this post was submitted on 26 Dec 2024
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Linux

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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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this is a topic i've been heavily involved with because i still consider myself to be someone who prefers using technology at a very beginner friendly level, plus it's very good when a linux operating system makes you feel right at home when it has a modern desktop environment. this is why i really like gnome, its simplicity and usability is something available for everyone, for beginners and for a lot of other people, but if you had to, say, rearrange xfce or kde for someone who was an elderly person or an absolute beginner so that they wouldn't have any trouble using linux, how would you do it? (screenshot is my current linux mint desktop, very simple and extremely user friendly!!!!)

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[–] HexesofVexes@lemmy.world 31 points 23 hours ago (2 children)

It's going to sound really silly but here goes:

  1. Ensure their background is the same as it was (seriously, they often use it as an extra way to find things).

  2. Where possible, use windows icons for desktop shortcuts and mask link names to match vocab they're familiar with.

  3. Have rustdesk set up with a link saying "Let help me".

  4. Make sure they have their password written down somewhere.

  5. Make sure you have their password written down somewhere.

  6. Where possible have background updating, where not possible have a .sh file to do it for them.

  7. Add desktop links for things like downloads, documents and pictures.

These are tips for any distro when moving less tech savvy relatives over. For those that like to game, ensure your fs on their gaming drive is a Linux one as it stops weird behaviour. Also, you know, install the games for them!

[–] Scrollone@feddit.it 3 points 7 hours ago

I'd also add the tip of installing a Windows-looking window theme. People just want the classic window buttons (X for close, etc.), not some fancy icons.

[–] mac@lemm.ee 2 points 15 hours ago (1 children)

I'm out and about right now so won't get too deep into it as it's easily searchable, but last I checked the community consensus around rustdesk was negative

[–] HexesofVexes@lemmy.world 1 points 15 hours ago (1 children)

Feel free to replace it with the remote tool of your choice. Just keep in mind that it needs to be easy to use from the supportee's end (double click, read a code).

[–] ThanksForAllTheFish@sh.itjust.works 3 points 13 hours ago (1 children)

Try a mesh VPN and SSH would be my advice

[–] HexesofVexes@lemmy.world 1 points 12 hours ago (1 children)

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll have a play in the new year and see if it'll work ^_^

[–] mac@lemm.ee 1 points 8 hours ago

I have wireguard on my home net and just vnc into devices I need to access.

At my parents house I have a cheap gl inet device running wireguard so I can vpn in of they have any issues as well.