[ParetoOptimal]

I think a lot of times recommending Lubuntu or other niche distros to first-time linux users is a mistake.

Instead one should recommend using KDE or Gnome and turning down all of the graphical settings if needed to improve performance.

[mattl]

I think it comes from the idea that you should install Linux to get more time out of aging hardware.

[ParetoOptimal]

Yeah, but for first time users I maintain it'd be better to risk potential slowness than "fast but unacceptable user experience".

[mattl]

Fully agree. I don’t really know what the user groups are doing these days? Are installfests still a thing?