Granny Friendly Operating System

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Pooky

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My gran is pretty hopeless when it comes to technology. She wants to learn though so she writes everything down in a little book, but she is rather slow...

So which operating system would be the easiest to use... I think it's probably Windows.
 
Windoze is the default choice for those of us that are so accustomed to it it FEELS the easiest - which is not to say that it actually is ..and let's not even get into how safe it is (think security breaches, etc. here) to leave unattended in the hands of someone who has no idea of how to defend it against the depredations of those that would fUxx0r her PC (and leave you to fix it) ('scusi, I'm on a bit of a Big Word buzz) :p SO: granny-friendly is not only easy to get to grips with, but also safe and manageable ..and when you factor in $$$, ol' 'doze starts to look not so good.

My 2c worth: (not a fanboi, being pragmatic here) the latest Ubuntu - yes, the Gnome one, not that XP interface knock-off that is Kubuntu. :D

Think about it:
- it has the basics of a desktop to use
- the UI is hugely simplistic - IOW not daunting to said granny
- the UI behaves consistently, a huge plus
- viruses, spam/phishing that comes in by email that granny mindlessly clicks on? *pfft*
- the ability to add apps as she gets to grips with it
- cheaper ..and notably on the hardware too
- bragging rights: having a granny that does Linux!
 
bdt said:
Windoze is the default choice for those of us that are so accustomed to it it FEELS the easiest - which is not to say that it actually is ..and let's not even get into how safe it is (think security breaches, etc. here) to leave unattended in the hands of someone who has no idea of how to defend it against the depredations of those that would fUxx0r her PC (and leave you to fix it) ('scusi, I'm on a bit of a Big Word buzz) :p SO: granny-friendly is not only easy to get to grips with, but also safe and manageable ..and when you factor in $$$, ol' 'doze starts to look not so good.

My 2c worth: (not a fanboi, being pragmatic here) the latest Ubuntu - yes, the Gnome one, not that XP interface knock-off that is Kubuntu. :D

Think about it:
- it has the basics of a desktop to use
- the UI is hugely simplistic - IOW not daunting to said granny
- the UI behaves consistently, a huge plus
- viruses, spam/phishing that comes in by email that granny mindlessly clicks on? *pfft*
- the ability to add apps as she gets to grips with it
- cheaper ..and notably on the hardware too
- bragging rights: having a granny that does Linux!
Click to expand...

Thing is, I don't think she is going to get to grips with it... All she does at the moment is check email. :) I need something that loads up and works well, no random errors and stuff like that, cause then she freaks out... lol.
 
Pooky said:
Thing is, I don't think she is going to get to grips with it... All she does at the moment is check email. :) I need something that loads up and works well, no random errors and stuff like that, cause then she freaks out... lol.
Click to expand...
*shrug* you asked for a solution. All modern Linuxen come with an excellent email client built-in - and ALL are immune to letting the nasties that come in with spam/phishing a la that Paypal/Citibank/whatever account you mysteriously have that turn your machine into a droid on someone's botnet.

But, seeing as you say you WANT "I need something that loads up and works well, no random errors and stuff like that" and yet choose Windoze, I'm finding I have a hard time with your grip on reality ..seriously, have you even tried Ubuntu or, for that matter, ANY current desktop Linux?

Still, I've always maintained that those that are hell-bent on bashing their heads on yonder wall are best served by clearing their path to it ..enjoy, sport.
 
bdt said:
*shrug* you asked for a solution. All modern Linuxen come with an excellent email client built-in - and ALL are immune to letting the nasties that come in with spam/phishing a la that Paypal/Citibank/whatever account you mysteriously have that turn your machine into a droid on someone's botnet.

But, seeing as you say you WANT "I need something that loads up and works well, no random errors and stuff like that" and yet choose Windoze, I'm finding I have a hard time with your grip on reality ..seriously, have you even tried Ubuntu or, for that matter, ANY current desktop Linux?

Still, I've always maintained that those that are hell-bent on bashing their heads on yonder wall are best served by clearing their path to it ..enjoy, sport.
Click to expand...

