Re:Ask HN: How would u setup a child's first Linux computer?
by zarify on Sunday November 09, 2025 @07:27AM
(#45865063)
I recently installed Ubuntu on a little Geekom mini PC for my 6 and 8 year olds to share. So far my 6 yo isn’t too into it, but her older sister mostly uses it for the games I’ve put onto it through Epic and Steam and programming using MakeCode, mostly for Arcade (https://arcade.makecode.com) (I have a couple of micro:bit-based handheld shields) and more recently getting into the awesomely simple networking that the micro:bit provides (https://makecode.microbit.org).
Since the micro:bit requires some file management for programming them, that’s been a good entry point to the file system.
Re:Ask HN: How would u setup a child's first Linux computer?
by ta12653421 on Sunday November 09, 2025 @07:11AM
(#45864988)
how do you manage parentcontrol on YT?
Re:Ask HN: How would u setup a child's first Linux computer?
by isoprophlex on Sunday November 09, 2025 @08:01AM
(#45865277)
You ban it. It's mental cancer, to both adults and children. And I'm not even being hyperbolic.
Even the kid-safe stuff is so incredibly viral and empty, it kills all creativity and volition.
Re:Ask HN: How would u setup a child's first Linux computer?
by evolve2k on Sunday November 09, 2025 @08:17AM
(#45865376)
I’d agree with deferring any and all social media as long as you can get away with.
On the YT front a small thing that helps is an extension that removes all recommendations. So YouTube opens to a blank screen with only search and after watching a video there’s no now shady this. So it becomes much more functional to their interests.
“How to _____” “Explain how ____ works.”
Helps reduce the addictive parts and keep the “it’s a tool” parts in focus.
Re:Ask HN: How would u setup a child's first Linux computer?
by Freak_NL on Sunday November 09, 2025 @09:18AM
(#45865760)
Yeah, Youtube for my six year old son is restricted to us looking up stuff for him to watch. Want to know how pencils are made? We'll look up a good video. Recently, that's not often either.
CocoMelon and its ilk on Youtube are abhorrent. It's digital crack tailored to absorb every little bit of attention. Avoid that shit.
I gave mine to my son. I figured that my son might want to use the touch screen I went with Gnome because it seemed a little more touch friendly. I told myself it doesn't matter because he is 8 and I can always reinstall.
I chose Debian (Stable) so I wouldn't have to deal with keeping it updated, put a root password to prevent them from going crazy with installing stuff.
I will have to put Scratch on it someday, for the moment he cares about the following:
- the LEGO website to look at instructions - the music player to listen to soundtracks from his favourite games - MyPaint for making drawings
He is starting to figure out the idea of folders, deleting things, undo, etc., but hasn't asked for any other software or even games yet.
I am a professor and would like for my son to learn about word processors, spreadsheets, programming, etc.. If he ever asks, I will give him the root password and let him browse the repos. Right now, I'm just happy to see him enjoy it without doing what lots of his friends do: sit in front of YouTube all afternoon.