I need a distro that is stable with a particular need to set up zero input automatic updates. If an update asks for a password or needs user interaction in basically any way it simply won’t get done. All he needs is a reliable platform for browsing the web. I am replacing an Ubuntu system that has apparently just stopped working (I have not had a chance to examine it yet) after years and years of not getting proper updates after he forgot his password.
Something like Bazzite is intriguing because of it’s locked down environment although he is very much not a gamer. Is there something locked down like Bazzite but with long term LTS release cycle?
The distro doesn’t matter, the Desktop Environment does.
If they are used to MacOS and want something simple and “out of the way”, go with Gnome.
If they are used to Windows, go with KDE.
Fedora is probably the most straightforward to install and manage right now. You won’t need to “lock down” anything if you don’t give them sudo credentials.and just a regular user account.
I’d say Cinnamon or XFCE. Plenty customizable enough for this use case and very straightforward.
Facts. XFCE should be familiar to anyone who has operated a computer in the last 25 years