I did this too with a few laptops. Rule of thumb is, that if it runs Windows already decently, it will behave like a racing car under any distro/ DE.
Those special “low-spec” distros often look outdated and aren’t as much as a joy to use. I would recommend trying something with Gnome, Cinnamon or KDE first, and if it doesn’t run smoothly, then try something else.
Good distros for newcomers are Mint or Aurora / Bluefin.
The hardest part of using Linux as someone who isn’t tech iterate is the installation part. It’s extremely easy, but many people are afraid of bricking something, which isn’t possible.
Installing Linux is way easier than installing Windows.
And as long as the new user knows where they can find the browser, they’re good most of the time.
Regarding phones: sadly, this is way harder. Not only are most used phones either damaged or have a bad battery, but most have a locked bootloader, so you can’t install other OSs. This includes most budget phones (Xiaomi, etc.) and Samsung devices.
I hate Christmas trees with passion.
Imagine growing a seedling for many years in a monoculture, just for it to get cut down and used as a dumb decoration.
And it even isn't the "cool" type of dumb decoration.
You buy it, you get stung all the time while transporting it, you'll have needles lying around all over your apartment, it's a fire hazard, and after not even a few days or weeks you'll have to throw it out, which is also super annoying too.
Even worse are those ridiculous plastic Christmas trees. Don't even get me started on these ones!
# Solution
**Get a (big) houseplant instead!**
There are many options for you out there.
You can hang your ornamentals on them and enjoy your own "Christmas tree" all year around without any guilt.
Even better, you even aren't bound to any season.
For example, why not hang easter eggs on there in the spring?
::: spoiler Bonus idea!
You can blow out and then colour your eggs, then scrape nice patterns in the shell with a sharp knife. This way, you can prevent plastic use and even have a nice gift!
![](https://slrpnk.net/pictrs/image/a70d46e5-86e2-4a5f-aff3-6163eddfa9b7.jpeg)
(Picture taken from Pinterest)
:::
# Ideas
If you don't have pets, a Monstera might be great for you.
![](https://slrpnk.net/pictrs/image/0703b057-c7de-446d-854d-a40ef0c8d884.jpeg)
Those are very common and super easy to propagate via cuttings. Just ask your friends or neighbours if you can get one for free :)
Indoor trees, like lemon or avocado trees for example, are a great option if you don't want to spend a single cent and grow them from seed, which is what I'm doing at the moment.
You can also decorate smaller plants, like a Pothos for example.
![](https://slrpnk.net/pictrs/image/b25cf01c-5331-4513-999c-aaeb387b32a5.jpeg)
Decorating your own bonsai would also be an eyecatcher ;)
There are literally endless options out there for you to explore!
I did this too with a few laptops. Rule of thumb is, that if it runs Windows already decently, it will behave like a racing car under any distro/ DE.
Those special “low-spec” distros often look outdated and aren’t as much as a joy to use. I would recommend trying something with Gnome, Cinnamon or KDE first, and if it doesn’t run smoothly, then try something else.
Good distros for newcomers are Mint or Aurora / Bluefin.
The hardest part of using Linux as someone who isn’t tech iterate is the installation part. It’s extremely easy, but many people are afraid of bricking something, which isn’t possible. Installing Linux is way easier than installing Windows. And as long as the new user knows where they can find the browser, they’re good most of the time.
Regarding phones: sadly, this is way harder. Not only are most used phones either damaged or have a bad battery, but most have a locked bootloader, so you can’t install other OSs. This includes most budget phones (Xiaomi, etc.) and Samsung devices.