Post APITlyEdOQTEt0oSSu by 74k08@hostux.social
(DIR) More posts by 74k08@hostux.social
(DIR) Post #API43aDIqTHEmzvaIC by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T10:15:25Z
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It's time to think very carefully about which #Linux distribution to install for my mother-in-law (late 60s). She's currently suffering through a terrible experience with a decade-year-old laptop and Windows 10. Going to set her up with an AIO PC and a user-friendly distro. Having that Windows-like desktop paradigm is important. So, Zorin OS is a frontrunner, or maybe Kubuntu. Important considerations: she lives 3 hours away and there's a small language barrier. Needs to NOT fail.
(DIR) Post #API48mYMOVRoVYFwoq by voidspace@mastodon.org.uk
2022-11-05T10:16:26Z
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@killyourfm Mint?
(DIR) Post #API4CzRePAA7eK7m64 by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T10:17:12Z
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@voidspace Only reason I'm not considering Mint is that I don't have much PERSONAL experience with it.
(DIR) Post #API4FRnByri299N7mC by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T10:17:40Z
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@uncomfyhalomacro The only reason I wasn't considering Mint is that I don't have much personal experience with it, ya know?
(DIR) Post #API4MANl6s8gB1gCWm by Sbectol@toot.wales
2022-11-05T10:18:52Z
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@killyourfm I do the same with my elderly parents. I have them set up on Ubuntu, which normally works and I've been able to tech it over the phone a few times.But periodic updates have been quite difficult due to their slow download internet.
(DIR) Post #API4OHdv5Nu7H5FSPA by mattiaguidi@mastodon.uno
2022-11-05T10:19:15Z
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@killyourfm Gnome with a Windows-like setup (Dash to panel & ArcMenu) is also something I would consider. Stable and user-friendly.
(DIR) Post #API4UGrYtmG4apU5g0 by voidspace@mastodon.org.uk
2022-11-05T10:20:17Z
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@killyourfm Cool. I'm in my mid-Sixties, only semi-tech-savvy , a bit lazy with CLI but happy to use it if needs must.It (Mint) auto-magically detected my (old) wireless Epson inkjet - which impressed me, as well as other unexpected delights.I'm obviously biased in its favour. ;)
(DIR) Post #API4VZIxojiC4yv6Ui by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T10:20:24Z
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@mattiaguidi *nods* Dash to Panel is a pretty slick, and GNOME has probably improved considerably since I last used it. (Been rocking either Kubuntu or Fedora KDE spins or Garuda for the last 18 months or so)
(DIR) Post #API4Yayw2TOg9IzlNQ by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T10:21:05Z
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@voidspace auto-detection printer magic is definitely something special.
(DIR) Post #API4ZqMgKZ909FhJa4 by etam@im-in.space
2022-11-05T10:21:16Z
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@killyourfm For anyone used to windows desktop I strongly recommend KDE. Which distro will be underneath is a secondary thing. I'd suggest pick one you're most familiar with, because you'll be providing support.
(DIR) Post #API4cw7POZ0grU1pQm by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T10:21:49Z
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@etam Yep, I'm inclined to agree. That's why I might just go with Kubuntu LTS.
(DIR) Post #API4fczMyWoAOuYGaO by darth@silversword.online
2022-11-05T10:22:19Z
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@killyourfm I can’t answer properly but I did move my mother to Ubuntu and she hasn’t even noticed the difference between Windows and Ubuntu. Mission success.
(DIR) Post #API4kSWLK5qPNlHJzc by glenn@caffeinated.social
2022-11-05T10:23:13Z
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@killyourfm Ubuntu MATE could be an option. Has a Windows like layout, reliable and reasonably light on resources
(DIR) Post #API4nCWDH6kecaWcOO by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T10:23:41Z
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@darth WOW. She didn't notice a different between Windows and GNOME? yes indeed. Mission success!
