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Hello all,

I have a family member who is thinking about getting a new computer and I'm thinking about suggesting that they either just reformat their old one with Ubuntu (actually I would do it) or install Ubuntu after they buy the new computer. Now this family member is in their 50s and is not really that great on computers beyond facebook and other online games. So I'm sort of the IT guy in the family and my question is, should I suggest Ubuntu for this person or just the standard windows 8 which they would otherwise go for? My thinking is that it, Ubuntu, will work great actually because they spend 99.9% of their time in the browser. Thoughts?

I don't think that old people/people who don't know much about computers should go with Linux.
Even if you think that it is easy for you, and only use Firefox to go on internet, it is really difficult to use something you don't know.


I would recommend to stick with windows.
And also, if he needs to use some specific software, or stuff, it might only works with Windows.

Yeah, go with that and save ~$100. It's not like they are going to be using any of the features in the Windows OS or the Linux OS.

And they aren't going to have to worry about malicious software.

I installed Linux on my mother's computer and she has been using it for several months. She likes it and can do everything she needs to on it.

That still requires spending money.

My suggestion, through ubuntu on a flash drive and run it live and see if they can adjust to it. If they like it, format and you're good to go.

Most computers comes pre-installed with windows. Seems like a waste to buy a windows license and then install Ubuntu. If you just reformat the old one, then go with Ubuntu!

You can get a dell without windows on it, they have in the business section no os, ubuntu, and freedos options.

I'm thinking about doing this for my mum who is 80 plus and on win95. I'm not sure her old laptop is up to windows 8 plus I think 95>ubuntu would be less shock than 95 to ubuntu considering all she uses is a browser.

Hell, upgrade it to 98se and call it good, lol

For that I would look at an older distro of ubuntu, maybe 12.04 LTS. Might have to go to 10.04 if the laptop is indeed that old.

We have two computers for the kids made from older Athalon II 245 chipsets. We run Linux Mint on them withou any problems and Mint has a gamer interface similair to google play on android. The kids simply pick any games they want from there, it installs then they play.

:)

I like mint because they pre-load all the codec for mp3 and dvd, and they give it a windows feel which is nice for newcomers.

When I used to be on night shift, I would pop in my thumb drive and boot into mint and watch movies, people passing looking at the desktop didn't realize I was running a different os all together.

I think she's actually xp. I misposted. Might just buy her a new pc but I have the fear at her dealing with win8

Check this out, pre-loaded with ubuntu asus laptop for 250 USD. Saw it on the ubuntu main site earlier. I'm actually thinking about getting one.

http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-1015E-DS03-10-1-Inch-Laptop-Black/dp/B00COQK8QY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380718481&sr=8-1&keywords=1015E+ubuntu

good deal.I'm in europe unfortunately.

The biggest issue she has is xp shows the desktop before it's really ready and she starts clicking like a demon the moment it appears and completely clogs up everything. I've had to call over a few times where all I've done is unplug it, take out the battery and restart.

I think this is a great idea. They could try Ubuntu without having to spend too much time configuring it. If they like it, you can install it.

If it's only for browsing & simple everyday tasks, why not get a Raspberry Pi, it comes preloaded with linux. It will only set you back 40 USD...
Alternatively, Kubuntu distro is also a good way to go.

why don't buy them whatever since they are not good at computer? :-X