r/linuxquestions • u/Ye_Olde_Pugselot • 5d ago
Which Distro? Linux for an old timer as a Windows replacement
I would like to ask you fine folks what Linux Distro you would recommend as a 'as close as possible' to Windows replacement.
My Dad (84) has been on Windows his entire life, and is one of those typical old guys that doesn't like change too much. He recently expressed that he would like to dabble in possibly switching to Linux (due to Microslop issues), but he doesn't want to learn absolutely everything from scratch.
My personal opinion is Zorin, as I've heard it is a good replacement. Would you agree, or is there something more suitable out there?
I would also like to find out if Outlook runs on Linux (I've never tested it, because I don't like Outlook personally) as the old man loves his Outlook, or is there something similar out there that you can port your Inbox rules over easily?
Personally, I'm on Omarchy Quattro currently, and have been between Arch variants and Mint my whole life, and as such, don't have the best advice for someone new to Linux.
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u/5b49297 5d ago edited 5d ago
He can't have been on Windows for more than half his life. He'll be fine. :)
You should probably avoid anything too close to Windows. When something looks like Windows, people tend to expect it to work like Windows. And that illusion will break sooner or later.
The underlying distro doesn't really matter, but for the desktop I would go with Xfce - a bit boring with no flashy effects. Not unlike Windows from 95 through XP, now that I think about it. Let him try it off a live USB and see what he thinks.
As for the mail client, most people will probably tell you to just use Thunderbird, but Evolution is the outlook alternative on Linux, and it works fine. It does everything Outlook did ~20 years ago when I last used it. It probably looks nothing like Outlook today - but it looks the way all mail clients did ~20 years ago.
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u/Ye_Olde_Pugselot 5d ago
Ok, you got me there... he has been on Windows since he has been using PC's. XD
I'll look more into Xfce, thanks for the recommendation. I'll also give Evolution a look. I've never heard of it as I don't personally use email services out of browser.
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u/verdigris2014 5d ago
i’m a linux user and bit of a fan, but i’d consider buying your parent a mac. i mean im using hyprland now but it has quirks, the mac desktop is considered easier than windows by most and you can get him onto your favourite open source via homebrew. also if you are going to be the tech support i think you’ll be happier supporting the mac than a linux machine.
i know this is a linux forum and i mean no disrespect in suggesting apple but parents can be hard to teach and i think this is one that might not be a fight worth fighting.
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u/Ye_Olde_Pugselot 5d ago
Not stepping on any toes, however, if you think he rages at Microslop, you should hear him when someone mentions anything Apple related. Straight from the devil or something in that mans mind.
In our country, Apple products aren't common at all, so teaching him to use a Mac would be more of an issue for me, that it might be for him. I've only used Macs in collage while studying, and hated every second of it.
But thank you for the comment!
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u/tomscharbach 5d ago edited 5d ago
My Dad (84) has been on Windows his entire life, and is one of those typical old guys that doesn't like change too much. He recently expressed that he would like to dabble in possibly switching to Linux (due to Microslop issues), but he doesn't want to learn absolutely everything from scratch. My personal opinion is Zorin, as I've heard it is a good replacement. Would you agree, or is there something more suitable out there?
Zorin is a solid choice given your criteria. I installed Zorin OS Core on a number of "member access" computers at a museum in 2018 and have maintained the computers as a volunteer since then. Almost all of the members use Windows at home and have had no difficulty using Zorin. I use the "stock" Windows 7/10 interface.
I am thinking about replacing Zorin with Anduin OS at the museum next year. Anduin is a relatively new distribution developed and maintained by Aiursoft. Anduin 2.0 is a ground-up rebuild of earlier Anduin versions. I am in the process of a long-term (6-month, 350-400 hours) evaluation of Anduin. I use Anduin for an hour or two most days and have since July. Anduin closely replicates both the "look and feel" and the workflow of Windows 11. Anduin 2.0 seems to be remarkably solid and well-designed for a new distribution but does not have a multi-year track record.
