Ask Lemmy

Whatever Linux is being sold pre-installed on a machine within their budget.

Told my dad to buy a Dell laptop with Ubuntu preinstalled after his last Windows laptop died. He's been fine with that for the last 5 years.

An immutable Linux system. Especially if there a total noon.

If they won't be doing any modern gaming (like 2025/6 new releases), then Linux Mint.

If they want to do modern gaming, I highly recommend Fedora (KDE Spin for most, GNOME if you really like Mac's UX).

If you want to do mostly gaming only (not heavy work, dedicated gaming setup), then Bazzite which is a downstream of Fedora.

Mint is a bit easier for a new user, but Fedora arguably gives you the latest Linux has to offer at excellent stability. They also have some nice defaults like BTRFS, zswap, SElinux that you don't have to worry about configuring manually in any way.

EDIT:

I should add that you probably shouldn't listen to the average random youtube video on this topic, because a metric ton of them fail to highlight the issues of many distros, desktop environments, software, etc because they provide a dumb tier list based off of their personal interests or something that they read from each distro's description without actually taking the time to thoroughly test.

ZorinOS is not a real answer just because they advertise parity with Windows. There are plenty of distros that achieve the same thing, better, and for free.

The best thing about linux is that you can try it out first without installing. Really play around with it and make sure it suits what you want.

So there is a big bar for the typical person. Can they boot off an image and press ok. I know that sounds sarcastic but some folks just can't handle do anything more than using the system that came with their device. I mean someone my age should be plenty use to installing a system but, well, you know. If they can't handle installing a system and does not have someone who can do it for them (keeping in mind those sorts will view every hiccup as the fault of the person who did it for them). Then buying a mac with apple care is the best way to go. If they have an issue they can go to the genius bar or call support or whatever. If they can handle installing a system but not much else then I recommend zorin which is an out of the box linux distro based on ubuntu lts and uses gnome by default. The main thing here is that its about as stable as a linux system is going to get with ubuntu lts, then it comes with any software someone could reasonably expect it to have. so stuff for doing pretty much all office and audio video stuff along with a browser of course and a fair amount of other things like disc burner software and an rdp client and playonlinux allowing many windows thing to be run or installed with a right click. Lastly most downloadable software has a debian option which will work fine although they can find most things they need in the software center. then to it will look for updates and nag them to get them installed automatically.

Apple for sure. I dislike them personally, but their OS has a great UI/UX and is very user friendly. And their stuff just works together really seamlessly.

But, if all they do is browse the Internet, Linux is also a good option as long as you're ready to set it up for them and answer questions. I switched my 75yo mom to Mint when Win10 hit EoL and she hasn't had an issue.

Debian Linux

I have installed it for several computer illiterate old ladies. They swear by it.

If this average user doesn't need to use Microsoft or Apple software, Fedora Workstation Linux. My dad, who is 78 and of average intelligence can use it, anyone can.

Linux can run on older, used hardware, has no AI, no Apple or Microsoft account required.

Linux Mint

MacOS

Point blank generic recommendation? MacOS.

Otherwise, Linux is the endgame, so it's a matter of talking to the person to see what software is essential for them.

Linux (probably mint or zorin), unless they need some specialty software ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

From my perspective, it kinda depends on what phone your friend has.

If they have an iPhone, and want to be able to integrate both systems, then macOS. If they're on Android, then Mint.

Prior to my shift to Linux, I was all in on Apple. My MacBook, iPad and iPhone all worked beautifully together. These days I have a Pixel running Graphene, and my computing is a mix of macOS and Kubuntu, and while I'm using Kubuntu my iPad is basically useless. KDE Connect is spotty at best, and while SyncThing theoretically works, it's too much of a faff to bother setting up. Oh, and Apple Music is essentially non-existent on Linux if you value lossless audio.

However, there are ways to integrate. Signal works well across the platforms for messaging, and even WhatsApp to some extent. Firefox is decent enough on iPad so you can sync tabs across. And WinBoat will run Apple Music in a VM, though that obviously takes a reasonable amount of utility from your computer.

Nearing my 60s, very satisfied Linux Mint user. Obviously, it all depends what the user expects from their computer.

Are they looking to become savvy? Linux. Are they looking to game? Steamdeck, or if they can wait a while, Steam Machine. Are they just wanting a device to check emails and watch *ahem* 'internet videos?' Android phone.

Any other option will be more money for less value.

Idk if I'd even recommend anything anymore. Microsoft shit is easier but more likely to just nuke itself or destroy your data. MacOS is stable and user friendly but prohibitively expensive. Linux is generally great, but requires a level of teach savvy that most people are actively afraid of. I'm so tired.

iOS.

Linux only if they can follow directions.