Due to several factors, including the end of support for windows 10, I have several friends or family members who are willing to give Linux a try. These are barely technology-literate type people and not the type to get 'excited' about the ability to customize - or anything else that comes with Linux (other than the ability to get out from under Microsoft's thumb).
I'm willing to install Linux for them - I'm looking for tips/advice on how to make it look as much like windows as possible and make it as trouble free as possible. I am considering either Zorin or Mint. I personally like Zorin better but Mint needed less tweaking last time I tried it.
These folks will literally chuck their computer in a closet and go buy a brand new windows 11 machine rather than dig through forums for troubleshooting so what are your tips for making Linux 'just work' for boomer computer tasks (internet, photo management, word processing)
Current plan is Zorin (or mint) with a windows Icon pack and set everything I can find to automatic update. Keep in mind I discovered Linux/Open source around 1 year ago so I'm no expert either.
To me, Zorin gives the better experience in terms of Windows look-alike rather than Mint. There is not much tweak needed as Zorin is developed with the mindset to be as user-friendly as possible. All the basic stuffs are presented out of the box. Yet depending on the end users need and usage some here and there are needed. (As a Windows replacement) One plus point for Zorin is - it has a control center in the taskbar, almost similar to the Windows, which Mint doesn't have.
In your case if the general usage is to Browse internet, playing videos and manage files, and stuffs like these then no need to worry about anything extra tweak.
However in some scenarios users may find few things that are not customisable in Zorin as it uses Gnome DE, while Mint on the other hand provides more customisations and control over things as it uses Cinnamon DE.
Zorin comes with LibreOffice as Microsoft office is not supported (same in case of Mint or any other Linux distro). While LibreOffice is good choice, it might be a bit weird getting along with it at first due to a different visual layout. In this case I suggest to use OnlyOffice: https://www.onlyoffice.com/
You can use Ventoy to make a multiboot live USB of Zorin & Mint and test them without installing on the actual hardware. And then make the decision of your preferred distro.
Linux Mint can be set up more quickly because, for example, timeshift is already pre-installed, snaps (that often cause problems) are not used and you can also configure the software manager better. In Linux Mint there are native .deb packages prefered installed and not flatpaks as in Zorin.
In addition, the system runs in XOrg by default.
It also offers a significantly newer kernel than Zorin 17.
The main problem of Zorin is the software managment - from my point of view. It overwhelms new users without giving help.
Wayland and Flatpak are frequently among the most common source of problems around here. Going with Linux Mint would avoid them altogether. The Cinnamon desktop is easier to customize, too, but in my opinion it looks like it's stuck in the 90's. Appearances are important, and you need to be the judge if that's a good thing or not.
Either way, make sure to make a list of the software that you will need to install on each computer, including plugins, etc., and research the computer's make and model for known issues while running on Linux.
You can experiment by setting up only one or two computers at the time, and see how people like it. This will give you time to see how people like it and better understand their needs, and learn from the experience. If you feel like it, you can go with Zorin OS for some, and Linux Mint for others... it's a little more work, but a little bit of A/B testing is a good way to understand your "audience".
Yeah, my Sister is the same. I talked to her because of this and she thought that she had to buy a new Licence and new Hardware - this whole Stuff. I tried to explain to her that this wouln't be neccessary. The Update to Win11 is free and the most PC's that are not too old can easily make the Update.
I told her about Linux but as I began, she interrupts me and said ''We had this at Work and it sucks. Go away with it.'' It ried to explain that Linux on the Server Level is different fromt he Desktop Version but ... nope.
Now for Your Case: You could take Linux Mint. there You have a bit more graphical Solutions to work with - the built-in Kernel Management for Example; if it should be needed. It might be not the prettiest Desktop but it is functional.
Here on Zorin, You could customize the Desktop to a Win11 similar Look if You want with Theming. The StartMenu Layout, You could set up for this, too. If the zorin Layouts shouldn't be enough, You can use for the Start Menu the Gnome Extension ArcMenu to replace it and choose there the Win11 Start Menu Look; this is included in the Extension.
Gnome (Modified) is a lot like Windows. In appearance and in resource hogging.
Cinnamon and XFCE revolve around a lighter footprint - and I consider this a benefit. This means that they are visually more conservative, lean and efficient, with less blurring the lines between application and content and less modern animations.
But animations and wobbly windows and the like can be added in to Cinnamon or XFCE desktop environments by the user if they want by using Compiz.
And the system themes that can be applied are far more versatile and ranging than Gnome allows.
To me... If I was trying to entice a Windows user to give GnuLinux a chance, all of the above is the selling point.
Gnome is familiar to a Windows user - not because of how it looks (Vanilla Gnome is far more like Android than Windows) but because it is as locked down, controlling and frustrating as Windows OS is, if not more so.
Many users think they want to get away from Microsoft but they do not seem to know the reason why they do.
Until they experience it.
The freedom.
The self ownership.
Not being beholden to a software corporation.
Actually experiencing this defines the difference between Using An Alternative to Windows
And Leaving Windows Behind.
If you want a Windows like look and feel: Zorin OS.
If you want to Ditch Microsoft and set off on your own Journey of Freedom: Linux Mint, MXLinux or many others.
Like a lot of noobies, I tried Mint a few times before I found Zorin. I found it difficult to understand and the "HELP FORUM" difficult to navigate and the members were SOOOOooooo superior, and I just didn't understand. I didn't feel comfortable, or accepted.
