200
Is there a Linux based OS for public computers, such as at a library or a PC cafe?
(lemmy.blahaj.zone)
The public library in my city uses OpenSuse
this post was submitted on 15 Oct 2023
200 points (97.6% liked)
Linux
48181 readers
1310 users here now
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
Rules
- Posts must be relevant to operating systems running the Linux kernel. GNU/Linux or otherwise.
- No misinformation
- No NSFW content
- No hate speech, bigotry, etc
Related Communities
Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0
founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS
I always thought Deepin Desktop looked close enough like Windows 10 or 11 that some people might not notice, may be worth trying.
Generally instead of starting off with all your eggs in one basket, it might be worth running say a different distro every week and recording the experiences patrons have and what the people who are doing IT support have. This kind of approach is scientific in nature and gives you relevant data (though only a small amount) for your current environment. It's also small scale and doesn't require huge start up cost to begin.
Wish you the best!
Puppy Linux and easyos have those options... It's been a bit since I've used them tho..
They could do a thin client type of deal and just virtual desktops that get deleted at the end of the session. If they are on 32bit hardware that really limits options on operating systems but a single backend computer hosting virtual desktops can be a donated 64bit PC/Server.
Yeah we only have a few decades of software to choose 32bit stuff from.
Software is fine but OS wise there are lots less than there was 5 years ago and it only going to get smaller but at least there Debian.
Does it need more then a webbrowser and a rfid card reader? I dont know how those library backend systen work but most systems save data in a plain ol database.
I don’t see a reason why they cant already use a limux based OS except that someone will need an employee or volunteer to set it all up and support.
For those saying NixOS has no commercial support, there is: https://nixos.org/community/commercial-support
I don't imagine there'd be a specific distro but you could absolutely lock a Linux machine down to be usable as a kiosk
Real question would be why though, a computer is a computer to the majority of people and you can always just bring your own laptop if you want Linux for yourself
For many people the library computer is the only computer they have access to.
Windows lincenses also cost money so if they can get an OS working for free that is probably going to be a massive plus.
I don't think Linux would be cheaper in the long run in that scenario, most young people could fix common problems with a windows machine whereas Linux needs someone with Linux experience
I also think people without access to their own computer are probably not worried about the operating system it's running as long as they have a functional system, unless they are trying to learn how Linux works but they wouldn't be able to do that with a locked down public computer anyway