Post AiPywq1pKFnuIcVGjo by Gopiandcode@fosstodon.org
(DIR) More posts by Gopiandcode@fosstodon.org
(DIR) Post #AiPxnAVcE15Ky6GJBg by kaia@brotka.st
2024-05-30T13:12:50.343384Z
2 likes, 3 repeats
hey fedi, I have this 85 year old neighbor who fell for one of these tech support scams and got his PC encrypted. to prevent this going forward, is there a Linux that looks like Windows? something like Windows XP might be best.the gentleman needs some Windows things, like his (Windows/Mac) tax software, still running on Linux.
(DIR) Post #AiPyHrCG4rKY38qDia by Rocc@misskey.bubbletea.dev
2024-05-30T13:18:13.641Z
3 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia@brotka.st this thread probably gonna get messy quick. But you'd probably be better off using a sensible backup solution and an ad blocker than teaching a user a new OS.
(DIR) Post #AiPyP5d0osvOpqnucK by grillchen@brotka.st
2024-05-30T13:19:46.224873Z
2 likes, 1 repeats
@kaia reactos is basically exactly that. though it isnt linux but a windows compatible open source kernel
(DIR) Post #AiPyQFCwgkr4prA6z2 by SuperDicq@minidisc.tokyo
2024-05-30T13:19:56.912Z
3 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia@brotka.st Personally I wouldn't use an interface that tries hard to look like Windows for someone who is used to Windows.Getting someone to get used to something that has a bunch of small differences is from my experience harder than getting someone to just use something new. Because with something new there's no expectations and preconceived notions.Personally I would recommend a distro with mainstream support that does not require updating very often like Debian with a user friendly desktop environment like KDE.
(DIR) Post #AiPyWmcpM9CaDPO03M by realcaseyrollins@noauthority.social
2024-05-30T13:21:13Z
1 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia #ZorinOS feels like a cross between #Windows10 and #Windows11, but I don't know of a #Linux distro that looks like #WindowsXP specifically. I think #WINE should be able to run #Office365 tax software, but if not, most #Microsoft apps should be able to run in the cloud if that's what he's using.Alternatively, running #WindowsXP alongside #Malwarebytes might not be a terrible option.
(DIR) Post #AiPyXyRMug0P9IatSy by eric@pl.starnix.network
2024-05-30T13:21:24.093501Z
2 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia IMO it's best to just educate this old neighbor about scams. I don't think it's right to just replace someone's operating system and tell them it would function just like the old one, especially considering the fact that he needs Windows applications.If you want to continue going that route you can just install a Windows XP theme on Linux Mint Xfce I guess
(DIR) Post #AiPyj7U5d1lKNqBK8u by Suiseiseki@freesoftwareextremist.com
2024-05-30T13:23:17.851918Z
2 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia >is there a Linux that looks like Windows?No, kernels have no visual interface.There are a bunch of DE's available for systemd/Linux that can be tweaked to look like windows or already do.I suggest KDE, or Mate, or xfce4 and just call it "windows" and put the windows backgrounds on and he won't notice a difference.He's better off not surrendering his freedom to such proprietary tax software, but WINE will probably run it and supports .desktop files, so you can put the same logo on the desktop and in the launch menu and have it run at a click.
(DIR) Post #AiPytHv9gFkNeDgpnM by grillchen@brotka.st
2024-05-30T13:25:13.169921Z
1 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia yes they might run all natively. havent tested it myself thoughmaybe it is more secure. idk tbh. maybe test it first in a vm or so. do his tax programs work in wine/proton?
(DIR) Post #AiPywq1pKFnuIcVGjo by Gopiandcode@fosstodon.org
2024-05-30T13:17:04Z
1 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia I tried this a long long time ago, and haven't really kept up w. the meta on this, but maybe zorin os? I remember installing this as the first linux os on my first desktop bcs it looked like windows (although tbh a little closer to win 10 rather than xp).
