Is there a Linux based OS for public computers, such as at a library or a PC cafe? - eviltoast

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.

    • imecth@kbin.social
      251·
      1 year ago

      They’ve been switching all their software to subscription based, it’s coming for windows too, it’s less a question of if but rather of when. I’m sure there’ll be a “free” edition though, with more ads and whatever else they can think of. Enshittification doesn’t stop.

    • Queue@lemmy.blahaj.zoneOP
      11·
      1 year ago

      I hope you’re right but seeing as every major part of Microsoft that used to be a one time purchase is now subscription based, I dont hold my breath on it.

      Mark my words.

      • ilinamorato@lemmy.world
        1·
        1 year ago

        Nah, I am doubtful. They’re trying to hang on to OS market share with both hands while iPadOS and Mac OS are creeping in on their personal computing dominance and ChromeOS eats their lunch in education and is taking a run at enterprise as kids who grew up using Chromebooks at school are graduating.

        If Windows goes subscription, they lose enterprise, and that means they can’t sell any of their other products. More likely, that subscription thing was about subscribing to AI stuff that’ll be baked in to Win12.

        They need the platform to sell everything else.