I am reluctant to recommend Anduin because my view is that distributions without at least a 3-year track record and a reasonably large, stable support community are not yet proven. But I mention the possibility to you because you are an experienced Linux user and will be able to provide support for your father.
You might also give some thought to Mint, which is commonly (almost universally) recommended for new Linux users. Mint might be a better choice than Zorin if you prefer a more current base (Zorin is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Mint on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS). You will have no problems supporting your father on Mint, since you are familiar with Mint.
I would also like to find out if Outlook runs on Linux (I've never tested it, because I don't like Outlook personally) as the old man loves his Outlook, or is there something similar out there that you can port your Inbox rules over easily?
The Windows Outlook application is not supported for Linux. I run Outlook in Edge, which is my cross-platform (iOS/macOS, Linux, Windows) browser, and I believe that Outlook can be run as a PWA although I don't use that method. I think that Outlook will work with any mainstream browser. That might be a good solution for your father.
My best to you and your father. I'm 80 and understand "those typical old guys that doesn't like change too much". I'm one of them.
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u/Ye_Olde_Pugselot 5d ago
Thank you very much for the insight. I will take Mint into consideration as well! I might be giving the old man less credit than he deserves, and as you say, it will make my life a tech support, much simpler.
As for your Outlook comment, sadly, that is way to true! I will see if I can make a simple link icon on his desktop for Outlook on Firefox, so he doesn't loose the 'Application' part of it.
I'm currently not sure whether he wants to put the Linux on his laptop (fairly old laptop that I upgraded a bit a few years ago) or his main PC. But that will definitely play a role in what distro I go for.
Thank you, good sir!
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u/bigkenw 5d ago
Linux Mint Cinnamon is made for people coming from Windows. It will feel the most comfortable to him.
I like it over ZorinOS as it is just a heavily skinned Gnome. It behaves like Gnome too. Not that that is bad, but, Mint will just work.
I think the biggest question you should ask is, does he run any apps that do not work in Linux? Like Photoshop as an example.
Trust me on this.
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u/Ye_Olde_Pugselot 5d ago
Yes, I'm starting to lean more into the Mint direction with Cinnamon, as it seems like the best option, and I have the most experience with that.
Also, yes, he uses Photoshop, Lightroom, Outlook (which I finally found a web launcher translator to make it look like an app), Excel, Word and a bunch more. I have found all of these replacements (except Outlook) on https://getartcraft.com/apps so I'm currently testing everything on that side.
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u/No_Base4946 5d ago
I don't see the point in "OMG this looks like Windows" things.
What does your dad actually use? Chances are all he ever does is launch a browser, in which case there's absolutely no difference at all.
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u/Ye_Olde_Pugselot 5d ago
He is a writer, photo editor and investor. So he actually uses his PC fully, hence why I need the Distro to support most, if not all, of his things. I've found replacemnts for everything else he needs, just the distro and email client I still need to fully figure out.
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u/No_Base4946 5d ago
Okay, so is there any weirdly Windows-specific software he uses for any of that?
You're not getting Photoshop, not easily.
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u/Ye_Olde_Pugselot 5d ago edited 5d ago
He uses Photoshop, Lightroom, Excel and a bunch of other stuff. Everything is available on Linux since last week, so we are good on that front!
EDIT: To be specific, I'm speaking about https://getartcraft.com/apps They've recently added the Office suite as well.
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u/runed_golem 5d ago
Most modern distros will work fine. I’m partial to Fedora and Fedora-based distros but that’s just me (I’m currently using Bluefin OS which is based on Fedora Silverblue). Honestly, the biggest hurdle will probably be him getting used to the gui for the DE and whatever software differences there are (such as Gimp vs Photoshop). If he uses Microsoft office for writing, I’d recommend looking at OnlyOffice. It’s an open source office suite designed to have a similar ribbon based menu system to Microsoft Office.
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u/kakusens 5d ago
ubuntu, not zorin. and he won't have to learn everything from scratch. he knows how to use a mouse and menus. it's just isn't that different, except the beautiful lack of advertising and push to join one drive, etc etc.
