globular-toast parent
Installing Linux is easy. The problem that inevitably arises is moving all of their data across. Things like their browser bookmarks and email inboxes etc. Is there a fool proof way to do this? If they knew where all their data was then they'd be half way to being able to install Linux themselves.
All browsers I've used (chromium and Firefox based) store your profile in AppData. This directory can be dropped into a linux install at the appropriate location and you get all your history, plugins, cookies transferred. Completely seamless if you're willing to go through some simple steps.
Then again plenty of modern browsers have some type of profile syncing built in, which does all this for you.
> email inboxes
Please don't use POP3. Your inbox should live on a remote server and simply follow your account. Storing your inbox exclusively on your PC will make you very sad some day.
With so many things being cloud-based, moving to a new device often just requires logging in. See how easy setting up new devices is on Android and iOS.
On the desktop side, the GNOME online accounts feature is pretty good at getting you most of the way there.
The problem I find happening too often is that everything works on the initial install. Then an update comes along and nukes sound. Then a few weeks later a round of updates fixes sound but breaks Bluetooth. Then a few weeks later an update nukes WiFi. Ok, connect via Ethernet. Three updates later Bluetooth starts working again.
Then everything works... until you try to adjust the display brightness.
This on pre-2020 Lenovo laptops.