HACKER Q&A
📣 quijoteuniv

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


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?


  👤 IndigoIncognito Accepted Answer ✓
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

👤 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.


👤 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.


👤 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.


👤 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.

👤 LarryMade2
Google Remote Desktop works on Linux.