Hello all,

So I have this old Samsung RV520 laptop. You can see the specs there. I’ve installed and reinstalled a few different linux distros on it for the past 12 years or so, the last one being Arch (btw) which is what I use as my daily driver on my main desktop as well (by the btw). But I really don’t need this laptop anymore, so I was thinking I’d give it as a birthday present to my friend’s son, who turns 2 this month. It would be used as a “media station” to basically just play kids’ videos from Youtube.

The problem is that I basically need to install an extremely windows-like (or otherwise simple) distro on it, because while my linux-fu is somewhat high level, my friend uses windows daily so system maintenance must be simple. Ubuntu is for me the obvious choice, but I’m not sure if the laptop can even run it anymore :D of course the HDD in it is also 16 years old and I’m pretty sure I’ll upgrade it to an SSD before set up. So, taking all this preamble into account, what would you recommend? Some Ubuntu-derivative, pure Debian, maybe even Arch with linux-lts? Give me your thoughts!

  • Dariusmiles2123@sh.itjust.works
    15·
    11 months ago

    I’m sorry to judge you, but I don’t think a 2 year old should be using a computer.

    I think it’s important for kids to learn how to really use a computer (instead of just a smartphone), but it’s mostly important to show them they can have fun away from screens.

    • foremanguy@lemmy.ml
      6·
      11 months ago

      The biggest problem in my mind is not only the fact of having a computer but much more to see this “”“”“for kid”“”“”" videos. YouTube and the internet is not a place for kids, and 2 years old is really really young to use this

    • jsomae@lemmy.ml
      5·
      11 months ago

      I used a computer without any hard limits since I was 2 and I turned out homose🏳️‍🌈 just fine.

      Actually on second thought I have crushing depression and feel terribly unsatisfied at my job as a software engineer, maybe you have a point.

    • Narri N.@lemmy.mlOPEnglish
      1·
      11 months ago

      I really don’t want to start arguing against this sentiment, because I agree with it. But the kid in question is not my son, and however much I personally don’t agree with using a screen as much as my friends have with the kid, I also understand why it has come to this (that the kid’s parents had decided to use a screen to calm him down, which it does) and how different peoples’ life situations can be. Also it’s not like he’s completely swallowed by the bright lights and colours and noises the screen provides, at least as far as I can tell, as whenever I am or anyone else is around he likes to do other things as well (such as playing with his physical toys or engaging in other activies kids like to do, such as climbing furniture and doing somersaults and stuff) though I’m obviously not there all the time. Also he goes to daycare where the screentime is minimized I assume, and more emphasis is given to social education and stuff.

      And this laptop wouldn’t even be his first, this would be basically an upgrade over the old, beaten-up laptop his dad has had laying around.

      So yes, thank you (all of you, other comments as well) for your concern for this child’s wellbeing. We will continue doing what we can towards doing the best we can with the information we have at the given moment.