Helping my aunt and uncle build a computer. Both have never really used a computer before. Both retired. No specialist needs. Advice. Do I start them off on Linux? I have little Linux experience.
I would personally pick Windows 7/8.1 for them, because there's a lot less to learn about them.
This.
Linux is a good choice for ppl who have a budget and a willing idea to learn. Most ppl, however, do not really want to learn things all over again, especially if they struggle with windows already
install what you know how to manage. If that is windows then install windows but avoid the abomination that is windows 8 at all costs install dos first.
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I don't agree with those suggesting Windows. I'd definitely go with Ubuntu. It's gonna be easy for you to set up, and it comes with things they'd probably need. Plus it has a big launcher with a powerful and useful launcher (IIRC they could search for "web browser" and find Google Chrome). When it comes to user friendliness I believe that the Linux DE's kick Windows ass. People think that Windows is easy to use because it's what they're used to.
Plus, Ubuntu doesn't cost anything.
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I also like the linux route however I would go with ubtunu and gnome.
Use the dash to dock extension and profit.
Linux is not fool proof, but the issue with building anyone a pc is that you are damned if you do and damned if you don't.
Windows might be more familiar to them, but they are gonna end up with a crap ton of viruses despite your best efforts.
With linux they will ask you 10 million questions and get frustrated with the damn thing.
I am telling you if you want to have a peaceful life, you need to get them a mac mini. That way when ever there is an issue, it is apples problem, not yours.
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Is chromebook or tablet an option? They are cheap easy to use and pretty much maintenance free.
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^
Thank you for all of your input.
@Tjj226_Angel You have a very good point with regard to the Mac Mini. I think however a Mac Mini is out of the question, not just financially. I also don't mind supporting it; even though I may live to regret that decision.
They really have not prior experience with any operating system.
@mythicalcreature No they want a desktop. Although good shout.
I would really like to start them off on Linux although I have little experience of it myself. For this reason I am tempted to put them on Win 7, and later maybe take the free upgrade to 10.
Get them a Chromebase then. They're cheap, ChromeOS can run well on a toaster, and no worries about viruses. If you set up Linux then eventually something would break and you'd have to help them troubleshoot the issue. Also, unless you set their machine up to auto updates, chances are they won't be installing any, possibly leaving their system open to security vulnerabilities.
I would like them to have a fully functional computer.
I can remote in from time to time for security updates and such.
fully functional and remote in
go linux
you can set up unattended updates
so you don't need to bother to remote in for those
When you need to remote in you have ssh for most things and teamviewer for everything else (If your learning linux you should learn ssh with it).
Chromebox or build a computer with zorin os. I personally think it's lazy and just wasteful to purchase windows. In my opinion if they have never owned a computer before, they are going to have problems regardless of the os they use, except for chrome OS. Also, with Linux there is less chance for malware as they can just install everything from the software center and in general, if they are not using it for intensive purposes, Linux requires less maintenance than windows. You say you have no experience with Linux, but you can learn as you go and as you suggested, simply remote into their computer everytime they have a problem. And just remember you might as well try Linux as it's free; if it doesn't work, just buy windows.
I agree, also because the System Preferences are much easier than Windows' Control Panel and more functional than Windows' PC Settings. Another benefit would be with viruses, older people are the most susceptible to viruses and wouldn't have to worry about any on Linux. My only concern for OP would be with drivers for other devices you may assume would work, for example printers and digital cameras; drivers for these devices are often iffy on Linux since the manufacturers rarely support it.
You start them off with linux, this is the most practical choice.
They don't know Windows, so they won't be hindered by the bad habits that Windows teach people.
And by the way, linux is free. Get them a computer with linux and see how they manage. If they don't manage at all, then buy them Windows.
I would suggest openSUSE, it comes with a lost of software pre-installed (basically everything they would need), and you have Yast as a graphical interface for system setting (besides what the DE offers). The one problem that I have with openSUSE is that it doesn't come with codecs.
Another very viable option is Manjaro with XFCE, it comes with a lot of packages and codecs too.
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A thousand times this. Although the install linux for now and see how they like it could be a good option. A lot of the issues I've had with my grandparents had to do with other devices anyways and they're on windows 7. So you could be dealing with this anyways. Plus if you were to pick something like linux mint they wouldn't really notice much of an overall difference.
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If you think you can manage basic linux stuff (or you are willing to take the time to learn a bit) go with Linux, Either Mint (with cinnamon) or elementary (if you prefer the MAC OS aesthetic). They will have absolutely no problem with them and Mint has the best out-the-box compatibility. If they know windows, Mint will come naturally to them.
Avoid Win 8 like the plague. if you use windows either go with 7 or wait for 10.
For the peripheral support: most work immedietely out of the box. If you want to be 100% sure then before you buy a device like a printer check online to make sure everyhting works as it is supposed to.
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I vote for elementary. Linux mint would be a good idea too as it will be similar to windows if they switch.
They mentioned no prior OS experience.
I don't see drivers being an issue unless you have an ISDN card from 1996 or something you want to get up and running. Digital cameras etc. most likely will report as usb drives, and shouldn't create any problems. Printer is the only thinkI could possibly agree with.
Regarding which one to select, I'd recommend something with KDE that you'd feel comfortable with yourself. I'd use Slackware, but I'm probably one of the last few who's still using it. Next year will my 20-year jubliee.