I usually go Flatpak > system package (rpm) > AppImage > direct download. But it also depends on what I need.

• Flatpak usually gives the latest version and is nicely integrated with everything.
• System packages are usually outdated but use less disk space.
• I only use AppImages if that’s the only way I can get the version I need. I also have it integrated with appimaged.
• Directly downloading a tar.gz or similar I try to avoid as much as possible because it isn’t integrated with anything.

I actually put my grandma on Zorin OS and, well, what happened is that she is using her PC less now lol. But she can get stuff done usually.

(Get stuff done == read emails, read news, print documents)