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3 days agoI like linux and I use it (Raspbian, Zorin, Ubuntu, Arch: diff machines). I also enjoy using Win 8.1 on my Lenovo M93p Tiny (8GB ram), as a Playnite appliance / console. This allows me to play emulated games (Wii, Gamecube, PS2, to about 1.5-2x upscale), ~2013ish era AAA titles (Fallout 3, Just Cause 2, Dead Rising 2, GTA IV) and select indy games (like Donut County, Untitled Goose Game, EXO ONE) all from one device.
Normally, the advice would be to use something like Bazzite or Batocera (and I agree!)…but given the hardware limitations and the “it just runs” nature of these older Window games (under windows) I’ve had better experiences sticking to Win 8.1.
YMMV but the “switch to linux cause windows too old” thing has some shades of gray.
I have to admit, I’ve gone sort of retro-tech with my kids in the main. Wii over Xbox or PS5, DS-lite over Switches, OLPC over chromebook etc. Social media - ha ha, get fucked :)
My eldest asked for a phone, so I gave her my old flipfone. She loves it (and I kinda want it back now, lol).
The HMD Nokia branded Barbie phones with KaiOS is what I’ve promised to get her when she’s earned it. That’s a dumbphone with some smart features…and as bonus, I can probably (with enough effort) create some apps for her directly (KaiOS is basically Firefox OS in a container, which even my dumb-ass can probably grok with some effort)
I give them access to my tablets…but the tablets have kid mode (app lock) and are hardened with firewall, pi-hole, app timers and curated content (eg: Smart-tube with ONLY the channels I select as safe being visible, no click thrus, comment section blocked etc. ABC kids. Jellyfin pointing to ONLY kids stuff etc etc). I know this is a technical solution to a behavioral problem. OTOH as much as I would LOVE to just yeet all this shit into the sun, the realistic position is kids need to know how to use tech. I even leave little breadcrumbs for my eldest to try and “hack” my systems so she can get access to “hidden” software (which, matrix-in-matrix style, I’ve allowed her access to. Don’t give SUDO equivalent to an 8yr old…once bitten, twice shy. I could tell you a recent horror story that would curl your hair)
Anyway…it’s not 1983 any more (sadly, in some ways), But I have observed that by curating content like this it FEELS like the kids are interacting with tech like we did back in the day; morning cartoons are once again morning cartoons and not a chance for MrBeast to invite my 8yr old to “comment, like and subscribe”.
My eldest has ASD and I’ve noticed these small tweaks have had significant improvements on her behaviour / media consumption patterns (eg: she will get bored of media now and self regulate away from it…and…gasp…play).
I dunno man. I’m trying out here. Shit ain’t easy. Too many plates spinning, not enough hands, and father time is a motherfucker. I’m tired, boss.