Linux needs to grow. Stop telling people it's 'tech-y' or acting like you're more advanced for using it, you are scaring away people. Linux Mint can be used by a senile person perfectly.
Explain shortly the benefits, 'faster, more secure, easier to use, main choices of professionals and free'. Ask questions that let you know if they need to dual boot, 'do you use Adobe, anti-cheat games, or Microsoft Office', 'how new is your computer', 'do you use a Mac'.
And most importantly, offer to help them install.
They don't understand the concept of distros, just suggest Linux Mint LTS Cinnamon unless they're curious.
That's it, spread Linux to as many people as possible. The larger the marketshare, the better support we ALL get. We can fight enshittification. Take the time to spread it but don't force it on anyone.
AND STOP SCARING PEOPLE AWAY. Linux has no advertising money, it's up to us.
Offer family members or friends your help or copy and paste the below
how to install linux: 1) copy down your windows product key 2) backup your files to a harddrive 3) install the linux mint cinnamon iso from the linux mint website 4) use etcher (download from its website) to put the iso on a usb flash drive 5) go into bios 6) boot from the usb 7) erase the storage and install 8) press update all in the update manager 9) celebrate. it takes 15 minutes.
edit: LET ME RE-STATE, DO NOT FORCE IT ON ANYONE.
and if someone is at the level of ignorance (not in a derogatory fashion) that they dont know what a file even is genuinely dont bother unless theyre your parents cause youll be tech support for their 'how do i install the internet' questions.
Stop telling me what to do. Your post is exactly what you are complaining of. Those with the curiosity and aptitude will gravitate to the tech that serves their needs. Usually on their own, regardless of what anybody else tells them. How do you think Linux came to dominate Internet infrastructure in the first place.
Go preach elsewhere.
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Yes i agree, those who love tinkering and computers and care about thier privacy will find thier way to us. Just like birds that immigrate in autumn.
I know i did, it was around 4 to 5 years ago when i needed a programme that only runs in w10. It was the first time i tried to install an operating system ever ( i can say i wasn't Nearly as tech savy as I am now,but i defently always loved computers) then during installation i somehow dicided to read the EULA and i came to know that w10 is more privacy invasive than an old lady who doesn't have anything to do.
I used Wifislax before and i said "if i can use it to browse the internet then i dont care my privacy worth more" and then i remembred that my friend installed ubuntu before on his computer,so i searched ubuntu (around the time when the linux mint snap contreversy started) and now here i am a fully fledged linux user