I’m trying to set up a Linux laptop for a friend who lives in another city. They have only ever used Windows, and likely won’t have easy access to fix issues (not that I’m an expert).

First off, is it a good idea to give them a Linux PC at all? Have others had good/bad experiences giving technophobes Linux?

Secondly, if I go ahead with it, what’s a good, stable, “safe” OS for a beginner? I’m shy of anything that’s a rolling release (e.g. Arch, Manjaro etc) as “bleeding edge” can break things more often than not. I’m leaning towards Debian or something Debian based. But I’ve also heard good things about Fedora.

If I was the one using the PC, I’d have installed Fedora, as I’ve heard it’s well-maintained. Then again there’s been some good buzz about Debian 12. What would your advice be? Thanks!

  • soupuos
    1·
    1 year ago

    Is it possible the rough edges of Trisquel would turn OP’s friend off of Linux as a whole?

    • 翠星石@freesoftwareextremist.com
      2·
      1 year ago

      @soupuos What rough edges?

      Some hardware and proprietary software are designed maliciously with sharp blades to cut the user, but that’s nothing to do with Trisquel.

      It would be good if people were to be turned off from the proprietary software kernel known as Linux and got to know GNU Linux-libre and/or Hurd instead.

      • soupuos
        1·
        1 year ago

        I completely agree. But most people don’t see how significant free software is (e.g., OP’s friend is using Windows). If a libre system means a worse experience for the user, many won’t care enough to stick with it.

        Linux with proprietary software is at least a step in the right direction; I agree that it’s not the final destination though.

        • 翠星石@freesoftwareextremist.com
          2·
          1 year ago

          @soupuos >most people don’t see how significant free software is
          Indeed.

          >If a libre system means a worse experience for the user, many won’t care enough to stick with it.
          A libre system that respects the user is always a better experience for the user, although some inconveniences may exist (which are fixable with effort).

          It’s a real shame if people give up on freedom over a slight difficulty, but there’s nothing I can do about that really.

          >Linux with proprietary software is at least a step in the right direction; I agree that it’s not the final destination though.
          Maybe, but if only a single step is ever taken in the right direction, has more than a trivial gain been realized?