What is the best Linux distro to install for public computer labs?

Question

A local community computer lab is currently using Kubuntu 9.10 which is not actively being maintained and is slowly getting broken by users who mess with the layout of the panel and desktop icons.

I want to install a new Linux distro with the following capabilities:
* Simple interface. It's a public lab and users mostly need a web browser, Windows Live Messenger (I will probably install emesene or amsn if the distro doesnt come with it), and office software. It may not even need a full desktop interface and could probably settle with a netbook interface if that was easy to use for unskilled computer users.
* Ability to lock down the interface, limited ability to mess up the interface, or ability to restore the state of the interface.

Things like using Ubuntu or other reliable repositories are a bonus. I am considering EasyPeasy 1.6 for install [ http://www.my-seo-company.com/index.php?linux&release=EasyPeasy%201.6 ] or a similar netbook distro.

Answer 1

Lock down what you need to with Kiosk.



KDE System Administration (User & Group Profiles)

http://techbase.kde.org/KDE_System_Administration#User_.26_Group_Profiles





Introduction to Kiosk Closing Remark



"KDE's Kiosk framework is an essential tool for any system administrator who is maintaining or deploying the K Desktop Environment in a multi-desktop/multi-user scenario and/or in an environment where users cannot be trusted. By preventing users from changing default settings and locking down settings that may pose a security risk, a system administrator can significantly reduce the amount of time that will be spent "maintaining and repairing" each desktop as well as ensuring that each user has a common and familiar desktop environment every time they sit down to the computer. "

Answer 2

Kubuntu 9.10 will terminate its support in the coming April. You should Choose a LTS support (like 10.04). Moreover I guess, the access of the user accounts were not limited. For simplicity, Use Ubuntu (or it's derivatives) and limit the access of the user account, so that they can't messup the PC.



Easypeasy is a netbook distro. Are you trying to use a netbook distro in Desktop? I don't think that is a good idea.



By the way for any kinds of help regarding ubuntu try UbuntuForum

http://ubuntuforums.org/

Answer 3

I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 9 LTS and Linux Mint 10 Main Edition which are built upon Ubuntu 10.04 LTS (Long Term Support) and Ubuntu 10.10 they are easy to install and easy to use plus they come with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



Linux Mint 9 LTS Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=52



Linux Mint 10 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=67



The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 9 LTS (Isadora) Installation Guide

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-9-isadora



The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 10 (Julia) Installation Guide

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-10-julia



Linux Mint 9 LTS User Guide

http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_isadora.php



Linux Mint 10 User Guide

http://linuxmint.com/rel_julia.php



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 9 LTS or Linux Mint 10 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto



Linux Mint 9 LTS and Linux Mint 10 can also be run direct from the LiveCD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive





LUg.

Answer 4

Ask the guy next to you "became into which you?" what ever you do do no longer turn around and walk decrease back in to it. yet act as in case you probably did merely walk via it and say dang that stunk or some thing like that. till it smells like heaven and its no longer then very own as much because it. additionally say the fart poem "a fart is a chemical substance it comes from a place reported as bum it penetrates in the path of the trousers and lands with a musical hum. Tis fart Tis Fart for it provides the physique ease it warms the blankets on chilly iciness nights and suffocates all the flea's