This is the correct approach, OP. Bazzite is good, but its immutability is an aspect one needs to get used to and learn to work with. Since you’re not (and I’m not saying I am ;), rather stick to something you feel comfortable supporting, because you’ll be the one they’ll come running to if they have a problem.

The only difference really is the occasional extension that needs a manual install.

Well, that and the lack of telemetry and “phoning home” to Redmond. And that’s a big one.

Bazzite has closed source software preinstalled? Yikes

I get the sentiment. That said, if you want to do “gaming”, there’s no way around proprietary software for the time being, since both titles and some drivers are and will continue to be proprietary.

Regardless, running some FOSS is already better than none. So if Bazzite helps wean people off proprietary Windows, why not?

Yes, Bazzite adds complexity due to its immutable nature.

But then again, if you have driver issues on Linux (which has become reasonably rare these days), they’re hard to resolve either way, particularly as a beginner.

I went with Lnux Mint Cinnamon for the most part and Ubuntu GNOME in some instances. Either way, Debian-based systems.

For most things, I’d agree.

Yet, I found it tricky to get Optifine working on Minecraft (Vanilla, i.e. no Forge and such) since there seems to be no way to install JRE on the system. Had to work with a distrobox container, install JRE there and run the .jar file through it. I’ve managed, but beginners won’t find this very “plug and play”.

So YMMV.

Did my part. I’ve made it known amongst friends, family and colleagues that

• support for 10 is ending
• some machines won’t support Win 11 for no apparent technical reason (just to make them obsolete and boost sales of new tech)
• I’m willing to set up and support Linux systems for anyone willing to make the switch, thus possibly even prolonging the life of perfectly adequate hardware. (Only constraint: I declined switching people with strong software constraints that will not work or not work well on Linux and make them unhappy in the long run).

There were plenty of requests, including a small business, some absolute power users and even somebody on the other side of the globe. Everyone got a transition period, and since that is done, all machines have been chugging along without much issue. Support requests are near zero (and I do keep asking).

This may be my little bubble, anecdotal evidence and all that jazz. But from where I’m standing, this train has left the station, and it ain’t comin’ back.