Reviving a Vintage Laptop: Ubuntu for My Young Learner

Recently, I embarked on an exciting journey to breathe new life into an old laptop that’s been gathering dust for the past 12 years. With a fresh installation of Ubuntu, this once-forgotten device is set to become my 4-year-old daughter’s very first laptop. It’s a wonderful opportunity for her to start learning essential skills like typing and writing in a fun and engaging way.

As I prepare this laptop for little hands, I’m eager to simplify the user experience. Ideally, I’d like it to boot directly into a text editor. This would eliminate the need for her to navigate with a mouse just yet, allowing her to focus on building her typing skills without distraction. If anyone has tips on configuring Ubuntu to open a text editor upon startup, I would greatly appreciate your insights.

Additionally, I have a small query: is it possible to set up the device so that it starts with the Caps Lock key activated? This could be useful for making it easier for her to compose her stories without needing to worry about case sensitivity.

I’m excited about this project and the potential it holds for nurturing my child’s creativity and literacy skills. If you have any suggestions or experiences to share, I’d love to hear from you!