@burgerdrome No forced AI if you switch to Linux... I'd start with Ubuntu and with experience move to Debian, the distro Ubuntu is based on. Debian is the most stable experience. You can match packages from less stable / fresher sources. Good to do an install / first try on a virtual machine, like free virtualbox. I personally gravitate toward command line tools because they don't change their interface so it's setting things up how I like only once. Same reason to separate "/" and "/home".
@cohentheblue I really appreciate you leaning into the stereotype of "the guy on Mastodon who suggests installing Linux to strangers"