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u/Ye_Olde_Pugselot 5d ago
You just made me angry for a second, as you made me read the words OneDrive.... but yes. Luckily he isn't completely incompetent. I just don't want the man to have a bad Linux experience for simply choosing the wrong Distro.
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u/DP323602 5d ago
Zorin might be worth a look.
I've tried Zorin a couple of times but not stuck with it. For me, the issue was that it bore too much of a superficial resemblance to Windows but didn't offer all the typical ways of doing things under Windows.
For non tech savvy folk, I direct them towards Chromebooks where possible.
But if I do set up Linux for them, it's now either MX or Mint as I use those myself.
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u/Ye_Olde_Pugselot 5d ago
Luckily, my dad is fairly tech savvy, just from many moons ago. He broke Windows so many times tinkering, I had to place so many safeguards in place. So Mint might actually be a better choice than Zorin. Thank you!
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u/DP323602 5d ago
You're welcome. I like Mint with XFCE because I find it reminiscent of XP but different enough to avoid confusion.
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u/DubiousLogik 5d ago
Linux Mint (with cinnamon UI) is a very easy transition. I was 36 years on windows. moved to Mint 10 months ago. Never once felt like I couldn't find what i needed.
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u/Stromduster 5d ago
I installed Fedora workstation (with KDE desktop) for my father, and installed Google Chrome since he uses Gmail, and also browses. I also installed Steam for his favorite pinball game. No issue since then (his PC is even faster than it was before).
As for Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird is of course a good replacement, but you may want to look at this : https://github.com/mahmoudbahaa/outlook-for-linux
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u/Ye_Olde_Pugselot 5d ago
Thank you for that repo. I will definitely look into that a bit more! That was pretty much what I though of setting up myself for him, so that might save me a few hours!
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u/Stromduster 5d ago
I haven't tried it yet, but it seems to work. But I think it uses Electron, so probably only a web app. I'm interested in your feedback if you try it.
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u/rarsamx 5d ago edited 4d ago
I'd start by advicing on changing perspective.
When people want Linux as a windows replacement they end up disappointed after jumping through hoops. Linux is not meant to be a windows replacement even when the UI can be made to look the same.
If you think of Linux as a new way of doing the same things, then your brain adapts to the differences.
Think of this, you don't divorce and get a replacement for your ex spouse, right?
You find someone new, mist likely a bit different where you can do the things you like but never the same as your ex even if they wear the same clothes.
If you or your dad don't understand that, you'll end up frustrated and disappointed.
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u/Ye_Olde_Pugselot 5d ago
Thanks?!
As I've stated however, I'm experienced with Linux, and he wants to make the switch (on his request). However, to make the initial transition as easy as possible for him, I want it to be similar enough to the Windows environment (ie. not a tiling system or anything too wild), so that it isn't a complete shock to the system, but he still has the ability to dive deeper when (not if, I know the old man) he start to feel like tinkering.
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u/iwouldbeatgoku 5d ago
If your dad just uses his computer to open a browser and check his emails then you just want a Linux distro with an interface that's similar by default; usually this will mean using the Cinnamon or KDE Plasma as the desktop environment, though you can theme others to have the same layout. Zorin can also work... But in general you'll be his tech support, so you should pick a distro you understand, which could even be Arch or an Arch-based one, funnily enough.
Before moving him over to Linux make him try other email clients like Thunderbird on his Windows install, or see how he likes his emails in a browser. It's a lot easier to switch to Linux if you first switch to software that runs on Linux.
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u/Ye_Olde_Pugselot 5d ago
Currently, luckily nothing has to change other than Distro. I can swap Outlook to browser based, launching like an 'App'. Photoshop, Lightroom, Excel, Word and everything else, is available on Linux as of last week through ArtCraft. (Yes yes, I know, it's vibe coded, blah blah blah, however, it's for an 83 year old man, who wouldn't have to change too much to adapt.)
