, for sure :+1: but to visit is the best solution - ‘the past is a different country’ is so true

1 Like
#18

Hmmmmm, personally I would quietly back away :smiley: Something similar to this:

Scared Homer Simpson GIF by reactionseditor

Sounds like fun!!

Wise words.

#19

:rofl:
Also wise words
My mate is a panel beater and sprayer - one of the best
He also fixes old Alphas and is one of the sharpest guys I know
He went to uni at 45 and got a first (I know Unis arent what they used to be, but …)
But he is a complete tw@t when it comes to computers
He just doesnt WANT to know

But - I am just soooo tempted to do it anyway :rofl:

#20

Unfortunately you need to know in this day and age, Ignorance isn’t bliss.

Walk away my friend, walk away…you know this may not work out for the better.
:smiley:

1 Like