Choose a system that restricts gaming access for your son.
Choose a system that restricts gaming access for your son.
He’s looking for a tool that can handle DOCX files and works smoothly with Microsoft Office. OpenOffice feels limited compared to what I’m used to. At 18, I thought it was too late, but he needed my assistance. He probably wants something more modern and compatible with Chrome.
microsoft office, google chrome, and restricted system access are all fine. you can play games freely, and a decent tetris clone works on old calculators. the key is adding more challenges to stay engaged. just like with any habit, if it's nearby, it’s easier to keep going than when you have to fight for your attention. oh, and there’s no better option—i’m still using office 2007 since it’s still much better than today’s libreoffice.
Linux still supports many games, so you're not really isolating yourself much. It seems like a poor idea to try to restrict access locally. You were thinking about using Chrome and Office Suite, but ChromeOS or Windows might be your top choices. Actually, one of the BSDs would be more restrictive because of limited support and compatibility issues with Linux, which could cause other problems. I suggest OnlyOffice for a Linux setup since it works well with MS Office and large files. LibreOffice is likely the least compatible. OpenOffice is probably the worst option among them.
Occasionally I long for those simpler times when parenting meant less screen time. Too many hours glued to devices? Unplug everything—power cord or hard drive. Back then, phones were basic and schoolwork mostly involved pen and paper, with exceptions in IT classes. Parents managed it easily regarding screen use. Now it's nearly impossible to avoid digital tools altogether. One solution could be a low-spec device featuring just an integrated graphics card, paired with a secured account. A Chromebook could work well. Add router configurations if possible to block certain sites. It won't be completely safe, but it can act as a deterrent. If Microsoft Office is essential, Linux might not suit you. Check out LibreOffice to see if it fits your needs. It may feel outdated with its interface and organization, yet it matches MS Office in functionality. Compatibility with common formats like .docx, .xlsx, .pptx is decent, though improvements are needed. Still, Office Online offers solid basics at the moment.
I recommend using a Raspberry Pi. Bonus: these are quite affordable and gaming can be challenging at best since the ARM processor is essentially a smartphone chip. Set up a second account without admin rights and you're ready to go. He finds LibreOffice sufficient for his tasks, allowing him to save files in their original format and convert them when needed for Win-OS compatibility.
Not attempting to investigate, but if he’s 18 why should this matter? In reality, it’s his choice, and if he’s genuinely seeking assistance in managing his gaming hours, that makes more sense. But if it’s just personal preference, stopping a teenager from playing games at 18 seems unusual unless it impacts their life negatively. Still, it’s not my intention to pry—I find it odd to see such restrictions for adults. Beyond Chrome OS or Windows S Mode (which can be easily disabled online), most current operating systems won’t let you play games without effort. Linux setups are much more flexible if you do some research. If he’s even slightly interested, he’ll likely adapt quickly. For your goal, Chrome OS is probably the best fit, allowing him to use Google Docs and other tools. Ideally, consider getting a basic Chromebook online or locally—something hardware-limited to browser games only. You can also install parental controls to block gaming entirely.
the situation has shifted almost nothing in fifteen years. minimal assistance available, and any issues will be labeled as "your fault" with Linux being presented as flawless—suggesting a different OS version would better fit your needs. if I were you, I’d opt for a tightly controlled Windows account instead.