I'm trying to setup a computer for my Gran, who as you might guess, is not very tech savvy. She struggles to send text messages from her Nokia 3330.

I've got an AcerAspire One, which I no longer use this netbook, so I want to format it and install an OS that can only do the very basics.

All my Gran used her old computer (now broken) for was email. I would like to setup a very simple to use OS that can do little more than email.

Ideally, if I could get the netbook to boot straight into an email client, and setup a connection to her dial-up Internet, that would be best. The less extras the better.

If you know of anything out there that fulfils those specs, or something close, please let me know.

Thanks!

If it's the small model, you need something lightweight. This was my idea for another Aspire One user:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...8/#post4857147

Otherwise, you could consider Mint. Version 13 is long-term-support, OK until 2017.

ElementaryOS also comes to mind, very simplified user interface and programs (even the email client).

Don't know how it performs on an Aspire One, but it's Ubuntu-based so it should run fine.

Thanks! I'll check those options out!

Just a suggestion, but use Ubuntu 10.10 and tweak the interface to fit your needs. Nothing crazy, just change the Gnome menu options, remove all the icons on the desktop but Firefox/Chrome that points to the email site, add an email client if you find a simple one, and that's it. If this person is foreign to Linux and feels more comfortable with Windows, add the XP styles to the interface and move the menu bar to the bottom.

I used this exact set for a family that needed the PC only for a 1st grader's online tests. No one had enough knowledge to get around the simple setup and make mischief, so it worked out fine.

Good luck.

-Sparkfist

Ubuntu 10.10 is end of life and not supported anymore, I would not recommend to use that for anything.