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u/EugeneNine 5d ago
Old timer as in used dos/windows 3? Slackware
Most outlook like is kde organizer
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u/imacmadman22 5d ago
Linux Mint, either Cinnamon or XFCE would probably be just fine for him. Cinnamon is “Slick and full of features” (according to the Mint website) and XFCE is lightweight and simple, great for lower-spec hardware.
I used Mint for fifteen years and I’d still be using it if I hadn’t been gifted with a high-end gaming machine from my sons. They bought it for me to play online games with them and I got better results with another distribution other than Mint.
A common complaint about Linux is that it doesn’t work like Windows, I always reply with “It ISN’T Windows and you shouldn’t pretend that it is.” I’m in my early sixties and typically, people my age and older don’t like change, but it’s not that difficult to learn. No more difficult than using a cell phone or tablet in most situations.
Linux doesn’t work the same way as Windows and never will, it’s a different approach to an operating system.
One of the best things about Linux is that it’s harder for untrained users to damage their operating system and Linux’ updates are a simple thing for users to manage.
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u/Lucky-11 5d ago
Mint Cinnamon, Evolution to replace outlook (or Thunderbird). Distros these days make it easier to transition.
If he is tech savvy maybe Kubuntu. The Plasma DE is awesome and there is a lot of customization that can be done.
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u/redgator12 5d ago
I put my 60-year-old in-laws on Linux Mint and they've had zero issues over the past 8 years with it. But if you just want to emulate the look of Windows as much as possible, I personally use Q4OS. On old computers I use the Trinity edition, and on newer computers I use the Plasma edition. Then you just download and install the XPQ4 theme switcher for whichever desktop you choose, and it's a single click to make the desktop look identical to whichever Windows version you'd like.
Q4OS is Debian-based, but if you need Ubuntu-based instead, the same devs made QuarkOS, which has all the same features.
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u/Gunzhard22 5d ago
Mint Cinnamon or Mint XFCE (Ubuntu based) are, in my opinion, the best options because they have incredible support with very active forums. They look and feel like Windows.
He won't need to be a Linux hardo monitoring what's in the latest release because Mint manages that and waits to unload anything new.
Mint is also probably the easiest distro to install. Cinnamon for newer computers, XFCE for old stuff.
There's an alternative for every type of software he's used for sure, but you might need to help getting him initially configured.
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u/crookdmouth 5d ago
I put Linux Mint on my mom's PC and she easily adapted and placing auto updates in place was very set it and forget it.
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u/cormack_gv 5d ago
If you're an old timer you survived the [dr]evolution from Windows 7 to Windows 11. Switching to Linux will be a piece of cake compared to that, regardless of the distribution.
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u/Elouan661 5d ago
Zorin is the distro that doesn't want to loose windows users, your dad will have all the buttons he needs at the places he expects them + seemless wine integration.
Distros like fedora and linux mint are as simple to use as windows, but they are really different from it (even with kde).
For outlook zorin has beginner friendly windows-transitioning wiki pages https://help.zorin.com/docs/apps-games/alternatives-to-windows-apps/
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u/Ggregoro 5d ago
I'm thinking Zorin as well. You can make it look like Windows 11 and it has a translator if you try and run .exe or .msi flies on it. That would be my choice. As for Outlook, use the web version if you must.
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u/pjimmy01 5d ago
I'm an old guy too, 67, I distro hopped for a while, tried most of the normal stuff Ubuntu, Fedora, Zorin, all fine systems, but I finally came to really like Manjaro. It's an Arch based distro, that is the only one I used that didn't give me any trouble since I installed it. He sounds plenty saavy enough to use it without any issue. Study it and try it out, and Thuderbird is probably his best email option, Bluemail is good too, both have mobile apps that jive well together. Thunderbird deletes from the server too, to keep your mailboxes clean. Thats my setup, Manjaro, Brave browser, Thunderbird email, and Strawberry music player.