(DIR) Post #AiPyySeFDxx8MjFMVE by grillchen@brotka.st
2024-05-30T13:26:09.055759Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia it isnt elster?
(DIR) Post #AiPz0AIcPpda2LwaVk by sleepingnevi@clubcyberia.co
2024-05-30T13:23:43.620722Z
1 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia id probably go with mint xfce or something else that uses xfce, theres even a pretty decent windows xp theme for it: https://github.com/rozniak/xfce-winxp-tc
(DIR) Post #AiPz6jcC1e7xIvET1k by jihadjimmy@the.asbestos.cafe
2024-05-30T13:27:43.706390Z
2 likes, 0 repeats
@grillchen@kaia It's not a kernel, it's a full Windows NT reimplementation, from the kernel and drivers to userspace.
(DIR) Post #AiPzDdOrWzm43WHrfc by getimiskon@fedi.getimiskon.xyz
2024-05-30T13:14:46.082573Z
1 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia Linux Mint is not exactly looking like Windows, but the transition won't be difficult for someone who's been familiar with Windows. At least from my experience.As for the tax software, I don't know if that could work through Wine. Otherwise it's better to keep a Windows partition just for that kind of stuff.
(DIR) Post #AiPzIfAoMhv50I735M by grillchen@brotka.st
2024-05-30T13:29:49.797987Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@silhouette @kaia yeah i was thinking about an old win xp version
(DIR) Post #AiPzLgKAXhW7RSvf8K by grillchen@brotka.st
2024-05-30T13:30:22.992917Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@jihadjimmy @kaia yeah just wanted to point out it isnt linux since she asked for linux
(DIR) Post #AiPzQ3TQPqwcOeLNgW by Suiseiseki@freesoftwareextremist.com
2024-05-30T13:31:05.865103Z
2 likes, 0 repeats
@grillchen >windows compatible open source kernelReactOS is licensed under the GNU General Public License version 2 or (at your option) any later version, which makes it free software, not "open source".The stuff that does the running of the software is mostly in userspace, although its kernel is probably designed to implement things like the in-kernel scrollbars the NT kernel implements.@kaia >meaning his tax program might also run natively?Nothing is really native anymore, but it will probably run if it's reported to run in WINE (unfortunately a lot of such proprietary software relies on the .NET runtime, which is extremely proprietary and very hard to install (yes, the .NET runtime attempts to save you from itself)).>how about viruses and exploits?Most windows viruses and exploits won't be applicable, but ransomware probably won't have any issues running.
(DIR) Post #AiPzaS8TZsR1mSVG52 by romin@shitposter.world
2024-05-30T13:33:05.955479Z
1 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia the solution is to not pay taxes :l_wink:
(DIR) Post #AiPzcuUj6wY6JU5Arg by grillchen@brotka.st
2024-05-30T13:33:28.375241Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Suiseiseki @kaia free software is open source. open source is not necessarly free. when i say it is open source it might be free software aswell
(DIR) Post #AiPzhd9b0kk3ynRw6i by antondollmaier@mastodon.social
2024-05-30T13:30:29Z
1 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia there's ZorinOS, which is based on U Ubuntu:https://zorin.com/os/Disclaimer: not used myself.
(DIR) Post #AiPzmP0z0TjLZnhEmG by kaia@brotka.st
2024-05-30T13:27:55.227164Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@grillchen no, some proprietary thing he gets as a subscription on a CD with a "certificate" and a warranty card and such boomer bullshit. it's some German software. not taxman or sth
(DIR) Post #AiPzsn6KMrIm13F65Q by aZa1905@mastodon.social
2024-05-30T13:35:16Z
1 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia linux mint?Its goal is pretty much to be usable by windows-users.Looks pretty similar too and afaik you could install Windows themes.For the tax Software, you unfortunately would have to fiddle around with wine.