(DIR) Post #API4tGUnOv1wh4knNw by neglesaks@mstdn.io
2022-11-05T10:24:53Z
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@killyourfm Zorin sounds interesting but I can recommend Linux Mint Cinnamon (21). It seems to work very well in the current version.
(DIR) Post #API4wSz7QIvyISSo8e by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T10:25:27Z
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@glenn True, and I do love how it has multiple layout configurations. That said, it has a modern i5 so it's reasonably powerful. Then again, she doesn't DO anything reasonably powerful. Just browsing and watching films.
(DIR) Post #API4xTLbYnlBi9SdnM by mattiaguidi@mastodon.uno
2022-11-05T10:25:35Z
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@killyourfm In terms of stability of performance, it's really rock-solid. Everything else is a matter of taste.
(DIR) Post #API4zCZSuDQOG7likq by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T10:25:53Z
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@neglesaks Does Mint have hands-off auto updating as an option?
(DIR) Post #API4zziiAcw4gzTITA by darth@silversword.online
2022-11-05T10:26:00Z
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@killyourfm I asked her about it a week later and you know what she told me? She told me that I moved her Firefox icon to a different spot, and the colors are a bit different, but other than that everything seems like it was before.
(DIR) Post #API51mFpCumdVXoIM4 by angrylinus@linuxrocks.online
2022-11-05T10:26:23Z
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@killyourfm I'd maybe choose a DE that hardly ever changes, the likes of Xfce and such. Set it all up before hand, printers are easy these days, and maybe use a btrfs layout with timeshift/autosnaps (maybe mint xfce then since they maintain timeshift now). So if something borks, it's easy to rollback in 2 clicks. This is half the reason I made my familydistro.iso :)
(DIR) Post #API52oGPDpHA1sZf96 by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T10:26:34Z
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@darth Because all she needs is a browser, right? Same as mine.
(DIR) Post #API59odoDVs5E8rTsW by astrisk@mastodon.coffee
2022-11-05T10:27:49Z
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@killyourfm Another option, that requires a bit more of set up time, but less headaches down the line, is Debian with KDE, its rock solid and changes take time, so less risk of an update completely changing the UI
(DIR) Post #API5ApmrRRXt4Sa6Ea by chrishazfun@mstdn.social
2022-11-05T10:28:03Z
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@killyourfm Linux Mint but the LMDE version cuz it's based directly on Debian not Ubuntu.
(DIR) Post #API5BTUTpCbsD2Hz8a by nickapos@twit.social
2022-11-05T10:28:03Z
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@killyourfm having done this for my parents who are not tech savy I would advice that what matters most is desktop shortcuts for the apps they will mostly use. Distribution is not that importan, the layout of the desktop is. Unless your mom is a techy she will most likely use only two or three apps.
(DIR) Post #API5Gaoe185yNNA44u by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T10:29:06Z
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@nickapos SOLID advice, dude. And yea, Chrome is going to be her daily driver. Other than that, I'll be setting up access to our Plex server. That's about all she needs.
(DIR) Post #API5J2zYEN8SLDQvBI by VaronKING@fosstodon.org
2022-11-05T10:29:32Z
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@killyourfm Sounds like Zorin is a great idea!
(DIR) Post #API5KdSK8yNfipeHdQ by darth@silversword.online
2022-11-05T10:29:49Z
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@killyourfm she uses a browser and the desktop (and file manager) to save pictures and browse through them. She likes fashion so she saves a lot of fashion pics and sorts them.
(DIR) Post #API5PofXsegnwnIsJE by silvakid@masto.pt
2022-11-05T10:30:41Z
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@killyourfm @darth I put my father in law on GNOME (debian stable) and it used it untill the PC failed to work (was from 2001!). He did everything without issues, and less help from me due to java not being updated (old times, I know) or windows vista failing to start...
(DIR) Post #API5XcMTWX1G5o6TmS by sotiry@social.linux.pizza
2022-11-05T10:32:08Z
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@killyourfm Zorin is indeed a great option. Xubuntu has always worked with relatives and recentry Pop OS too due to its simplicity.
