this post was submitted on 27 Jan 2025
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How to grandma-proof Linux? (lemmy.world)
submitted 2 days ago by stefounet@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.world
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In short, my question is "Is there a way to prevent a non-malicious but unknowledgable and clumsy user to ruin their own home directory?"

Say my grandma opens a file browser looking for a picture, finds those dot files or those mysteriously-named directories distracting, sets her mind to deleting them. And assume she somehow finds a way to do so. While I understand that dot files or mysteriously-named directories of a non-privileged user are of no ultimate importance, it is a maintenance nightmare.

Plus, it's not only mysterious files that are prone to be targetted. She might well delete by accident the picture she was looking for.

Two kinds of solutions that come to mind are: -Restrict file permissions in an adequate way -Implement an easily operable, fool-proof, back-in-time scheme

Is there a mainstream, well-supported distro of GNU/Linux that has figured this use-case out?

I figure it might come in handy when Window 10 is no longer supported and the reports of hacks keep coming in.

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[–] reksas@sopuli.xyz 5 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

I have thought about this too, though more in terms of selling it as a service. In my opinion, linux could be the best option for people who cant use computer since we can just make it easy to use for them, that isnt possible with mac or windows since they are so locked down and we just have to make due with what some corporate idiot decided.

Maybe its easier to start by making EVERYTHING forbidden and allowing things that are needed. Then also make somekind of backup system for things that might get ruined so it can be easily restored. Also hide everything from that account that isnt necessary to see. I cant say i'm expert regarding linux though, this is just something i would try starting with.