I need a distro that is stable with a particular need to set up zero input automatic updates. If an update asks for a password or needs user interaction in basically any way it simply won’t get done. All he needs is a reliable platform for browsing the web. I am replacing an Ubuntu system that has apparently just stopped working (I have not had a chance to examine it yet) after years and years of not getting proper updates after he forgot his password.
Something like Bazzite is intriguing because of it’s locked down environment although he is very much not a gamer. Is there something locked down like Bazzite but with long term LTS release cycle?
Don’t think in terms of easy to use and unbreakable. You won’t get that because something as simple as losing icons on the desktop is the kinda thing that’ll confuse someone that’s bad with computers. Instead, think in terms of what’s going to be easy for you to fix when you inevitably have to play tech support.
I’ll second this. I’ve setup an Kubuntu PC for my parents. It’s worked really well for the past 5+ years. One thing I wish I had done was Setup remote access they can easily turn it on when they need help.
The other thing that has come up is the monitor resolution changing (ex: if they’re using a UHD TV as a monitor but I set it to 1080p to make things legible for them).
For the second, I added a bright and easily visible icon to their desktop that will run a quick script to reset their monitor resolution to 1080p.
Op should have a plan for updates and especially auto updating the browser. Some banking sites may stop working if the browser hasn’t been updated in a while.
Also do take time to explain the difference between the desktop (as part of the OS) vs things like application windows and especially the browser and where to find things they may not necessarily need that often but will be useful if you can’t remote in, like OS settings.