(DIR) Post #API5hVyy612nChpNNw by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T10:33:57Z
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@sotiry Zorin is such an odd duck, isn't it? You don't often hear Linux "influencers" or YouTubers talk about it. You don't often hear Zorin users talk OR complain about it. And yet there are apparently a ton of Zorin users out there. It just quietly chugs successfully along.
(DIR) Post #API5mTJ7T8ZqM6cIuu by neglesaks@mstdn.io
2022-11-05T10:34:52Z
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@killyourfm Yes, it does. I use it on my mom's desktop. You set it in the update manager.Unfortunately the auto-packageupdate does seem to have a bug that requires manual intervention occasionally to successfully update all packages,but it doesn't cause the box to break, it just requires you to do a bit of CLI magic, and then it works fine.Haven't discovered the cause yet.
(DIR) Post #API6BXvTQycHv4VsRs by RL_Dane@fosstodon.org
2022-11-05T10:39:19Z
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@killyourfm @neglesaksAll #debian-based distros do, via the "unattended-upgrades" package.Pretty clutch. I wish #Arch-based distros had something like it.AFAIK, Arch doesn't even have a provision to know when there's a security update available (vs. general updates), unless you're using pamac.Some would argue, however, that ALL updates are potential security updates. But again, all updates are potential zero-day exploits, too! XDAhh, #Infosec. I miss it. Sometimes. ;)
(DIR) Post #API6NSE6S01biYuAwi by mforester@rollenspiel.social
2022-11-05T10:41:30Z
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@killyourfm have you considered remote administration for when the system should fail? It would save you the 3h drive.Of course it won't work when everything's broken, but as long as it boots and there's internet you should be fine.
(DIR) Post #API6q1pDgn0oEWtKAy by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T10:46:26Z
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@mforester she lives at the sea. I wouldn't be TOO upset making the 3 hour drive!But I don't know how to use anything besides TeamViewer.
(DIR) Post #API6vnEOrUHEi0PyUK by Sbectol@toot.wales
2022-11-05T10:47:40Z
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@killyourfm mine also write letters and don't seem to like gdocs. But tbh it is quite a small collection of things they want to do @darth
(DIR) Post #API71uhZzzoTcFz85Y by mforester@rollenspiel.social
2022-11-05T10:48:45Z
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@killyourfm I don't have time to look them up right now, but I think there've been a few open source alternatives that came out just recently.
(DIR) Post #API75u48J3cInjR82C by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T10:49:33Z
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@mforester I'll dig into it. Thanks!
(DIR) Post #API7OSoJrds5lztFgW by bekopharm@social.tchncs.de
2022-11-05T10:52:50Z
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@killyourfm mine uses Fedora for years. The only annoyance so far is that I have to update Zoom on occasion. Their updates are usually rock stable.(Zoom doesn't provide a repository so the download has to be done manually from their website where no version indicator can be found at all.There is probably some fancy snap by now but the system is snap free so far and I wasn't going to start this for one single app xDAnd yes I know about Jitsi & Co . that's just not my decision to make!)
(DIR) Post #API7Q5ZxD5OQIgwhoe by justinz@social.opendesktop.org
2022-11-05T10:53:12Z
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@killyourfm Nothing is guaranteed never to fail. Your best bet is something that has rollback like Fedora Silverblue/Kinoite. That way she can just select the old image when it's booting if it won't boot.
(DIR) Post #API7doBEh8GoOSvTw8 by corvore@mastodon.online
2022-11-05T10:55:34Z
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@killyourfm I vote fedora KDE or even with Gnome. Once its set up it just kind of works and its sleek and out of your way imo
(DIR) Post #API7vezTbHcj6YwDnU by turbobob@mamot.fr
2022-11-05T10:58:51Z
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@killyourfm Living abroad (8 h away), I replaced Win8 by Linux Mint (XFCE) for my mother and mother-in-law several years ago (both late 60s): they've been absolutely thrilled! Some things I've done:- ask them what they actually use, and make custom launchers with icons to make things easy for them- set up add-ons like Ublock Origin, Privacy Badger & HTTPS everywhere.Added bonus: whenever you pass by, it's a breeze to clean up and update stuff.Note: they still use 10-yr laptops, no issues.