(DIR) Post #AiQ0MEDAeQ9uUlTpcu by coolboymew@shitposter.world
2024-05-30T13:41:43.461412Z
1 likes, 0 repeats
@aZa1905 @kaia I would NOT fuck with tax/monetary software on Wine. A slight miscalculation oddity and it's toast
(DIR) Post #AiQ0d7m7plEDSMt1yC by kaia@brotka.st
2024-05-30T13:17:59.884391Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@mia something that actually looks just like Windows would be preferable. I know lxqt is nice, but it looks very different
(DIR) Post #AiQ0hJdbfetxPEttmy by kaia@brotka.st
2024-05-30T13:19:59.097993Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Rocc there's other reasons too. his Windows 10 is unusably slow and today it said he will not be able to update to Windows 11 due to system requirements. so in late 2025 he would need a new PC.
(DIR) Post #AiQ0j4vnJxDSNDFSls by Suiseiseki@freesoftwareextremist.com
2024-05-30T13:45:42.568653Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@grillchen You understand that the "OSI" has approved numerous proprietary licenses, yet you still give support to "open source" and not to freedom?
(DIR) Post #AiQ0mgMmasJ5LUafIW by zvava@mk.catgirlsfor.science
2024-05-30T13:46:14.379Z
1 likes, 0 repeats
@grillchen@brotka.st @kaia@brotka.st do not recommend react os to an eighty year old man 😭😭😭😭
(DIR) Post #AiQ0qHX6rk4PU68Yr2 by kaia@brotka.st
2024-05-30T13:21:31.360937Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@grillchen meaning his tax program might also run natively?how about viruses and exploits?
(DIR) Post #AiQ0rdM1Dl6rS1atEG by childrapist1488@eientei.org
2024-05-30T13:45:28.982358Z
1 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia Linux Mint = Sovlful, it should have everything he needs built right in
(DIR) Post #AiQ1IWKvQ7jlVMu3Si by eric@pl.starnix.network
2024-05-30T13:52:13.717454Z
1 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia @grillchen If it works under Wine it would most likely run. Don't see why viruses and exploits wouldn't works since it's basically a Windows clone.
(DIR) Post #AiQ1JMeut2crmQekqG by grillchen@brotka.st
2024-05-30T13:52:22.687806Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Suiseiseki yes.simply becausea) i dont care about OSIs definition.b) to quote fsf "There is no such succinct way to explain the official meaning of “open source” and show clearly why the natural definition is the wrong one."this means when i say open source there is ambiguity. it might be proprietary. it might be free. but afaik there is no free software which isnt open source by most/all sane definitions.so saying:"reactos is not only open source but also free software " would be a correct addition to my statement"reactos is free software not open source" does only make sense if u only apply weird definitions.
(DIR) Post #AiQ1Jxu6PXl3IF2u9I by kaia@brotka.st
2024-05-30T13:25:55.228567Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@grillchen I dunno exactly what the tax program is. I only saw it and did not recognize it.
(DIR) Post #AiQ2Ra4yyQx7fpKXJo by Suiseiseki@freesoftwareextremist.com
2024-05-30T14:04:57.998384Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@grillchen >a) i dont care about OSIs definition.Then that's a problem - you're using a term without a definition - who knows what it's meant to mean?If you forgo a definition, the only meaning left is the natural meaning of the words - which is; "the source code is publicly available".>this means when i say open source there is ambiguity. it might be proprietary. it might be free. I would strongly suggest avoiding such confusing ambiguity - if you are unsure, I would suggest appending; "it may be proprietary".>but afaik there is no free software which isnt open source by most/all sane definitions.Yes, all current free software licenses pass the "open source definition", but soiling the freedom by referring to free software licensed under the GPLv2-or-later as "open source" - is a high insult, as that is applying 3rd party approval from infidels.
