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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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Just installed Mint for my elderly in-laws (midwest.social)

submitted 1 week ago by falk1856@midwest.social to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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When I was visiting my wife's family for Thanksgiving, my father-in-law told me that his laptop was telling him that if he didn't upgrade to Win11 he be vulnerable to all sorts of malware. They're both retired and on a fixed income so he was panicking over buying a new machine. I put Mint on his existing laptop and walked him through its use. Fingers crossed that he'll be able to handle it. I haven't had any support calls from him yet but I'll find out how it's going when I see him in a few days.

Does anyone have any tips for supporting older family members on Linux if they have absolutely no experience with it?

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[–] MonkeMischief@lemmy.today 2 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) (1 children)

Maybe a comparison could be like one of those "Debloated Windows" OSs with Classic Shell that actually works and isn't super hacky. :D

[–] Dymonika@lemmy.ml 2 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Thanks, I didn't know that. But then my question is: how dependent is the Mint team on Canonical's updates to Ubuntu? Is it like Waterfox vs. Firefox?

[–] MonkeMischief@lemmy.today 3 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I'm definitely not an expert, but yeah that's kinda the case.

Basically Mint will update core packages and security updates and such, but when Canonical gets another "bright idea" for Ubuntu like opt-out telemetry, or amazon results in search, or proprietary packaging formats (Snaps)...

...Mint will basically just leave that stuff out, and it never reaches the users.

[–] Dymonika@lemmy.ml 1 points 4 days ago

Okay, great, thanks. I just hope that Canonical doesn't do something like forcibly interweave a proprietary blob with a critical updated.