I've had a few more friends asking about switching to Linux, as the great 2025 exodus from Windows 11 spyware begins.
But these are ex-Windows users, so they don't want 10 options, they just want one operating system that works. For Windows users who want a good Linux operating system to replace Windows, here are the two best options in my opinion - Mint or Zorin.
I use Mint myself - https://linuxmint.com/ - I like it because it looks like a modern version of Windows 7, but with dark mode and a bunch of other upgrades.
Here is a screenshot of my desktop, but pretty much everything can be changed, it's all about personal preferences.
Zorin - https://zorin.com/os/ - is often recommended for ex Mac users and people who want a more modern Windows 11 look, but the Mac version (where it looks like a Mac) requires paying for the pro license (cost NZ$90 one off) - the free version is fine but it looks more like Windows 10.
Having such an easy way to switch between desktop layouts is a really cool idea - no other distro has quite set this up so well - but Zorin have taken a lot of flack for charging for the Pro version, because it sort of goes against Linux principles - https://zorin.com/os/pro/ - I think it's fair enough because their free version has everything that is actually needed, just not all the extras.
Both those distros come from Ireland - Ireland is now considered one of the most tech savvy countries in the world - it's odd how these things work out!
Another big advantage of Linux is that pretty much any hardware will do:
Linux has much lower requirements than Windows or Apple - pretty much anything that is 64 bit will work - some distros even have 32 bit versions for really old computers - but the two I'm recommending here - Mint or Zorin, don't make 32 bit versions, so just make sure it's 64 bit laptop or PC you are using - so anything less than 10 years old shouldn't be a problem.
But no system is perfect - whatever you decide to do on a computer there are always issues, and they always seem to take ages to sort out - there is a myth online that switching to Linux can be easy - people say things like "My mum switched to using a Linux laptop and she never had any problems" I suspect they set everything up for her, and she only uses the browser.
As well as getting used to the new operating system, you also have to learn so much new stuff it can be overwhelming - for example if you are used to Photoshop you have to learn to use Gimp instead - everything is similar, but a bit different. But Gimp is free while Photoshop costs NZ$44.50 a month, so there is that extra incentive.
There are multiple free options in Linux to replace any Windows software, and it's easy to install them using the software manager, but each choice usually requires trying several out and choosing which one you like best, and then getting used to using it. So all this takes time & effort.