Linux Explorer Lab

1Meet the Operating SystemExplain an OS, kernel, distribution, desktop, and apps. Complete

Mission goal: Explain what an operating system does, using examples from a computer, tablet, phone, or game console.

In my own words, an operating system is…

What might happen if hardware had no operating system ready to use?

Kernel, distro, desktop, apps

The Linux kernel talks to hardware. A distribution combines the kernel with tools and software. A desktop environment controls much of what you see and click.

Why might two Linux distributions look different even when both use Linux?

Name a device, hardware, and an app that work together.

Operating system

Kernel

Distribution (distro)

Desktop environment

Explorer Checkpoint - Mission 1

Tell a parent the difference between a Linux kernel, distribution, and desktop environment. Correct anything unclear.

Parent initials

Date

2Windows vs. Linux: Start FairReplace guesses with research and judge sources carefully. Complete

Mission goal: Compare Windows and Linux fairly. A first impression is a starting point, not a final conclusion.

Windows: what do I like, dislike, or already know?

Linux: what have I heard, noticed, or wondered?

Write three research questions (how, why, what, which, or under what conditions).

Windows vs. Linux evidence table

Category	Windows finding	Linux finding	Evidence / date checked
Who develops or maintains it?
Cost and licensing
Apps, updates, and desktop changes
Games, anti-cheat, hardware, help

Evidence Detective: the four-question source check

Who?
Who made it?

When?
When was it updated?

Proof?
Does it show evidence?

Why?
Is it teaching, selling, or persuading?

Source log: page/video, who made it, date, main finding, and trust 1-5

Explorer Checkpoint - Mission 2

Show a parent one strength and one challenge for each system. Ask whether your comparison sounds fair and based on evidence.

Parent initials and date

3What Do I Need?Turn games, school, creator tools, hardware, and accessibility into requirements. Complete

Mission goal: The best operating system is the one that fits the user and the device.

Activities I use now

My #1 activity

My #2 activity

My #3 activity

Priority meter

Requirement	Importance 1-5	Why it matters
Easy to learn / familiar after Windows
Important games and online play
Creator tools and school needs
Hardware, accessibility, safety

Must work

Alternative OK

Nice to have

Explorer Checkpoint - Mission 3

Show a parent your requirements list. These become the measuring stick for every finalist.

Parent initials and date

4Meet the Four FinalistsInvestigate Mint, Zorin, Ubuntu, and Bazzite with the same questions. Complete

Mission goal: Do not choose a winner yet. Build one evidence card at a time.

Use official sourcesRecord the dateMark unknownNo downloads during this mission

Linux Mint Cinnamon

Main question: Why is Mint often suggested to people moving from Windows?

Evidence, source, and dateWhat fits / what worries me

Zorin OS Core

Main question: How does Zorin make the move from Windows feel familiar?

Evidence, source, and dateWhat fits / what worries me

Ubuntu LTS

Main question: Why do so many Linux guides and support pages use Ubuntu?

Evidence, source, and dateWhat fits / what worries me

Bazzite KDE

Main question: Does a gaming-focused system fit my whole computer life?

Evidence, source, and dateWhat fits / what worries me

Optional side quests

Fedora KDE: what would I like to know?

Pop!_OS: what would I like to know?

Explorer Checkpoint - Mission 4

Show a parent one evidence card. Check that every finalist received the same fair questions.

Parent initials and date

5Compatibility InvestigatorResearch games, apps, accessories, and school needs. Complete

Mission goal: A distribution cannot be “best” if an important activity is missing.

Rating key: N = native support, P = works through Proton/Wine or another layer, W = keep Windows, X = does not work, ? = needs checking.

Game or tool	Mint	Zorin	Ubuntu	Bazzite	Evidence/source
Minecraft Java
My most important game
Steam / Discord / OBS / video editor
School site / printer / controller / headset

Choose a realistic strategy and explain it.

Explorer Checkpoint - Mission 5

Show a parent the games and tools marked X or ?. Decide whether a hands-on mission is useful, safe, and worth the time.

Parent initials and date

6Safe Hands-On TestOptional observation only; a parent chooses and controls the test method. Complete

Mission goal: Observe Linux safely on real or virtual hardware. Research alone can still support a final recommendation.

Parent Required: Stop here until a parent chooses and prepares the test.

The parent selects the computer, official download, method, and storage device.
The child does not create a bootable USB, enter BIOS/UEFI, partition a disk, or install an OS alone.
Stop before any screen that could erase, format, install, encrypt, or change the existing system.
No new account or personal information is required for observation.

Parent approval initials and date

Parent-selected test path

Distribution tested

What question should this test answer?

Observation checklist

Desktop loads and screen looks correct Keyboard, mouse, or trackpad work Wi-Fi or Ethernet works Sound, headset, or microphone appears Controller or Bluetooth is detected Browser and school site load File manager and settings are understandable Screenshot and system information can be found

Three things that felt easy

Three things that felt confusing

Terminal safety lab

Never paste a command you do not understand. Stop before any command using sudo unless a parent understands and approves every part.

Research what these read-only examples do: pwd, ls, whoami, uname -a.

Why should you explain a command before running it?

Explorer Checkpoint - Mission 6

Describe what worked, what needed help, and what the test could not prove. Confirm no installation or disk change was performed by the child.

Parent initials and date

7Distro ChampionshipUse your own priorities to score the four finalists. Complete

Mission goal: Use numbers to organize judgment, not replace judgment. Do not give extra points just because a logo or video looks exciting.

For each category, choose importance (1-5), then score distro fit (1-5). Weighted points = importance × fit.

Category	Mint fit	Zorin fit	Ubuntu fit	Bazzite fit
Easy to learn
Familiar after Windows
My important games
Creator and school tools
Hardware and long-term fit
Total weighted points	0	0	0	0

I used compatibility findings. I used hands-on results when available. I did not turn unknown into a high score. I considered the downside of each distro.

Tie-breaker: does the highest total actually deserve to win? Which option has fewer deal-breakers?

Explorer Checkpoint - Mission 7

Ask a parent to review one weighted calculation and your tie-breaker. The parent may question the reasoning but should not choose the winner for you.

Parent initials and date

8Make the RecommendationChoose, explain your evidence, and plan a safe next step. Complete

Mission goal: Make a recommendation you can defend. Windows, Linux, both, or “keep researching” can all be smart answers.

My operating-system recommendation

My three strongest reasons

Biggest downside and how I would manage it

The evidence that mattered most

Prepare a 2-4 minute “Defend Your Choice” talk

1. My needs and one deal-breaker

2. My evidence: one official source and one test or comparison

3. My choice and trade-off

4. My safe next step

Parent and explorer choose the next step together

No computer change; save research for later. Continue with screenshots, videos, or a virtual machine. Use a parent-prepared live USB for more testing. Try Linux on a spare or separate computer. Create a parent-led installation plan after backups and checks. Keep Windows available for important needs.

Parent initials and date

Official research launchpad

Certificate

Careful Technology Decision-Maker

This certifies that ________________ completed the Linux Explorer Lab, checked evidence, and made an evidence-based recommendation.

Completion date

Final recommendation