I was a "tweaker" in Windows for years and years. There are so many useful tutorials that I've fixed the dreaded BSofD three times, I think. I'm good at following video tutorials, and written ones, IF they use language I'm familiar with. For example: "open file explorer and click on ...." However, "launch Nautilus and ... ... ...." You lost me at Nautilus! I searched and searched and found zero, nothing at all of use. It threw me completely.
having said all of that, and DO CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, I believe that Zorin will just send a notification to your desktop when there are important uptadates. You just click on: "install now" and that will take care of the most important things. I guess that you could do a video call, or send a video message once every few months to those family members, who you mentioned in your OP, to show them how to do the sudo apt/nala update and then the upgrades you know they need to do, if you're not able to maintain their devices yourself (and why should you??). No, I think, and certainly from my own experience, Zorin has never bricked any of my devices like Mint did when they updated the kernel when I first tried Linux out. I put Zorin on my Dad's old laptop (he's in his 80s) with no issues.
I use Zorin OS exclusively and even removed Windows 11 from my computer for it. On my test laptop, I’ve also installed Linux Mint and a few other distributions, but personally—being a long-time Windows user—I find Zorin much easier to work with. I don’t care if the kernel is a bit older; the main thing is that my Zorin OS runs simple, secure, and stable.
I’ve also set up Zorin OS for friends, and now about 99% of their PCs run Zorin. So far, everyone has been happy with it.
Linux Mint is good and often quicker when it comes to updates, but its interface doesn’t appeal to me visually—it looks almost like something from the 90s.
These desktop environments default to a very neutral state, so that users may setup their desktop to best suit their needs.
Zorin OS defaults, instead, to the ZorinGroups' default.
To me... I cannot fathom a user turning an operating system on for the first time and not configuring it to their workflow and visual appeal.
This is like getting in a car for the first time, expecting to drive it, without adjusting the seat, mirrors and other configurations.
If a close Windows look-alike is the highest priority I would take a look at Q4OS which has more Windows themes than Zorin:
It's a rolling release of Plasma and EOL is not until 2028 when the next release is due. If they feel more in tune with a Win2K style menu, the lighter Trinity Desktop may be a different viable alternative and comes in 64- and 32-bit:
I think the main thing is that most people just want things to work. They also need things to be familiar.
When I first bought my new car, one of the very first things I did was search how to raise the height of the steering wheel. Ok, I'm tall, but when my step-mum had problems with her neck, she didn't even know there was a possibility of changing the height of that for an ergonomic experience.
I guess we can all learn, whatever our age and requirements. Reliability, stability and familiarity are the fundamental things, The rest can come when you're ready for more.
I was pleasantly surprised with Q4OS myself and that is confirmed by the video. In particular I feel the installation process of applications was very reminiscent of Windows Installer with their unique OSI. The only downside for me is it has systemd, which is why I prefer PCLOS Debian and Artix.
Me as well... and I've had one too many experiences with Mint updating it as you describe, which had me reinstall the OS entirely.
The only reason I'm recommending Mint over Zorin OS in this case is because of the lack of patience the target users, as per OP's description. Wayland and Flatpak can make people trip over simple things which tend to generate the most frustration. Since forum assistance is already out the window anyway, I would consider it an advantage in this case.
Otherwise, I think Zorin OS is the better choice for beginners. Although I'm personally not one to tweak things much, and I haven't seen my own friends and family do it either. Perhaps that's the weakest point Zorin OS (Core) has.
Most Windows users, they don't even tweak their own machines, & just run the default.
At least Zorin OS don't lock everyone behind a paywall if you wanna tweak it, and nag you all the time you haven't paid. Lots of people like to say Windows is free, its not free!
If users don't pay for Windows, forget customizing the OS, choosing a different wallpaper, changing your cursor, overall theme, you are not doing any of that. You know what Microsoft does do, mines the heck out of your data, enjoy!
Every business owner knows, they have to pay for Windows, in order to get any real use out of it, nothing is free in this world. Either you will pay with your money, or you will pay in your data. Microsoft doesn't do this for you, they do it for them.
With Linux, you have the choice available to you. Maybe not every Windows user can handle being given the choice, cause they got brainwashed and dumbed down believing, that a corporation has to choose for them. At least Linux offers users the choice however.
Thanks for the input everyone. It's been awhile since I've tried Mint so I might have to take some of your advice and throw it on a virtual machine and see. I forgot to mention that the reason for this in the first place is everyone has computers too old for Windows 11, but they work fine for their use. In my opinion, there is no reason to run out and buy a new computer just to get data mined even worse.
I'm trying to remember what I thought was easier about Mint than Zorin back when I was installing and I think it was the software center had more options? Not being able to just download an .exe file will be an adjustment (at least it was for me) so that's kind of a problem.
With Zorin, I also had some problems in the beginning with 'overcontainerization' (yes I made that up). But simple things, like your browser can't access your 'downloads' folder, etc. This was super foreign to me as a windows user because I kind of assumed my computer would be an open book to everything like windows feels sometimes.
The main thing that's needed is a 'just works' experience with a familiar look and layout so everyone can 'find the button' that does what they want to do. I think everyone has convinced me to stay with Zorin for my family but I will definately do some testing on a live usb.
In the meantime, if anyone has any further tips on settings, etc that may help improve the ease of use for beginners, I'm all ears.
On Zorin, You can download a .deb File instead of an .exe File. That is the Aequivalent of it. You download it, make a Double-Click on it, click on the Install Button and thats it.
You could set up the Machines with uninstall Flatpak and Snap. Then You could avoid that.
That would be the Flatpak format in action. You can configure it but it will definitely make new users confused about these little things. This is why I would suggest to make a list of the software that you will need to install on each computer.
More than likely, you'll have options available to avoid Flatpaks, but in the off chance you can't work around it, it'd be good to know about it upfront so that you can look into it, or ask for help, etc.
As @Ponce-De-Leon says, I would also suggest to remove support for these package formats to avoid any issues.
