Elementary OS is very mac like. Thats the one I would go for. Nice thing is that you can install window managers along side each other, so you can have your parents try out different ones.
Best Linux distro in 2025 for non-experts
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Re: Best Linux distro in 2025 for non-experts
#12I use a few different distros on a routine basis. Out of those, Ubuntu would probably be the best fit - it generally works right out of the box, the UI is intuitive for day-to-day use, there's plenty of information online about how to install/use/troubleshoot it, and the App center has an open source alternative for anything and everything. Mint might also be a good fit - I had a very positive experience last time I used it, but that was a few years ago so I haven't tried the newer releases.
Re: Best Linux distro in 2025 for non-experts
#13Does Windows require an account? I've recently set up several windows machines and made them all offline, local-only accounts. Also, I've seen it for Kali, but I'm guessing it exists for others - it's called Kali Undercover or something. It makes your GUI look a good bit like Windows.
They make it seem like it does, but tech savvy people and those who read the screen thoroughly can easily create an offline only account without ever connecting or creating an online Microsoft account.
Yeah, so while I support trying out Linux, it might be less change/headache if they just reinstall Windows with the offline account. Depends on how well they think their parent can learn Linux.
Re: Best Linux distro in 2025 for non-experts
#14Earlier quoted context omitted.
They make it seem like it does, but tech savvy people and those who read the screen thoroughly can easily create an offline only account without ever connecting or creating an online Microsoft account.
Yeah, so while I support trying out Linux, it might be less change/headache if they just reinstall Windows with the offline account. Depends on how well they think their parent can learn Linux.
Offline accounts are going away: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/new-windows-11-build...
Re: Best Linux distro in 2025 for non-experts
#15[dead]
Re: Best Linux distro in 2025 for non-experts
#16Fedora, Arch, or Debian, depending on taste. Arch wiki is very helpful and just about any problem you run into there will be a documented fix/workaround. Fedora is a good mix of up to date software and stability - you also don't need to worry about the command line, everything can be done via gui out of the box.
Re: Best Linux distro in 2025 for non-experts
#17PopOS is nice
Re: Best Linux distro in 2025 for non-experts
#18Fedora, Arch, or Debian, depending on taste. Arch wiki is very helpful and just about any problem you run into there will be a documented fix/workaround. Fedora is a good mix of up to date software and stability - you also don't need to worry about the command line, everything can be done via gui out of the box.
Arch is not a beginner's distro.
Re: Best Linux distro in 2025 for non-experts
#19Mint is wonderful for most people, from non-experts to technical users.
Re: Best Linux distro in 2025 for non-experts
#20Manjaro