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Ask HN: I am installing Linux for my mother so I can help her remotely, tips?

5 points by quijoteuniv ↗ HN
It has been increasingly hazardous to run windows machine for old people as they often cannot differentiate a pop up from a system message. So i will move my mother to Linux and install something to remotely assist. Any tips from experience?

13 comments

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gregjor
Switch her to an iPad. I did that for my parents. No more Windows, no more malware, no more urgent support calls. They already use iPhones so everything was familiar to them.

Linux sounds like a cool idea but really it's not for casual computer users, you are just signing up for more headaches.

quijoteuniv
She has an Ipad! I dis managed to stop carrying her laptop on trips, but she still uses the office when she is at her home. Linux is fine if I can access remotely ;)
xigoi
KDE is practically indistinguishable from Windows for computer-illiterate people.
shrimp_emoji
They'd wonder when Windows got slightly better.
IndigoIncognito
I recommend using RustDesk for anything remote access related. For elder people who are tech illiterate I have found that apple products are the best since they are very easy to use while also being locked down, Live USB Linux distros do the job
quijoteuniv
Interesting, I read about it but there are mixed reviews, and i am no way near to audit myself… i think really the easiest (and free as in google :/) will be chrome remote desktop.
IndigoIncognito
Honestly I found that chrome remote desktop was harder to use, I bet a baby could setup rustdesk
hayst4ck
Buy her an older used mac.

I tried to put my mom on linux and she hated it. Linux is more complicated than its worth for an older adult.

quijoteuniv
Bought and old mac, installed Linux on it. We have been talking a lot about it lately and she might be ready to try.
baremetal
I put my parents on Ubuntu 15 years ago and they are still chugging along.

Just make sure the browser works for them. Maybe install an adblock too.

And have a way to VNC in.

As long as they don't get frustrated too easy things should be smooth. Just be prepared to help them out.

LarryMade2
Google Remote Desktop works on Linux.
VoodooJuJu
I would never allow a non-technical person to suffer desktop Linux. It's great for professional developers and nerds with too much time, but even I get sick of things just breaking and needing tweaks. It's definitely not for old ladies. Give her something that Just Works™. Ideally a used Mac. It can still be managed remotely, like Linux.