(DIR) Post #AiQ2fbLh3BfFfIpeVs by grillchen@brotka.st
2024-05-30T14:07:36.336231Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Suiseiseki i think we agree on the facts. i just dont care if i insult people with that tbh
(DIR) Post #AiQ2lGwhoypS7jqfR2 by Hyperhidrosis@shitposter.world
2024-05-30T14:08:40.027825Z
1 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia https://youtu.be/N2FmeHCw75Q
(DIR) Post #AiQ5cD47BAwBLRgU08 by amerika@annihilation.social
2024-05-30T14:40:36.251346Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@grillchen @kaia https://reactos.org/
(DIR) Post #AiQ62jB2PZJMSzZE2K by icedquinn@blob.cat
2024-05-30T14:45:25.174317Z
2 likes, 1 repeats
@kirby @kaia kitboga is goated
(DIR) Post #AiQ647H2J1D1UV2EKG by kirby@lab.nyanide.com
2024-05-30T14:44:49.719008Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia where did the audio on this video go
(DIR) Post #AiQ66RAzHPvtnRJQtE by kirby@lab.nyanide.com
2024-05-30T14:43:56.170696Z
1 likes, 1 repeats
@kaia best guess is that syskey was involvededucate him about scams, reinstall windows, and ERASE SYSKEY OFF THE INSTALLthank god for people like kitboga
(DIR) Post #AiQ6NxvImSGKHZKkr2 by kirby@lab.nyanide.com
2024-05-30T14:49:01.479841Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@icedquinn @kaia real i love seeing him make scammers really mad its super funny lmao
(DIR) Post #AiQ6QvGv5vI2vbr6SO by kirby@lab.nyanide.com
2024-05-30T14:49:39.376843Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia nvm my tab was muted lmao
(DIR) Post #AiQFsx9mZybkTBxRku by ent@noauthority.social
2024-05-30T16:35:43Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia I've heard Linux Mint is a great option for the less technical coming from Windows. I personally haven't done much looking into windows lookalike options, but considering Kali has an "undercover mode" that reskins the OS to look like Windows 10, I'm sure Mint isn't the only viable option.
(DIR) Post #AiQXUIsIUfNzlKAucS by tfb@functional.cafe
2024-05-30T15:24:41Z
1 likes, 0 repeats
@kaia Cinnamon is very friendly for former Windows users (my wife's positive review is: like Windows before it got weird). Alternatively, you could configure KDE into a Windows-like themeCentOS + EPEL would require minimal updates and be supported into 2027, and the graphical process for doing updates is good on either desktop.
(DIR) Post #AiQXWhhp8wXdLzQ9Ts by sofia@chaos.social
2024-05-30T19:43:51Z
1 likes, 0 repeats
@zvava @kaia @grillchen seconded.it's a cool project, but very far from everyday usability from what i've seen (haven't tried it myself in a while, but it was very painful back then 😅).i'd recommend some KDE-based distro. making it Windows-XP-looking shouldn't be so hard with the Plastik theme. the similarity would be rather superficial, of course.though for the tax software, you just have to try and see how well it runs in wine 🤷.
(DIR) Post #AiQYrciyxV9zwKVAXI by phnt@fluffytail.org
2024-05-30T20:08:18.188139Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@kaiaProbably Linux Mint with Cinnamon or xfce[1]. Both look close-ish to Windows. My grandparents that used Windows XP until 2018 were able to adapt to the slightly different UI and the different way some things are done after few hours of walking them through the UI. I'm not sure about Windows software and especially something more specialized like tax software. This type of software is usually very poorly written, or wants functions Wine simply cannot provide.After it is setup, thinks _usually_ don't break at all. I've had automatic updates enabled on that PC for 5 years and only one broken kernel was shipped, which prevented the PC from booting. I also had to troubleshoot some sleep issues with Ryzen 3XXX APUs. So maybe expect some question in the first few weeks.[1] Depending on how old the computer is. Cinnamon isn't that friendly with low-end hardware.