Because then the unsophisticated user will constantly ask to have $RANDOM_SOFTWARE installed. Admittedly, having to say "no" to those requests up front is preferable to having to remove malware infestations later, but it is still annoying and can cause unnecessary friction in personal relationships.

There are several ways switching an unsophisticated user reduces this problem:

- Ads for malware-laden $RANDOM_SOFTWARE downloads aren't targeted at Linux desktops in the first place.

- The ads that mimic UI widgets don't match anything in the desktop UI, making them much easier for unsophisticated users to identify as suspect.

- Saying that $RANDOM_SOFTWARE they want to install isn't Linux-compatible (which admittedly does generate moderate pressure to switch back) is usually a more acceptable answer than "No, I won't install that malware-riddled piece of crap for you", however gently worded.

These issues confirmed by personal experience.

I switched over my father-in-law's laptop to Chromium OS for this exact reason.

(mostly) automatic updates.

no malware.

zero configuration to allow for breaking anything.

no "can I install XX?" questions. The answer is always "if it's in the chrome store".

A good browser does everything he needs.

Because he is probably way more familiar with remote administration of a Linux machine.

Precisely.

That's how I set up the in-laws laptop with Windows 10. I kept all admin privileges in a separate account with a password only I know. They both get their own unprivileged user accounts, with the standard protections turned on (Firewall, Defender). Haven't had an issue so far, and it's been about 6 months.

Cripple their ability to install anything? What are you suggesting?

How do you install TurboTax on Linux? None of the software they have, none of the software anyone they know uses will install on their Linux machine.

Very quickly most will get the idea that the computer is broken and you need to come and fix it because you were the one that broke it.

>How do you install TurboTax on Linux?

FYI, since a few years, TurboTax has an online version that I use on Linux.

I used TurboTax as an example simply because I have the disk siting on my desk right now.

Then you charge them money and do as they ask. Or they can go ask someone else to do it for free, maybe that friend who recommended the software that doesn't run on Linux, given that they know better than you...

If you want to throw a wedge in between you and your family over this that's fine, but you did break it by preventing them from doing what they wanted with their computer.