this post was submitted on 14 Oct 2023
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Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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I haven't really used Linux, but I feel it might be useful for a potential project. Is it possible, and how doable is it, to have a password locked admin account and an open user account which is heavily restricted on what they can do? As in, not even browse files. Preferrably only desktop access where they can launch the apps placed there. Which Linux would be the best for this while still being on the easier side to figure out? I do understand tech somewhat well and quite enjoy problem solving, so doesn't need to be ELI5 territory.

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[–] RegalPotoo@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago

Along with the restrictions others have mentioned, you could look at running your system as a "live" install:

  • Actual OS boots directly off media like a USB stick or DVD
  • Operating system is mounted "read only" - even the super admin can't change files in the root partition
  • Even if a clever user finds a way to run programs, their changes don't persist after a reboot
  • If you need some persistence (eg, allowing users to save documents) you could mount a network share as the /home partition, but mount it "noexec" so if users manage to download programs from the internet, they aren't able to run them