Mike 1d ago

For many people, the #Linux vs #Windows vs #Mac debate is a privilege — it assumes you can choose. But working with the Computer Upcycle Project, I've seen the real choice is often Linux vs no computer at all.

~95% of donated computers are "too old" for Windows 11 or macOS. Linux installs on them anyway, adding 10+ years of life to machines #Microsoft and #Apple called trash.

This isn't Linux vs Windows. It's Linux vs e-waste.

Show threadVWestlife1d ago
@codemonkeymike Older versions of Windows and Mac OS install on them anyway, too. (I'm typing this from a computer running Windows XP.)
Show threadAna Tudor 🐯1d ago
@vwestlife @codemonkeymike I have tried that for my dad. Win 7 install worked fine, true, but then using it didn't... at all. Couldn't even get it to connect to WiFi and he works remotely, so he needs that. Maybe someone who's a computer person could have done it, but I'm not one, my dad even less so and can't afford to pay for that. So then Zorin OS it was. Everything I couldn't get working on Win 7 worked right out of the box. My dad has a working computer instead of a dead one.
Show threadKen Milmore1d ago
@anatudor @vwestlife @codemonkeymike There is a whole generation of senior citizens who made the effort to achieve basic IT literacy around the early 2000s but have only ever used Windows. I find they are the most resistant to change, and will often cling stubbornly to old Windows installs packed with malware. In the end if you can get them to try something like an Xfce desktop with LibreOffice they will eventually feel right at home.
Show threadMike 
@kbm0 @anatudor @vwestlife I've showed 70 year olds nixbook (which is basically Linux mint cinnamon) and they just get it. Zero training needed
4:32amWeb
Show threadAna Tudor 🐯4h ago

@codemonkeymike @kbm0 @vwestlife Well, I was cautious.

My dad has come screaming to me "what is this crap, get it off my screen" because of an update notification. I see it when I happen to sit near him to help him though something. He just doesn't have the patience to even try to read what's on screen. He just scrolls to the bottom and then curses about not finding what he was looking for. It's there, he just scrolled right past because he didn't have the patience.