There are several reasons why Linux Mint is to be recommended:

1. That specific distro is almost superlightweight on the resources so even superold computers and laptops can run it smoothly
2. it is ‘‘Windows- like’’ so transitional users can easily transfer
3. Linux is compatible and supports even the oldest hardware (or has a ‘‘driver code support’’ for it). Remember that good Canon scanner without dclivers for windows? Now you can use it.
4. Linux has ‘‘try without installing’’ option

I personally transitioned more than ten years ago; started with Ubuntu and that was fine, but then I discovered that Mint ‘‘flies’’. :-)

Deffinitely to be recommended to a wide public who wants to transition.