this post was submitted on 29 Aug 2023
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Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Today at the grocery store a sweet older lady approached me and asked if I knew anything about computers. I said yes I do, and she produced a mouse saying that her son set up Linux mint for her and she was wondering if the mouse was compatible. It needed kernel version 2.6 or newer so I said that the mouse should work, guessing mint itself was probably newer than that kernel. Happy with my answer, we chatted a little, then she thanked me and left.

It was a nice experience, so I thought I should share!

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[–] const_void@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year ago

I'll take "Stories That Didn't Happen" for 500, Alex.

[–] ExLisper@linux.community -1 points 1 year ago

So you're the nice boy from the store? Good to see you here. I got my mouse connected and can now browse fediverse using my Linux Mint. BTW I've checked and I'm running Linux kernel version 6.2.9. Should I update?

[–] JuxtaposedJaguar@lemmy.ml -1 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Assuming this story is true, Linux is going to be a nightmare for that woman. It’s come a long way, but it’s still not as dead simple as it needs to be for non-technical elderly people.

[–] CarbonScored@hexbear.net 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Couldn't disagree more. Do non-techies need anything more than a browser nowadays? Maybe a word processor? The process of turning on and opening a web browser on Mint are practically no different from Windows. Hardware will plug and play just the same. Using printers is equally intuitive (ie, not very). In fact, I can find firefox on GNOME by just pressing the Win key and typing "internet" or "browser".

Both are probably equally likely to run into incomprehensible tech problems that require techie intervention.

[–] JuxtaposedJaguar@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Just connecting to the internet on various networks can be confusing. And they're going to need to periodically upgrade system packages, or they'll be vulnerable to various exploits. Even if you set up auto-upgrades, occasionally some things will need manual intervention.

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