After six months of waiting, my children finally received their Magellan.
As soon as they got them out of the box, the first thing they did was obviously turn it on. Before they did anything that would give me more work, I managed to stop them and start the assisted installation process (always with the 2 asking “It takes too long?”:)).
I knew that Magalhães came with Windows XP and with the distribution, Made In Portugal, Linux, Magic Box, but I had not thought, nor thought, about what system to install.
Although I have my past connected to Unix and have always been a supporter of Linux and open software, on this operating system I have never been fundamentalist and given the two installation options, without hesitation and instinctively installed Windows.
Why? When it comes to a computer for children under the age of 10 and whose purpose is to be a facilitator in the entry into this new age of information, I realized that I prefer that they use a system that has a more general use, without restrictions and that does not create difficulties for them (nor for me next).
I chose Windows because I think it's simpler because I think that among them (kids) it's easier to learn by sharing experiences on Windows and by thinking that for kids it's more enriching (try running Diciopedia on Linux).
Shocking many of the advocates of Linux and open software (despite being one of them!), I am of the opinion that Magellan should come only with Windows (yes, it is an opinion!).
The truth is that if Linuxian parents have enough knowledge to install any Linux “taste” they can do it if, and when they want.
If you have no knowledge and choose to install the Magic Box... good luck!
And don't give me the argument that Magellan, being subsidized by the state, should not favor Microsoft. This argument died at birth when the manufacturer (JP Sá Couto) was favored without competition.
Curiosity: the first question my son, at the age of eight, asked at the end of the facility: “Does this bring Chrome from Google? Don't you? Can you install it?” The Magellan generation is clearly the Google generation. My son knows Google better than Microsoft.
Next... part 2: after installed, the “parent control”.
Note on manuals: Although I only read a manual when strictly necessary, out of curiosity I decided to go through those who accompany Magellan. First impression: I hope there are not many parents who need to consult them. If you need me, I don't expect you to be of much use.