Richard HectorThe more I learn about where Windows is going, the more I want to persuade Dad to switch to Linux. But without any (known) retailers or other local support services, what does he do if I'm not available to help?
Are there any such support businesses in the Wellington region? Lower Hutt specifically?
Dave Lane 
🇳🇿@richardh the beauty of Linux is that remote help is very easy. I've provided transhemispheric remote support to my parents even though they have a Mac (not a patch on Linux 😉 )... You'd also be welcome to use the RustDesk server I run - RustDesk (https://rustdesk.com - #libre alternative to TeamViewer, etc.) gives you trivial desktop access (assuming you've set up the client beforehand).
@lightweight Remote desktop is definitely useful - I've used VNC in the past, but had to set up a VPN to make it work nicely. I should try RustDesk. But there are also occasions where you really need to be hands on - hardware failures etc. I guess they're quite rare. There's also the case where I am unavailable regardless of my physical location. I don't necessarily want to set him up with a support provider now, but at least to know there's someone he can contact if required.
@richardh VNC is certainly an option (I've used it in the past) but is fiddly with port forwarding required and port redirection at the support provider's end), but RustDesk is quite nice and just requires a client set up. I've even coached my aged parents through the process over the phone a few years back. After that, it 'just works'. And you don't even need to trust a 3rd party midpoint (I host my own server, it's trivial with a VPS and Docker), proprietary code, or relentless nagware.
lecroix74@richardh yes, install him Fedora Kinoite(to make it look familiar for him)and use RustDesk. And you should be ok. He can't mess up the system,and time to time you can check up on the state of things,if necessary
@lecroix74 I want to use something I understand too :-) I have used KDE a long time ago, but prefer XFCE these days, and would rather use something I'm familiar with. And definitely keep apt and family.
@richardh fair point. The question is then what would your dad prefer.... I'm not a KDE enthusiast,but for newcomers from Windows i would always recommend it.
I mentioned Kinoite, because for you that would mean very low(to none) maintenance. Try it (or read about benefits first). It's not a rocket science. I was used to 'apt', but i learned something new and moved away. Easier than it sounds.
I know people like Mint, but I don't see the appeal (yes,I did try it).
Maybe Debian will suit you
I mentioned Kinoite, because for you that would mean very low(to none) maintenance. Try it (or read about benefits first). It's not a rocket science. I was used to 'apt', but i learned something new and moved away. Easier than it sounds.
I know people like Mint, but I don't see the appeal (yes,I did try it).
Maybe Debian will suit you