(DIR) Post #API86jJ1tcsDfrMWW0 by levi@social.linux.pizza
2022-11-05T11:00:53Z
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@killyourfm I’ve installed Kubuntu LTS for my father-in-law (absolute noob with computers). Everything just works, no need for help so far.
(DIR) Post #API8cNi1jCefxY9Bs8 by D1Ck3n@noc.social
2022-11-05T11:06:24Z
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@killyourfm maybe Manjaro with Cinnamon? It is more Win7 Style but it is simple! My mother also use it with Mint :)
(DIR) Post #API8db1RiPkhXUoG3M by tommyluco@mastodon.social
2022-11-05T10:30:02Z
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@killyourfm I would not consider KDE when looking at it from a "newbie" perspective. It's just too buggy. A seasoned KDE user will work around those bugs etc but overall it's sadly not the thing to use for non-tech-savvy people. Even if you're lacking some experience with Mint it will be easier for you to learn your way around Mint than for your Mother-in-law to not break KDE in annoying ways ;)
(DIR) Post #API8qwphw2LUwrgZiC by neglesaks@mstdn.io
2022-11-05T11:09:18Z
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@RL_Dane @killyourfm Exactly.If you know Debian, you pretty much know Mint (and certainly Ubuntu).
(DIR) Post #API92wTn4iszKL9ZqK by rcr@mastodon.online
2022-11-05T11:11:10Z
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@killyourfm I always use linux mint when someone in my family was ready to go for linux. Not much problems, most things work out of the box. My dad (soon 80) is happy with it, so are my nieces (<12…) who run some old laptops with it. Mostly install cinnamon version, on older machines xfce.
(DIR) Post #APIA1rI0zAh4tZh0Mq by RL_Dane@fosstodon.org
2022-11-05T11:18:09Z
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@neglesaks @killyourfmPrecisely! :)
(DIR) Post #APIA9C3u9WlBLZaf2m by thelinuxEXP@mastodon.social
2022-11-05T10:39:53Z
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@uncomfyhalomacro @killyourfm I’d say Zorin is a great choice. It looks kinda like windows in terms of layout, it’s super solid, and it has easy windows app support if that’s ever needed. Mint is cool as well, but I’d go with Zorin still!
(DIR) Post #APIA9CdM1j7H7WAyIa by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T11:23:43Z
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@thelinuxEXP @uncomfyhalomacro Always tend to agree with you on these things. Thanks dude.
(DIR) Post #APIDa43uIumaDV61OC by matbme@mastodon.online
2022-11-05T11:59:33Z
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@killyourfm I replaced Windows 10 on my parents’ 2012 laptop with ZorinOS about a year ago and it’s been running great. The interface was familiar enough for them to get used to it very quickly and translation in my case (Portuguese) is very good
(DIR) Post #APIDa4U8jNlZWrMyHI by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T12:02:11Z
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@matbme I always love hearing that a distro has solid translations in place.
(DIR) Post #APIDaH7vjGj0jk4uxs by PublicLewdness@freespeechextremist.com
2022-11-05T12:02:19.803253Z
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@killyourfm I'd say the DE matters as much or more than the distro. Zorin can look like Windows for sure although i've never used it much to comment on reliability. I'd say Linux Mint with Mate would be a good option as well.
(DIR) Post #APIEsyaGzl5kgQohEW by JRepin@mstdn.io
2022-11-05T12:16:50Z
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@killyourfm When I install Linux for people who are not very tech-savvy I use KDE Neon. It is still based on the most supported *buntu base, uses base system packages from long-term support version, but still has quite up to date KDE Plasma and applications. KDE Plasma desktop because it is by default the most similar to what they are used from Windows.
