Linux Mint - Cheap Virus free computing for kids

Linux Mint

If you are anything like many of our clients you have an older PC or laptop that has been semi retired due to variety of reasons.
These are the PC’s that end up in the hands of our children.

Most do not have the latest Windows updates and many have expired or outdated antivirus software as well.

Children + PC + poor security = Hackers Dream!

Children are prime targets for spammers, hackers and general internet low-lifers as they are far more trusting and more easily duped into installing malicious software.

I fix at least one  PC  infected with viruses or malware due to children every week!

The easiest and cheapest way to solve this issue I have found is to install a Linux operating system. My personal favourite Linux Mint 9 as it offers one of the most Windowsesque experiences with a nice interface, great support of common Windows/Apple music and video formats and pretty much every piece of software your kids will need.  Couple that with the fact it is free and secure and it makes a great option, particularly for younger pre-teen kids

From the parental perspective the key feature is that it is  far more secure out of the box  than Windows due both  it’s inherent design and the fact that the vast majority of hackers target the Windows platform.

Here are a few more reasons you may want to try Linux Mint for your kids:

• Fast and easy to install:
  Installing Linux Mint on a 6yr old  laptop with 1GB of ram took around 15 minutes including a complete drive reformat. The installation instructions were clear and easy to follow for anyone with minimal tech savvy.
  If your kids somehow manage to break it, forget trying to fix it, just reinstall it (after backing up their files).
• User account control:
• Most required software is installed automatically:
  One of the most painful parts of Windows is installing all the new software you need to get going like MS Office, Photoshop, Acrobat reader etc. Most Linux installation CD’s come with all the basics school age kids need including:
  • Web browser – Firefox
  • Open office suite including word, excel and power point equivalents.
  • Photoshop equivalent  – “The Gimp”
  • CD/DVD Burning Software – Brasero
  • Video editing software – Openshot
  • Media Player supporting all windows/mac formats – VLC
  • Live chat support for chat networks including MSN/Live and Yahoo.
  • Skype support
• Virtually all hardware supported:
  • Hardware has traditionally been Linux’s major downfall as a lot of devices like printers, digital  cameras usb phones etc would not be recognised unless a Linux geek got down and dirty on the “command line”. I would hesitate to say that everything will work these days, however, I was blown away recently when things like  a new epson wireless printer, Three network USB modem and Samsung bluetooth phone all connected and worked immediately with Linux Mint.
• 

  Tux Paint

  Dual Boot Supported:
  If you are unsure if Linux will work for your kids the Linux Mint Installation CD allows you to partition off some space on your hard disk to allow “dual booting”. This means that when your PC starts you will be prompted to choose between your Windows or Linux partition. This is a great solution for shared computers as any potential damage the kids can do is isolated from your own files.

• Games Support:
  One of the biggest gripes your children may have is about games. Windows games will not work. However, the Mint install utility (just like windows add/remove programs) allows you to download and install hundreds of free family friendly games for kids. There is also a range of kids educational software like Tux Paint which your kids may have used in the public school system.
• Low System Requirements
  Linux Mint uses far less resources than Windows. It will run fine on most older system hardware where Windows crawls.

Summary:

Linux is a great option for parents of younger children who want to minimise the risk of viruses and malware entering their PC.  However, some awareness and vigilance may still be required by adults to keep an eye on where your kids visit on the internet and how they commincate with others (live chat, chatrooms etc). This area is important and I think best addressed in a separate blog.

PS: I still have 4 desktop machines left and am happy to setup Linux Mint 9 on any of them upon purchase.