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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Any GNU/Linux rolling release distro as vanilla as possible, and easy for non tech individuals used to ms-windows? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 4 years ago* (last edited 4 years ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I'm looking for something my sister can use, but I don't want her to face trouble when needing to change major releases, like debian or ubuntu do. So I'm thinking a rolling release distro could be of great help for this.

Being as vanilla as possible is a nice to have.

Ideally, she shouldn't be dealing with config files though. So even though Arch or some derivatives like Manjaro would fit, they require users to investigate for the proper configurations and such, and as mentioned, she's a non tech person. If there would be something Arch based, but having safe configs by default, and pretty much requiring to keep updating the SW often, that sounds fine, but I'm not aware of any. Having a graphical SW updater/upgrader should be required as well...

It shouldn't matter much, but I believe KDE would be the best DE option for her, offering what she might need to feel like windows.

I was thinking of KDE Neon, but I'm not sure how ubuntu major releases are handled, neither how it is for a non tech person to go and add SW, not officially covered by KDE repos, neither if its "plasma discover", or its upgrade on the air tool works for other things, rather than just KDE stuff upgrades... Maybe kubuntu might as well be an option, but major upgrades might be as user involved as the ubuntu ones...

If you're wondering, I'm using Artix, and I 've used for quite some time before, Arch, Debian (unstable) and SourceMage. I'm honestly not familiar with something that might help my sister move from windows. She once told me someone helped her try ubuntu, but she didn't feel comfortable with it... Any suggestions are welcome.

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 4 years ago* (last edited 4 years ago) (2 children)

I wouldn't recommend rolling release as it introduces too many potential fixes needed. I have both of my 60+ year old parents on Linux Mint Cinnamon edition. This looks closest to windows so the transition should be easy for her. Linux Mint also has an easy upgrade wizard for new releases. She can stay on the LTS stream which will last for 5 years. You only need to help her upgrade every 5 years, which is pretty decent.

It also uses Debian and Ubuntu based, so it will have all the packages she needs. I would stay away from anything too linuxy for a non technical user, and a rolling release is definitely linuxey. Try Linux mint and set up auto update in the settings.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 years ago (1 children)

I understand what you're saying. Perhaps I'm too use to Arch/Artix, and don't realize major issues with it. To me, the problem is when the time comes to upgrade, given no longer having support, and not being around to help, since we live in different countries... It's a coincidence I can try helping her this year...

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 years ago

Well, you should try to visit her once every 5 years 😝 also you should check this video out, it's probably something your sister can follow along with while you video chat with her if she has any questions. https://youtu.be/LYnXEaiAjsk But to each their own of course. I use manjaro KDE and Linux Mint Cinnamon and I run into way more required manual fixes with Manjaro on the updates or with the Arch community repos. I use LM for work and Manjaro for fun/home entertainment. But I also grew up on Ubuntu so I'm more comfortable with Debian commands in terminal.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 years ago

I did the same for my mum.