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?
this post was submitted on 11 Feb 2026
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I'm a Windows hater, but I can't in good conscience recommend Mac because of the vendor lock-in, and I'm not going to recommend Linux to someone just needing a computer to use when they need it.
Let's not joke ourselves. I would, however, offer to install Enterprise LTSC and disable as much of the telemetry as possible. After that point, their privacy is in their own hands, but I'll offer as many tips as I can.
If they are even slightly technically inclined and I know them enough to know they are capable of any level of troubleshooting, I'd recommend Mint.
In what way do you define “just needing a computer to use when they need it”?
I have several family members and friends who know absolutely nothing about computers. They all use Linux and the amount of IT-support needed has never been lower.
Widespread application compatibility is there for Windows devices. Whatever they feel like they need to install at any point in the future, there's an unequivocally higher chance that they'll be able to get it if they're using a Windows device.
If they're specifically looking to get a PC, I'm assuming they're wanting more capability than what their phone can give them. So whatever that thing is, they will more than likely have more options using a Windows machine.
Without more information, I'm not recommending a Linux system in an absolute manner. I'm glad things worked out in your anecdote.