Gee slow down on the steroids... Yes I have tried Ubuntu, a lot, and find it very un-user friendly. I didn't choose Windows, my Aunt gave the computer to my gran and it had windows on it already.
 
Go for WIndows XP, easier than that you are not going to find! Giving her any form of Linux distro and you may as well give her Visual studio and she can write her own OS which will probably easier.
 
Ubuntu would definitely be better to use considering she would only need internet/email/word processing:).

I don't know what random errors Ubuntu throws up, because with the above usage I haven't seen any:p.
 
Pooky said:
Thing is, I don't think she is going to get to grips with it... All she does at the moment is check email. :) I need something that loads up and works well, no random errors and stuff like that, cause then she freaks out... lol.
Click to expand...

I see many <donkeys> here saying that Linux (specifically (K)Ubuntu) is a bad idea. Should I pm you my address so I can give you a beat down? :D
Ubuntu, from both a professional and personal perspective, is by far the best way to go, especially if there is limited OS interaction and experience involved. I have two converts already at home simply by saying that this is how you use "Word" and this is how you use "Outlook" and "Internet Explorer" (or rather Openoffice.word, Evolution and Firefox).
Even XP, in it's extremely stable state, is less stable than Ubuntu. I can guarantee that if you do a proper setup you will not have any errors/bugs. I have a new computer and have not had a single error since I installed Ubuntu on it.
 
froot said:
I see many <donkeys> here saying that Linux (specifically (K)Ubuntu) is a bad idea. Should I pm you my address so I can give you a beat down? :D
Ubuntu, from both a professional and personal perspective, is by far the best way to go, especially if there is limited OS interaction and experience involved. I have two converts already at home simply by saying that this is how you use "Word" and this is how you use "Outlook" and "Internet Explorer" (or rather Openoffice.word, Evolution and Firefox).
Even XP, in it's extremely stable state, is less stable than Ubuntu. I can guarantee that if you do a proper setup you will not have any errors/bugs. I have a new computer and have not had a single error since I installed Ubuntu on it.
Click to expand...

All good and well.....Just pray Grandma NEVER has to install, uninstall, troubleshoot, reboot, configure or essentially ever have to do anything other than word or outlook. Then she's fine :D
 
Grimspoon said:
All good and well.....Just pray Grandma NEVER has to install, uninstall, troubleshoot, reboot, configure or essentially ever have to do anything other than word or outlook. Then she's fine :D
Click to expand...

As if "granny" would have less issues with XP.
In fact, since granny has inet - linux is way easier as someone SSH'ing into the box remotely will allow installation and configuration of everything with ease.
 
For someone new to computers, either Ubuntu or Windows XP (the one that you'll find easiest to fix when something inevitably goes wrong :D)
 
kaspaas said:
Win XP: All the grand children know it as well and could help Granny getting to grips with the monster.

I know :)
Click to expand...

+1 Rather go with WindowsXP as you'll be able to help with any support. For some, Linux might be better as they are used to it. There's no point in Installing Linux, then when your Gran has a Prob and calls you, you can't assist her.
 
mh348 said:
+1 Rather go with WindowsXP as you'll be able to help with any support. For some, Linux might be better as they are used to it. There's no point in Installing Linux, then when your Gran has a Prob and calls you, you can't assist her.
Click to expand...

+2 The thought of Grandma on Linux is like the thought of me trying to driving a F1 car after a bottle of vodka - Just plain stupid. :rolleyes:
 
Pooky said:
My gran is pretty hopeless when it comes to technology. She wants to learn though so she writes everything down in a little book, but she is rather slow...

So which operating system would be the easiest to use... I think it's probably Windows.
Click to expand...
Assuming you are Granny's IT guy install whatever you are comfortable offering support on.
 
Grimspoon said:
Go for WIndows XP, easier than that you are not going to find! Giving her any form of Linux distro and you may as well give her Visual studio and she can write her own OS which will probably easier.
Click to expand...

AH, the old Linux is hard to use stereotype. Ubuntu is so easy to use anyone could do it. And it has a million useful programs ready installed.
 
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