Say a friend is looking for a new system, and said person is not particularly savvy with technology, what system would you point them toward?

  • unnamed1@feddit.org
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    10 hours ago

    Why is that? I love my Linux PCs but you should not underestimate the mental barrier of considering Linux as a new user. Starting with Mac OS is like a soft start into it. And the apple silicone machines are powerful af. I use one as ML server and it performs well. Oh and the privacy by design is still pretty good in Mac OS.

    • Victor@lemmy.world
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      9 hours ago

      Because it’s expensive as shit, especially for a new user.

      If you introduce any system to a person not familiar with computers, they’re a blank canvas and won’t need to change paradigms for their mental model. Great chance for Linux to shine. Just install an easy desktop environment, and a simple distribution. They’ll probably be a bit of hand holding at first but that’s what you’re there for as the friend having recommended their OS in the first place.

      • svullo56@feddit.nu
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        6 hours ago

        One easily gets blind of the fact that it takes quite a lot of knowledge of computers to run Linux. You often see stuff that scares the shit out of a regular user.

        The problem is the experience is not customized for a person who doesn’t care HOW it works. They just want to do their stuff without hassle.

        I’ve tried this a couple of times and mostly I end up being a 24/7 computer fixer hotline and end up installing macOs or windows in the end to make everyone happy

        • Victor@lemmy.world
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          6 hours ago

          I’m running Arch Linux and I don’t know HOW it works, I just follow instructions. 🤷‍♂️

          Everyone has to start out somewhere. There really are minimal effort/knowledge distros out there.

          • svullo56@feddit.nu
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            5 hours ago

            Well if you installed and set it up by yourself you already are way more advanced than a normal user. But again one easily is blind to that fact.

    • svullo56@feddit.nu
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      10 hours ago

      I tried getting my mom on Linux mint. Kinda made me realize it’s not as user friendly as I thought. I would go with windows or macOs if they just everything to “work”

      • ohshit604@sh.itjust.works
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        9 hours ago

        The problem i see with Linux is that we all seem to have to rely on interpreting documentation on some level, whereas on Windows or Mac people search a problem, some article vaguely describes the issues they have, said article recommends [Insert Software Installer] here to resolve aforementioned issue.