I want something for the kids to use.
I don't actually need all the programs installed.

All I need:

- Chrome and Firefox.
- Word editor - Libre is fine. A spreadsheet and Powerpoint equivalent.

That's all.

Obviously other essentials needs to work - like Wifi and other important things I haven't thought of. Just need bare essentials.

I would like to be able to install other things as and when needed though.

What Linux version should I go for?

Not sure if this is a dumb question: say if I go for an ultra light version of Linux. What am I missing? What am I not getting? If I want somethings That I'm not getting... can I still install these at a later date?

One Linux version I tried, I forget what it's called... everything was in the right click of the mouse (I think). Right click to get the start menu or something. What Linux was that? Was it Arch Linux?

Thanks.

Most distributions have/can have those, and most distributions will come with extra stuff you may end up removing.

Left or right clicking for the menu is user interface dependent, not distribution. Any given distribution can install any one of dozens out there..

If you're looking for something more traditional I'd recommend any distribution running with KDE Plasma or Cinnamon (desktop environments). Some systems like Feren OS also do their best to make things look as close to windows or Mac or whatever as possible. I've never tried it but I've heard good things

Edit:
Other potentials would be Linux Mint, Kubuntu, Fedora KDE (spin?)
Check out www.distrowatch.com's search for a better idea.

2 members found this post helpful.

@phantom_cyph thanks for the reply. Very educational.

So the thing is... some Linux ISO downloads will be 1.5GB say.
While others, I have been told will be 300MB or something.
I want a recommendation of one of the lighter versions.
+ Want to know what I would be missing out on?
Thanks.

Any mainline desktop distribution should meet the needs you list. I'd suggest you try the live versions of the distros you are interested in pick the one that you feel most comfortable with. Off the top of my head, I'd suggest Mageia or one of the many *buntus.

That would be a function of the desktop environment/window manager, not of the distro itself. I know that Fluxbox has a right-click menu, but I'm having trouble thinking of other DEs/WMs that do out-of-the-box.

1 members found this post helpful.

It isn't really an issue of "missing out" on something..
In most cases lightweight refers to the memory usage.. those systems tend to have "smaller", less complex/polished graphical interfaces. Generally if you are using an older computer or have limited/expensive data costs it warrants the usage of a "lightweight" distro.

If new to Linux and not in the mood for a big learning curve.. they may also not be ideal.

2 members found this post helpful.

With the mainstream distributions there are several different ISOs with different sizes based on their "function". Size of the download does not necessarily indicate how lightweight the distribution.

In general with the mainstream, Live versions that include the installer are the biggest DVDs 2+GBs. They also usually include everything. There are ISOs that just install the operating system without also being live OS. They can be smaller. The <600 mb are the minimum and net installer. These include the basic system and anything more is downloaded during installation.

The lightweight distributions thuh typically nclude lightweight applications not necessarily firefox or chrome.

Knowing the computers specifications would help with suggesting a suitable distribution.

1 members found this post helpful.

enginestar,

Depending on your hardware, the quick response would be to use Linux Mint because of its user-friendliness.

Most Linux distros have plenty of software installed as standard, with masses more available.

Some useful links:
https://www.linuxquestions.org/quest...ossible-38100/

1 members found this post helpful.

well i am a new to linux having used Windows all this time so perhaps i could share my experiences as a linux noob haha I've tried my best to test out as many linux distros i have the time for and I've narrowed it downs to Linux Mint and Manjaro Linux . Deepin OS look stunning but the other 2 just feels friendlier for Windows migrants IMHO The great news is all 3 worked fine with my socket AM3 AMD hardware from 2009!

1 members found this post helpful.

That's great! This kind of feedback is good for both "Linux noobs" and developers who may be trying to get a sense of what new users like (like me..lol). The fact is, after using something long enough you forget how much learning it took and we can become presumptuous..

2 members found this post helpful.

Ubuntu has a minimal install option: you just get the OS and tools and a web browser. Then you can install anything else, like LibreOffice.

But why does it matter if you get more than you need? Linux is not like Windows: adding software doesn't slow it down, and the unwanted programs just sit there on the HD.

1 members found this post helpful.

I put Linux Mint with Mate desktop on my 6 year old's computer. She's not a whiz on it or anything, but she can open the taskbar shortcuts for Chrome and screen lock. All she does is play some online kids game, that's all that computer has access to online.

1 members found this post helpful.

AntiX, or maybe MX Linux, both are based on Debian, so will have any other programs you may want, both can be configured as 'persistant' - so the youngsters wouldn't be able to wreck it.

1 members found this post helpful.

Thanks for all replies guys - read all, and will be following suggestions.

One thing: Linux Mint - I really don't like. For me, it's been buggy.
Problems using add on monitor. I tried asking on Mint forums, but have't got an answer that solves problems.
(Basically, if logged in as non admin, then the second screen is not usable - wasn't always like this. The second screen has been set to be the main one - the taskbar has been put on that side. When the second screen is not working, the taskbar isn't accessible. Grrr!)

enginestar,

If you don't like Mint, try MX Linux:
https://mxlinux.org/

I just put Ubuntu mate on a laptop and it was very easy to install and so far everything is working great. KDE desktop is something you love or hate so unless you are familiar with it or have a fast CPU with a lot of RAM I would get a distro that has Mate ,XFCE or LDXE as install options. Also ,some distros will not install on every computer so pick a couple in case your first choice will not install.