Once children were bought items such as "Sapientino", a kind of computer to interactively learn new things. I don't know if this type of toy is still on sale, but, for sure, it is old-fashioned stuff. Today you can make your child use a real computer, giving them the opportunity to test freely, perhaps on an older computer or on a small laptop, without having to enter a difficult system such as Windows. Those who have a laptop or desktop PC for their child to use in their first years of life, can run an operating system designed specifically for children, which is educational, safe and fun at the same time, to introduce them without difficulty into the world of 'computer technology.
The best Linux operating systems for children's computers are:
1) DoudouLinux (no longer developed) a Linux system also in Italian which provides a "work" and play environment for children from 2 to 12 years of age .
DoudouLinux combines fun, education and safety together. The easiest way to run DoudouLinux is from an ISO CD image downloaded from the official website. This way, after burning the image to a disc, there is nothing to install, update or configure. You can then run the system without it interfering with the normal installation of Windows and with the saved files. To run Windows again, simply pull out the live CD and restart the computer.
Alternatively, you can also copy the ISO file to a USB key, but this is more complicated and you need to use UnetBootin with the guide to create a Linux Live USB stick. Even if DoudouLinux was designed primarily to work as a live CD, if you like it and have a spare computer, you can proceed with the complete installation of the system.
DoudouLinux is supplied with a series of both fun and educational programs. The content filter to prevent a child from browsing dangerous sites is included by default so you don't have any worries. Most programs do not require knowledge of concepts such as files, folders or menus and can be used even if the young child is still unable to read .
Some users may also find DoudouLinux as the system suitable for older people with learning difficulties or other disabilities.
2) Qimo is another option which, despite being aimed at children from 3 years of age, is much more sophisticated (but is no longer developed)
Qimo was developed from the most popular Linux distribution, Ubuntu, with the Xfce desktop. This too can be used both as a live CD and with a complete installation. To use the live CD, just start the computer from the player, select the Italian or English language and choose the option to try Qimo without making any changes to the computer. Qimo works really well, immediately recognizes wifi networks and allows you to surf the internet without difficulty. Custom DNS servers can be configured, thus creating network protection against dangerous sites. In addition to Firefox, the default browser, there are many educational games, a text editor and several other educational programs. Qimo can be considered a next step compared to DouDouLinux, recommended for older children who know how to read and can experience the use of a computer with greater awareness.
3) Another operating system aimed at young children is based on Fedora and is called Sugar on a Stick (SOAS).
SOAS is available in 25 languages, including Italian, and is available both as an ISO image for 32 and 64 bit computers and for installation.
According to statistics, Sugar On Stick is used by over one and a half million students every day in school classrooms around the world.
4) Edubuntu is a Linux system for school, for older children. This is also available as a live CD or as a complete system.
Edubuntu can also be downloaded as an application for Ubuntu by choosing one of the 4 packages available: it starts from children of 5 years up to university students.
In other articles we have also seen:
- Office for children
- Best sites dedicated to children: game, teaching, fairy tales and colors
