Comment by dsr_
2 days ago
These days, I would start with ZFSBootMenu and Debian Stable.
Why ZFS? So that backups are easy, snapshots are cheap, and when the inevitable happens, it takes a few minutes to reboot and roll back.
Why Debian Stable? Because it will continue to work and get security updates for years, without changing out from underneath them without notice.
I would also recommend that any computer for an 8 year old be placed in the living room or a similar easy-to-watch-over place. Kids need guidance; if they didn't, they wouldn't be kids.
Adblocking, obviously. Everyone needs that.
Agree with having the computer very visible in public space like living room. For us this was an additional reason to get a desktop as the first computer, it’s staying put; no sneaky use out of sight as it’s stuck where it is. Laptops can come as they mature.