I am trying to figure out a Linux distribution that would fit well an older family member who wants to leave Windows 11 and knows, from me, that Linux is a viable alternative.
He really hates the forced updates on Windows 11 and also has come to appreciate the open-source philosophy when I described it to him, especially the “by the community for the community” ethos.
I was thinking of putting him on openSUSE Leap and I wanted to check if that would be “reasonable” keeping in mind that I will be the technical support. I would install the distribution and set up basic settings for him, but after that, will leave him on his own unless he asks for help.
Things I like about openSUSE Leap for him are:
Stable release model, updates come on a fixed release cycle and between those updates the way programs work won’t change much
Btrfs with snapper is great to roll back in case something goes wrong (or in case he accidentally gets into the system)
I really like the openSUSE ecosystem (I use Tumbleweed) and know it well. I want to avoid Ubuntu and Ubuntu-based distributions as I am really not a fan of its direction and left the ecosystem (I am a former user of Ubuntu & derivatives).
His use case is extremely simple - mostly involving editing office files in LibreOffice, browsing the web, and checking his email.
As I haven’t been a new Linux user for a few years, and also I am the “tech-savvy” member of the family (thus not having the easiest time seeing things through the eyes of a non-tech-savvy person), I wanted to ask the community of some pro’s and con’s that would help make my decision.
I think you are on the good path. Leap seldom breaks if installed properly, most app interfaces don’t change for 24 months or so.
Tumbleweed (and to an extent even Slowroll) needs at least some basic system admin skills as you likely already know.
For people coming from the Win world I would go for KDE/Plasma which has a similar look and feel and can be customised even further.
I would also go for a minimal install, possibly even removing something that is not going to be used from a standard install (what isn’t there is not going to break).
If the new user is already used to LibreOffice and Firefox (or whatever browser if available for Leap) the transition should be smooth.
Maybe pay attention to the mail client, since there is no direct replacement for Outlook if that is currently in use.
Anyway expect a few random calls with “silly” questions in the first few months after the switch, I still think that Leap (or Linux distros in general) are not yet for everybody.
I did something similar when I installed Leap 16 on my boyfriend’s computer. The experience has been smooth overall.
I had to help him set up a printer. So far, there haven’t been any problems with updates, but I think I’ll need to be there to help him upgrade to version 16.1.
I chose Leap for him because of my familiarity with openSUSE, but I think some immutable distros have more automation and, as a result, require less maintenance.
Most of the friction comes from users expecting to do things exactly as they did in Windows land. There are other ways of accomplishing the same task, often better but they have to be able to learn and adapt. Without that attitude, the change will not stick for long.
Hello,
the fact one wants to leave Windows and is curious about the Linux world and philosophy is a good start. This enthusiasm and curiosity help in the discovery, testing and making new habits steps … and to limit frustrations described by @pavinjoseph. Then, to make the switch far more easier for a basic user, a previous experience with the same web browser and, if possible, office suite or other casual app he/she uses, helps.
I’ve done some openSUSE installs for basic users around me ; I’m more confident providing Leap for beginners, for the reasons already mentioned here :
very stable in behavior and in look (global and in apps). This lets time to familiarize before the next major update.
easy auto-updating, graphically integrated. I’ve already installed Slowroll when Leap wasn’t possible (very old CPUs) but as @OrsoBruno said it needs some skills with CLI, at least to correctly update.
For the desktop environment and for some settings (way of logging, interface, etc.) when possible, I ask directly the person with demo/explanation of what it implies or means. Indeed, KDE/Plasma looks more like Windows desktop than Gnome but one could prefer trying out a new experience or interaction. And knowing this choice exists can also be pleasant for someone who only knew Windows.
Regards
I would make sure he is connected with the openSUSE forums and knows how to use it. He could generally have a response to a question or posed problem in a few minutes at any time of the day 24/7/365. The responders are excellent and very patient. That’s one of the best features of openSUSE.
Thank you so much for your input! This makes me think openSUSE Leap would be great for my family member. I also appreciate you letting me know what to expect when installing a Linux distribution for a new user.
I was also considering one of the Universal Blue distributions (Aurora probably) but I had a hard go setting up an immutable system. I want him to have something I already know well so it is not too much work for me if he has questions or issues.
I would hesitate to give him Slowroll or Tumbleweed. He doesn’t have system administration skills and would worry about him going into the command line and accidentally ruining something.
Thanks again for the advice,
Jaymo
EDIT
Additionally, he already uses LibreOffice, but I’m not sure what he uses as a web browser (likely whatever comes default with Windows these days, Edge or Internet Explorer).
Do you plan dual-boot? So still an escape to Windows possible.
I am not sure if the openSUSE installer can shrink Windows, I did shrinking manually first myself and then used custom partitioning for openSUSE.
Name Last Modified Size
Leap-16.0-offline-installer-x86_64-Build178.27.install.iso.sha512
6/23/2026, 1:15 AM
189
Leap-16.0-offline-installer-x86_64-Build178.27.install.iso.sha512.asc
6/23/2026, 1:15 AM
827
Leap-16.0-offline-installer-x86_64-Build178.27.spdx.json
6/20/2026, 6:21 AM
6.4 MB
I have installed Leap on the computers of three non-computer savvy friends; one eventually went back to Windows but the other two have been happily using Leap for several years. The only thing I help them with is the updates to the next version.
The two who have stayed did have the advantage of little exposure to Windows.
No, no dual booting. He only needs LibreOffice, a web browser (I can install Microsoft Edge as an rpm as previously mentioned or he can try Firefox if he is feeling really brave about completely ditching Microsoft products), and an email client.
I’m not too sure which email client to give him. He doesn’t need anything more than the ability to read and send email. Hopefully Thunderbird will be okay, it is what I use.
OK, so easy/simple install and booting.
I would also say Thunderbird, also use it myself and there is a lot of dedicated help/info at email providers info pages. It is the usual IMAP/SMTP servers, ports, crypto/security stuff.
