Linux for grandma & grandpa

Linux for Windows Users

I wanted to bring to your attention a company called Affordy (www.affordy.com) that specifically addresses a Linux replacement for Windows. Affordy developed TITAN LEV (Linux Extended Version) - the first Linux distribution designed for users with Windows experience, combining the best of both Linux and Windows. It provides the most comprehensive solution for users looking for a Windows style experience on low-cost hardware such as netbooks. TITAN LEV is a total package that includes an operating system bundled with a suite of 150 applications for personal, home and business use. It requires less CPU and memory resources than Windows, looks like Windows, runs Windows applications, provides migration tools from Windows and is fully supported. It appeals to Windows users, since it enable them to operate seamlessly in a Windows like environment, run Windows and Windows compatible applications on their machines and avoid the added overhead of Windows OS and high hardware and software costs. The following two links are for articles written about TITAN LEV:
http://blog.israeltech.net/the-affordyable-windows-operating-system/

http://blogs.zdnet.com/open-source/?p=4362&tag=content;col1

Linux for grandma & grandpa

Just put Linux Mint on it.
Gran's gonna love it.

Linux for grandma & grandpa

I've been deliberating over this subject mytself, I have been operating on linux at home for over two years after a nightmare setup with windows vista. I don't yet feel comfortable with tech support for my grandma using vnc over ssh and as she has very limited needs, i haven't had time (or money) to set her up with a new linux box. I have however been looking to see if there are any distributions specifically geared toward "Grandma / Grandpa" computing . When I go to the library, there is a kids computer with big icons, no "Start" menu, just simple choices that can be clicked or keyboard selected. If you know what programs you need at the outset (typewriter, internet, chat, email, maybe banking) and don't expect there to be any tweaking involved, how can this be such a difficult proposition? has anyone heard of such a distro or program running as a front end like this? Anybody who has run Packard Bell Navigator ( http://toastytech.com/guis/pbnav35.html ) will know what I mean.

Real Life Scenario(s)

For many years now, I have been installing & supporting a good number of PCs in my family, inlaws and friends.
I have kept a fairly accurate log of the number of problems (real and perceived), comments and needs.

A] Linux wins overwhelmingly in the "no muss - no fuss" departement.
I do get the odd thing like, how do I do this ? With which application (let's say chat).
-> so I had the app, and presto it's over and done with.

B] With MicroSoft, which I reserve for gamers and people who want all the bells&whistles (and I make them understand the price to pay : slower system, more crashes, greater risk security-wise.
Some are willing, others aren't.

All in all, most stay in their respective camps. However the few that have changed have gone to Linux ... when games were not all that important.
-> I did dig around to accomodate and put some nifty albeit simple ones : TuxRacer, FrozenBubbles and all the classics.

But the argument of the "learning curve" has _never_ been a factor. Most of that is in the perception.
i.e. all my window-installs have OpenOffice, but I change the icon/name to Word with the W.
They have never come back to me saying they couldn't use it !
Since most were on Win98, or the likes, the environment is different from XP and Office too. So I just say : it's the most recent version of the Office suite .. which it is - just not MS-Office, but OpenOffice.

Voilà.

LB.

Some observations about this discussion

OK, the zealots from both sides are completely unreasonable. Ignoring all zealots, considering myself a moderate that uses whatever makes sense, here's my observations.

1. If Grandma and Grandpa are used to MS Windows, use Windows applications and have Windows specific applications that hey use, leave them on Windows.

Trapper John made an observation about "Unlearning Windows". While I disagree withe wording, it's a valid observation. Linux is different. Linux applications are different. Change means new learning. If Grandma and Grandpa know Windows and don't want to change, don't make them.

2. Application are a major factor in the decision. If Grandpa has a Heart Monitoring application that runs only on Windows, might want to consider leaving him on Windows and putting up with the AntiVirus program. Kind of important that these applications run properly and in a supported environment.

3. Going back to #1 for a minute, if Grandma and Grandpa are new to computers, Linux is a very valid place to start. However, one runs the risk of Grandpa needing that Heart Monitoring Program that only runs on Windows. This may necessitate a change in OS at a later date. They'll need to "Unlearn Linux" to work on Windows.

As for Wine and Crossover, it all depends. For games, who cares about the supported environment? For financial applications or medical applications, running in native environment is important. If you start Grandpa with GnuCash or whatever, that's great. If he's been using Quicken for a decade, that's something else.

To the zealots on both sides, all I have to say is MELLOW OUT!

Neither is a perfect solution, both have limitations and drawbacks. Issues such as file formats, proprietary software and the ideology arguments here are of little value to Grandma and Grandpa. They want their internet, games, e-mail, and medical programs. File formats don't mean a whole lot to them.

Couple other comments. If you help Grandma and Grandpa buy a computer, don't go ultra cheap. Get one that will do the job. If it's going to be Windows, remember to have enough capacity (CPU and RAM) for the AV software.

I always chuckle at someone that complains about Grandma getting a virus on the computer. That means you aren't doing the basics like running an AV. If you choose to ignore that risk with Windows, you're an idiot, fool and show complete disregard for grandma and grandpa. Do your support right!

If you are running Linux, still get enough hardware to run it well, don't cheap out. Better to spend an extra $50 and get a machine that will work than cheaping out and having lots of trouble later.

Hope your grandma and grandpa support goes well, but check the bigotry at the door. They deserve better.