this post was submitted on 15 Oct 2023
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Is there a Linux based OS for public computers, such as at a library or a PC cafe? (lemmy.blahaj.zone)
submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by queue@lemmy.blahaj.zone to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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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.

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[–] wewbull@feddit.uk 7 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Library computers never used to look like windows. They were terminals into a larger system that allowed people to look up information, and the UI was just simplified to just that. People coped fine.

I'm pretty sure you don't say "anything goes" on library computers, so they are going to have some kind of restricted interface already. As long as that is navigable to the things that are allowed, people will cope.

[–] hedgehogging_the_bed@lemmy.world 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

By "never used to", when are you talking about? I think the last time I saw a terminal catalog in the way you're describing was 1995.

Pretty much every thing after that was a modified Windows install of one flavor or another with an intranet or web catalog interface for the user.

I'll buy that they were kept longer in some.places than othern but where and when are you pointing to?

[–] wewbull@feddit.uk 2 points 1 year ago

Yes, I'm probably talking 20 years ago, but well into the era of windows being the dominant home operating system and the internet being a thing. As long as people can see an icon and double click it to get a web browser, they're happy.

[–] stillwater@lemm.ee 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Windows has been a staple in North American libraries for decades.

[–] Grimpen@lemmy.ca 3 points 1 year ago

My local library uses some sort of Linux for the card catalogue. I don't use the general purpose library computers, but I think they are some flavour of Linux as well.

My impression was that they were probably sold as a low maintenance plug-and-play solution.

My local library is part of a larger library system, so I'm pretty sure the librarians won't know anything about them, that any computer maintenance is handled by somebody dispatched from the head branch. I'll still try and have a look here in a bit.