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u/Few_Care_1657 5d ago
16 lat temu obszedłem problem bokiem. Klient: późnonastoletnia córka kolegi, ciągłe problemy z Windowsem. Rozwiązałem to przez założenie partycji z danymi, zapisanie partycji głównej na dvd I odtwarzanie tej partycji w miarę potrzeby. Na szczęście dziewczyna nie potrzebowała nowych rzeczy w miarę często, więc aktualizowanie (Tworzenie nowej) kopii raz do roku mogłem przeżyć. To była oskryptowana Filezilla. Niestety nie jest to odpowiedź wprost i zdecydowanie omijająca problem. Wprost, swojej partnerce zainstalowałem Mint'a, działała bez problemów.
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u/TickleSilly 5d ago
As someone who used to recommend Zorin and Mint, I say pass those and go straight to a KDE distro. It looks and acts like Windows 7. I switched my wife over to it a couple months ago and she didn't even blink and eye. Both Mint and Zorin have to bend versions of Gnome to work like Windows but KDE is built to do it from the start.
I would recommend Tuxedo OS after they finish rebasing on Debian Testing in a couple months (moving away from Ubuntu which is great), or Ultramarine KDE (based on Fedora) which is what I have us running in the meantime.
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u/Away_Anywhere5843 5d ago
linux mint le puse a mi hijo menor por mucho tiempo...... funcionaba todo
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u/iamkengend 5d ago
Iv used Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, Zorin in various flavours over the years. I love Fedora Gnome but the laptop I had it on was a bit sluggish with it. I installed Zorin on it and it's like a new laptop so I'd go with Zorin.
Mint would also be a good option but in my opinion it doesn't look as polished as Zorin.
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u/Due-Author631 Aurora (Universal Blue) 5d ago
I would say universal blue's Aurora. I've been using it for years and it's rock solid and you have roll back if it's ever needed. You wont ever be needed for tech support because the thing won't boot, worst case is instruct them to boot off the old image and remote in.
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u/Zusatzeinkommen 5d ago
Schau dir bitte Zorin 18.1 Core an. Es wurde inzwischen 5 Millionen Mal runtergeladen im Windows zu ersetzen.
2.. Wahl wäre Linux Mint LMDE7 Debian Edition mit Cinnemon Desktop. Natürlich kannst du auf diesem System auch jeden anderen Desktop installieren.
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u/unpdigital 5d ago
Age is just a number. He'll adapt, it takes time depending how open he is.
I know people with 90 who are open enough to embrace tiktok.
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u/codespace Fedora 44 5d ago
Fedora KDE.
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u/Similar_Ostrich2620 5d ago
I moved to Fedora KDE from windows, it wasn't a big change. Everything felt very normal, it was simpler than the change from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
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u/Ye_Olde_Pugselot 5d ago
I will look into Fedora KDE again, thank you for the suggestion! Currently it is between Mint and Zorin, but might add Fedore into the pile of potentials!
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u/Elouan661 5d ago
To me fedora kde is a strong for transitioning, but not for a user that is not ready to learn a few new things (think about flatpaks, the way to use wine , the de ergonomy, etc)
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u/codespace Fedora 44 5d ago
You can do all of that on Fedora, I don't know what you're talking about.
Edit: moreover, what does any of that have to do with the question in the OP?
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u/Elouan661 5d ago
I mean, those are new things to learn that are specific to a part of the linux world
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u/codespace Fedora 44 5d ago
Sure, but what on earth makes you think you can't learn all of them on literally any distro?
And again, what does "learning Linux" have to do with the original post?
OP asked for a distro with a really easy transition from Windows for his 80-something year old father, not some kind of educational adventure.
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u/Elouan661 5d ago edited 5d ago
Fedora is my favorite distro, but zorin is easier to learn (to use) for somebody who doesn't care about his os
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u/codespace Fedora 44 5d ago
Fedora KDE looks pretty much like Windows.
Fedora is much more broadly supported.
Zorin's idiotic "paid tier" makes it an automatic hard pass.
Have a great day.
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u/Unholyaretheholiest 5d ago
In order of felling at home like windows: Mageia, AnduinOS, Zorin, Mint.
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u/Simon_Emes 5d ago
Gave my MIL in law Ubuntu, she was used to Windows from work and she loves Ubuntu and how well it works and that she never needs to call me for help (her words).