I guess he/she wants it to browse the internet or maybe write something and simple stuff like that. Considering that any OS (with GUI) would be almost the same result. Put the OS, put the icons of the things he/she wants to use on the Desktop and tell him/her that all he/she got to do is to double click on the corresponding icon.
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Yea, that's what i was thinking.
Now, to use the actual programs, that is the same thing.
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Debian? You're being too nice.
Put Gentoo on it, enjoy compiling
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What's the use case? I'm assuming surfing, checking emails and the occasional office document?
Try to find second hand computers, companys often resell their old (2-3years) leasing computers.
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Forum ate my reply. Grrrrr.
What is he using now? If not 7, then 7, 8 (with Classic Shell) or Linux won't matter much, he'd have to get used to something new. It's up to you what you want to get, but I'd go with 8 if you prefer Windows because it will probably be easier to move to 10 in the future, and that will give more years of support.
What will he use the PC for? Is he using PC's elsewhere or just at home?
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If they don't know how to use a computer then Windows 8 will work fine, it's practically designed for people like that. Not to mention the free Windows 10 upgrade
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Thing is, we are going to a standard electronics store to buy it. Thanks for the links and suggestions, but they are of no use here.
pun intended
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So you're pretty much limited to Windows 8. Might as well buy a touch screen laptop.
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Or maybe put Linux on it.
Which distro would be the easiest to use?
I'm thinking: Zorin OS, Linux Mint, Linux Lite, elementary OS..
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How familiar are you with Linux? Probably not that much if you need to ask others to help you with a distro. In which case I'd suggest sticking with Windows. You'd have to play support, and unless you really want to learn Linux on that person's back I wouldn't suggest doing it.
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I am pretty familiar with Linux. I have used several distros in the past. I just can't decide which one to choose.
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I think in the end it all boils down to what you're comfortable supporting. I'd suggest Ubuntu LTS just because it would still get updates a few years into the future, but if you don't mind the occasional upgrade choose whatever you're comfortable with. This IMO is a benefit of Windows, Windows 8 is supported to 2023, so even if you never upgrade to a new version you'll still get security updates for another 8 years (which these days can be a reasonable lifespan for a laptop).
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Does he/she really need a laptop? In cases like these, I usually recommend getting a tablet.
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Depends on usage. Tablets do suffer from a small screen and lack of keyboard.
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There are tablets that come with attachable keyboards and that turns them into pretty nifty devices. I personally love surfing the web from anywhere in the house, not requiring me sitting at a desk. Mobillity makes the experience so much better.
If they intend using it for web browsing, e-mails and the ocasional video content consuming, get a tablet with a 1080p screen, to make the experience more enjoyable.
As for the OS, windows or android are both as easy to use and they both have a user friendly UI, in my opinion.
Probably getting them to try the new device would spare you the hassle.
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btw Sorry for no giveaway, will probably add one later
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So.. a family member of mine (old age) has decided to get a new Laptop. I am supposed to help choosing and configuring it.
This family member is pretty helpless when it comes to PC's. Windows 8 will pretty much be a nightmare.
What should i do?
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