Just wondering

I have just cleaned up an old XP machine for my partners daughter and then read this
The success of Linux doesn't rely on Microsoft's garbage - TechRepublic

Now I know it is a bit out of bounds here but I would be interested in the general view of others of say installing a Linux based OS on a drive for this machine because the lack of XP security updates worry is going to be an issue.
This is because the owner or other owners for that matter may not be able to afford a new Windows machine or more recent version of Windows to put onto their aging XP machines which to me is folly in itself.
So any thoughts appreciated.

Install the most user friendly version of Linux, ones that even emulates the look and feel of Windows.

ie Zorin

Mint is also user friendly.

Learning curve aside it's a good idea.

You may need a quick crash course yourself to help explain, but once set up it's like Windows - use as normal.

Thanks to you both now I am not real sure Lee about doing it now as there are children of primary school age that use the computer yet the cost is going to be a bit much although I could run to getting an OEM for it. The only thing I have against it is that it is an old M100 Toshiba with DDR2 and only 1GB of it and running even the Home version might be pushing my luck.

The Zorin looks good and I see is based on a Ubuntu which I use a fair bit when sorting drives that are frozen shut or don't respond to data access of some sort. I have an older Toshiba myself I might just flick it onto that and try it out first. That way I can see what it is like first hand and nothing lost. If that doesn't go well then I will have to try and jack the RAM up a bit and do the Windows 7.

But the advice is really appreciated:)

I haven't tried Zorin OS, but have found Mint to be pretty user friendly, especially for a beginner.

LittleJay said:

I haven't tried Zorin OS, but have found Mint to be pretty user friendly, especially for a beginner.

Ok might even try that too LJ as I have used it in the past albeit with a disastrous dual boot LOL!!

For what its worth, even I found Zorin to be a very user friendly O.S.. The wifi driver(S) even worked straight out of the box!

Mint Mate is the way to go. It is a lot easier and nicer than any Windows. Any child can deal with it.

I made a series of video tutorials that shows you how to set it up. Download this PDF control sheet from my Skydrive and you can watch them.

The latest version that is out is Mate 16 (Petra). Download it from here. Use the 32bit version and get it from the USA James Madison University. Their files have always worked. That was not always so with other mirrors.

I installed Petra yesterday. Works fine. It has some minor little glitches that you will probably not even notice. Great system !!!

Thanks everyone there seems to be a few more versions than I was aware of to be honest. I shall ask my partner's daughter if she wants to go down this track when XP runs out as I know she uses it for Ebay and stuff and anything involving money well is going to be targeted eh?

One thing is do Linux OS's support any security or facebook?? as i know lie most young people they are all over this stuff and iTunes for example.

ICit2lol said:

One thing is do Linux OS's support any security

What sort of security do you mean mate? Anti virus or parental controls?

If AV, then yes it does. I know for sure Avast has a Linux version.

or facebook??

Yep, facebook is no problem as it's browser based.

iTunes

Ahh, there's an issue. There is no native support for iTunes on Linux.

Some people have had varying degrees of success using WINE (the windows emulator)

But there is this app that allows you to connect to iOS devices.

There is also Rhythmbox for playing music, transfer songs and playlists etc

It may be a simple case of working out what exactly the kids need iTunes for and whether or not an alternative can be used instead.