is of interest vs is interesting

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1
  1. Family history is of interest across a wide range of ages and may even motivate people to use the Internet and computers.
  2. Family history is interesting across a wide range of ages and may even motivate people to use the Internet and computers.
    Can I replace “is of interest” by “is interesting” as in #2?
    If it is possible, is there any difference in meaning between them? which one do you prefer?
2

Not really. The original is the better of the two options.

3

Thanks a lot!
I would like to ask you one more question.
Is there any rule for your choice or it is something that I have to learn by heart?

4

Beeesneees,

  1. Astronomy in particular is of interest to people at all levels.
  2. Astronomy in particular is interesting to people at all levels.
    Do both sentences mean the same?
5
  1. Astronomy, in particular, is of interest to people at all levels.
  2. Astronomy, in particular, is interesting to people at all levels.

The first utilises a set expression and is the most fluent of the two.

6

to be of interest to is a set expression.