Don’t get me wrong. I love Linux and FOSS. I have been using and installing distros on my own since I was 12. Now that I’m working in tech-related positions, after the Reddit migration happened, etc. I recovered my interest in all the Linux environment. I use Ubuntu as my main operating system in my Desktop, but I always end up feeling very limited. There’s always software I can’t use properly (and not just Windows stuff), some stuff badly configured with weird error messages… last time I was not able to even use the apt command. Sometimes I lack time and energy for troubleshooting and sometimes I just fail at it.
I usually end up in need of redoing a fresh install until it breaks up again. Maybe Linux is not good for beginners working full time? Maybe we should do something like that Cisco course that teaches you the basic commands?
I have 70 and 80 year olds running Linux Mint without any problems or support hassles (because their old PCs run like dogs on windows and linux is much lighter on old hardware). It also reduces my (unpaid) support effort to nearly zero over constant windows issues.
There’s a reason it’s one of the most installed desktop linuxes
Install a copy on an old machine, or setup virtual box and try a virtual machine. It even comes with a “try before you buy” mode where if you boot the install USB (you need to create it) you’ll boot into a working copy of Mint so you can just give it a try and make sure it works ok on your PC.
Seriously, it’s very little different to windows - everything you’re likely to want to do is available in a graphical window.
https://linuxmint.com
Mint is great.