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
    0·
    22 days 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.

    • Kualk@lemm.ee
      0·
      22 days ago

      2 years old need to learn interaction with other people.

      That’s how they learn language.

      So, spend time with them, not the screen. Screen time will come by itself.

      In fact there’s data of development delays if kids are exposed to screen at early ages. That is because our eyes like movement, but screen picture doesn’t provide meaningful world context. Especially games.

      Only personal interaction gives words in meaningful action context.

      My wife is speech pathologist, so I am sharing what I wax told.

      We have a friend, who didn’t listen to no screen time. Kid is delayed in development. It is serious staff and yet so simple to prevent.

      Give your kids all the time you can in 1st several years.

      • geoma@lemmy.ml
        0·
        21 days ago

        Totally. Please keep kids away from screens as long as possible.

        For this laptop I recommend mx linux fluxbox edition. You also have a 32 bit version.

    • jsomae@lemmy.ml
      0·
      22 days 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.

    • foremanguy@lemmy.ml
      0·
      22 days 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