Blue95: a desktop for your childhood home's computer room

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haswell ◴[30 Mar 25 20:18 UTC] No.43527258[source]▶

Lately I've been strongly considering helping migrate my parents to Linux. Their needs are primarily web-based with some basic productivity tools mixed in, and Windows has just been getting more and more hostile. On top of this, they're at an age where they're now more susceptible than ever to various scams/attacks, and shutting down an entire category of problems by removing Windows from the picture is increasingly attractive.

I had forgotten that Chicago95 exists, but this might be exactly the right thing. They'd immediately find it familiar, and while the theme isn't the whole story, this would go a long way in easing the transition I think.

I miss this era of computing.

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1. ianmcgowan ◴[30 Mar 25 21:59 UTC] No.43528072[source]▶

>>43527258 #

A chromebox mounted behind the monitor did the trick for me. Haven't had an emergency wipe/reinstall in years. Also, a tablet with keyboard takes some of the pressure off having a "computer" and you can go with iOS or Android depending on what phone they use.

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2. haswell ◴[30 Mar 25 22:55 UTC] No.43528583[source]▶

>>43528072 (TP) #

I've been evaluating a Lenovo ThinkCentre m920q tiny I picked up for not very much money on eBay (the m720q models are even cheaper) and they seem like perfect machines for the task.

My parents use some tools and hardware that require a full OS so the tablet route isn't an option, but I'm starting to really like the idea of deploying a couple of these micro PCs.

3. mixmastamyk ◴[30 Mar 25 23:30 UTC] No.43528864[source]▶

>>43528072 (TP) #

Out of the frying pan, into the fire. Exposing your parents to total surveillance (from one corp to another) is not what I'd characterize as safe or friendly. Linux is fine these days if the hardware is supported, and you can use an immutable distro if extra reliability is warranted.

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4. hattmall ◴[31 Mar 25 01:09 UTC] No.43529592[source]▶

>>43528864 #

Strong disagree. I mean tracking is what it is, but it's happening regardless and if they are using Chrome to browse and Google services they are being tracked.

ChromeOS seems to work really well though and is dead simple and intuitive. It used to be incredibly awesome with crouton but that's mostly dead. Crostini is acceptable though. I would absolutely recommend ageing people getting a chrome device for security and simplicity.

Plus running any android apps on desktop gives even more software options than any other desktop for most consumers.

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5. mixmastamyk ◴[31 Mar 25 01:54 UTC] No.43529898{3}[source]▶

>>43529592 #

Reliability is a commodity these days, and we don't use Google services.

Apparently, ubiquitous surveillance is acceptable to you. Not an uncommon stance, but I'd never recommend it to others. It's a disservice when freedom and privacy respecting choices, that are just as reliable, already exist.

6. fc417fc802 ◴[31 Mar 25 07:37 UTC] No.43532221[source]▶

>>43528864 #

You also can't properly back up the system unless you install a custom ROM and take on the associated maintenance burden. (At least Android. I'm not sure to what extent these things are left up to the whims of the developer on iOS.)

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