Need help picking distro (and others)

[Guest]

So, my parents decided to get a PC for their home. Desktop or laptop, I want to get an SSD for the system instead of HDD. Now...

1. Is 120 GB a plenty space for OS, OpenOffice/LibreOffice, a media player, browser, and some documents? Judging by my usage though on Windows 10, it should.
2. Also, which OS do you guys recommend? I'm thinking Ubuntu or Linux Mint, but I'm open to suggestion. Keep in mind that they never used a computer before.

[AnonymousGuy]

Oh hell no don't put Linux on a system for parents.

[SCHISCHKA]

120GB SSD is ok, likely to use around 16GB

Go with ubuntu 16.04

Get a desktop it will last longer than a laptop

[tlink]

1 minute ago, AnonymousGuy said:

Oh hell no don't put Linux on a system for parents.

it doesn't matter, op said that that their parents never used a PC before. linux is just as good as any for that.

@op yea linux mint would have my vote.

[AnonymousGuy]

15 minutes ago, tlink said:

it doesn't matter, op said that that their parents never used a PC before. linux is just as good as any for that.

@op yea linux mint would have my vote.

Linux is a pain in the ass to work with, even if you know what you're doing (they don't believe in installation exe's for example).  And if they need to google how to do something they're much better googling a windows or mac problem than a linux one.

 

Linux is safer overall, sure, but I'd put my parents on Windows and lock them down from being able to install stuff without me there.

[Guest]

21 minutes ago, AnonymousGuy said:

Oh hell no don't put Linux on a system for parents.

It's not like I'm not going to train them

15 minutes ago, SCHISCHKA said:

120GB SSD is ok, likely to use around 16GB

Go with ubuntu 16.04

Get a desktop it will last longer than a laptop

Yeah, I still prefer to give them desktop. But it'll be their call, not mine.

15 minutes ago, tlink said:

it doesn't matter, op said that that their parents never used a PC before. linux is just as good as any for that.

@op yea linux mint would have my vote.

So, I think I'm solid on both Ubuntu and Linux Mint. I'll probably still need to do research more based on their exact use later. Or take a coin. Works for me.
Thanks, guys!

[tlink]

2 minutes ago, AnonymousGuy said:

Linux is a pain in the ass to work with, even if you know what you're doing (they don't believe in installation exe's for example).  And if they need to google how to do something they're much better googling a windows or mac problem than a linux one.

 

Linux is safer overall, sure, but I'd put my parents on Windows and lock them down from being able to install stuff without me there.

you complain about it not supporting installation exe's and then tell us how your parents their windows machine has installations disabled without your oversight. the end result is the same, op has to come help his parents install software they need. i highly doubt his parents will be doing anything too special anyways. its going to basically be a facebook machine.

[Shura]

Linux Mint Cinnamon or Manjaro Linux Cinnamon

 

If you want a fast, simple, mac like experience, then get ElementaryOS.

 

https://elementary.io/

 

Linux Mint Cinnamon

 

Manjaro Linux Cinnamon

 

In terms of ease of use, I would say Elementary > Linux Mint/Manjaro Cinnamon. I recommend the Cinnamon version for both since I think it will have a more familiar feel to windows. The difference is; Mint is based on Ubuntu and Manjaro is based on Arch.

[cazetofamo]

Yea, Mint Cinnamon. I like it a lot for personal use, aminly because it has a really Windows feel but far more funtionality

[Flygenring]

If they are first time computer users, set them up with debian with gnome (and tweaks like dash to dock and minimize and maximize buttons etc.) or just go with elementary os.

[Shura]

1 hour ago, lass9391 said:

If they are first time computer users, set them up with debian with gnome (and tweaks like dash to dock and minimize and maximize buttons etc.) or just go with elementary os.

I was in a similar situation and I went with elementary OS and my parents figured out how to use it rather quick. They were new to computers BTW; I decided to go Linux since I was using old hardware and they just needed something for the web and email. I'm personally not a fan of the Mac UI but it is simple to use for people new to computers. 

[Guest]

1 hour ago, lass9391 said:

If they are first time computer users, set them up with debian with gnome (and tweaks like dash to dock and minimize and maximize buttons etc.) or just go with elementary os.

 

33 minutes ago, Shura said:

I was in a similar situation and I went with elementary OS and my parents figured out how to use it rather quick. They were new to computers BTW; I decided to go Linux since I was using old hardware and they just needed something for the web and email. I'm personally not a fan of the Mac UI but it is simple to use for people new to computers. 

 

Yeah, will gonna try Elementary OS and Debian tomorrow. And I also have an eye for Zorin OS.

[dfsdfgfkjsefoiqzemnd]

If they were coming from Windows, I would have said Mint.  But if they never used a PC then I'd suggest Ubuntu.   

Am I right in thinking that they are elderly people? I'm finding it hard to imagine that someone in their 30's, 40's or even 50's has never used a PC before.