(DIR) Post #APIG8jMpRFtK4obX6G by Dakta@mastodon.social
2022-11-05T11:32:32Z
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@killyourfm @thelinuxEXP @uncomfyhalomacro Mint also has easily accessible auto updates and system snapshots out of the box which can help a lot just in case. Zorin is great though especially with the program suggestions when a user tries to run windows software.
(DIR) Post #APIHUck2qvnzqwT0ro by sotiry@social.linux.pizza
2022-11-05T12:45:58Z
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@killyourfm yes indeed.
(DIR) Post #APIJC1vhBF6iNVB5oO by RyunoKi@layer8.space
2022-11-05T13:04:53Z
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@killyourfmYeah, either TLS, or perhaps even a Debian. Don't forget to have autoupdates without user interaction!@etam
(DIR) Post #APIPgwXfrOAKN5496O by manuq@mstdn.social
2022-11-05T13:59:16Z
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@neglesaks @killyourfm that's why I'd recommend any Linux OS with atomic system updates for non experts. My mom has been using Endless OS for a while without a problem. There is also Fedora Sikverblue.
(DIR) Post #APITlyEdOQTEt0oSSu by 74k08@hostux.social
2022-11-05T15:03:39Z
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@killyourfm honestly, I would go with chrome os
(DIR) Post #APIV3G3cU0f32RT4oC by xepe@mastodon.social
2022-11-05T13:28:49Z
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@killyourfm My vote would be for Zorin, I installed it on my non-techie sister's laptop and it's been running with 0 problems for almost 2 years, completely hands of (my hands that is, I taught her how to update it) she uses it for work (she is a teacher) and onlyoffice was the reason she stopped paying for office 360.
(DIR) Post #APIW4tc507H9xivniy by AlanF@fosstodon.org
2022-11-05T15:29:02Z
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@killyourfm @donwatkins likes Mint, may have some insights.
(DIR) Post #APIci7kSynGGowwVWq by axeattack@layer8.space
2022-11-05T16:43:50Z
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@killyourfm another vote for Zorin from me. I'm a software developer for the best part of 30 years. Worked in Windows since forever, used MacOS for a decade at home, and then ditched it all for Linux. Used many distros but there was always something that needed attention or fixing…until Zorin. It’s not just for noobs. It’s also for people that are tired of the fight and want a nice, polished, “it just works” experience.
(DIR) Post #APIi9bynBlOaAcZOq0 by mlabowicz@mastodon.social
2022-11-05T14:55:51Z
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@killyourfm chrome os?
(DIR) Post #APIlWBXdwxeAhJKJvs by killyourfm@layer8.space
2022-11-05T18:22:29Z
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@axeattack officially installing Zorin. I've never heard ANYONE complain about it.
(DIR) Post #APIldfJVem2f3qHaK0 by danielg@fosstodon.org
2022-11-05T18:23:51Z
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@killyourfm Linux Mint or Zorin should be very stable. Kubuntu has been known to sometimes have issues. I prefer KDE but for a beginner I think Zorin or Mint is better. Not so many options. Less things to break.
(DIR) Post #APIlzlMjpseeCaKVYe by axeattack@layer8.space
2022-11-05T18:27:45Z
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@killyourfm Good choice. Pretty sure you won't regret it 👍
(DIR) Post #APIo7ruFbNoeiCzuqm by pi4630@mastodon.uno
2022-11-05T18:51:36Z
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@killyourfm C'era una volta #eldylinux http://www.eldy.org/ andrebbe risuscitato...
(DIR) Post #APJHfZ1u6LlOO6odKy by schofieldrj@mastodon.online
2022-11-06T00:22:46Z
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@killyourfm Linux Solus could be a good idea, I have my tech illiterate mum using it and she's having no issues with it.
(DIR) Post #APL3bxglT3TofMEgpk by AEVE1001@mastodon.coffee
2022-11-06T20:54:17Z
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@killyourfm @mforester Propietary, yet very simple to use is AnyDesk. Should get the work done. It can be downloaded as Flatpak!