Linux

45582 readers

601 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

[email protected]

226

Is there a Linux based OS for public computers, such as at a library or a PC cafe? (lemmy.blahaj.zone)

submitted 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

113 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Title. Mainly asking for the library side, but PC cafe is also interesting to ask about.

Mainly since Windows 11 is 64-bit only, and it seems Windows 12 is going to subscription based on top of that, neither of which public libraries can afford tossing out computers and paying more in subscription fees than they make with overdue books.

My local library is only open for 2 days a week, due to a lack of funds for hiring more staff in the area. They use older Dell all in ones, and that just makes me think if they don't have the money for being open 5 days a week, they don't have the money to buy 4 new computers for the space.

Not even getting into the bigger libraries part of that system or the ones nearby. Some have 8 computers in groups, with 4 stations of groups.

So I was just wondering, if anyone has started or is aware of a Library/Public Computer focused linux-based OS? Perhaps one that allows immutable systems, and the library card system backed most use to enable end user access. Perhaps that's a config file tucked away somewhere.

And I guess the PC cafe OS is interesting, simply due to the fact that Linux gaming has been making huge strides, and PC cafes are still popular in Japan, Korea, and China.

EDIT: I am not in control or assistance to the library, just looking if there's a potential solution to libraries like mine. If I could give links to a library computer manager, or if I could give upstream bug reports to people making such software.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] LemmyIsFantastic 7 points 8 months ago (4 children)

You people jump on wild rumors like crazy. Windows isn't going to be subscription based on 12.

[–] [email protected] 32 points 8 months ago (2 children)

Boosting so I can revisit this comment in a couple years.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 8 months ago

There have been rumors that Windows is going to become a subscription software for over 10 years. I remember it when Windows 8 was in development.

[–] LemmyIsFantastic 2 points 8 months ago

Neat.

[–] [email protected] 24 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

They've been switching all their software to subscription based, it's coming for windows too, it's less a question of if but rather of when. I'm sure there'll be a "free" edition though, with more ads and whatever else they can think of. Enshittification doesn't stop.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I hope you're right but seeing as every major part of Microsoft that used to be a one time purchase is now subscription based, I dont hold my breath on it.

Mark my words.

[–] ilinamorato 1 points 8 months ago

Nah, I am doubtful. They're trying to hang on to OS market share with both hands while iPadOS and Mac OS are creeping in on their personal computing dominance and ChromeOS eats their lunch in education and is taking a run at enterprise as kids who grew up using Chromebooks at school are graduating.

If Windows goes subscription, they lose enterprise, and that means they can't sell any of their other products. More likely, that subscription thing was about subscribing to AI stuff that'll be baked in to Win12.

They need the platform to sell everything else.