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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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Scan through some YouTube videos of each of these recommended distros and see which one you like the look of best; They are all good recommendations.
I'd like to throw Zorin in the pot, I use it on all my devices (and servers) since it's just smooth and works without fuss or tinkering. There's a Gnome version and an XFCE version, both are very nice. XFCE is a little lighter in weight of course, which you may like or need.
I did the same and moved to kubuntu. You can play Xbox game on the cloud really good on Linux. And you have heroic games launcher for the main non steam launchers. I game and work in Linux and couldn't be happier honestly, ask me anything you want
The recommendations here aren't bad but I would highly recommend ZorinOS. It's familiar to Windows and does a lot to be beginner friendly.
Opensuse tumbleweed, kde variant
Switch to zypper, dnf or rpm over flatpak in the kde store thing
Set up snapper or timeshift for backups
Get playonlinux and heroic launcher for gaming(with built in wine managers)
Gaming is not a high priority for me on the desktop, but the others I will keep in mind!
So far my main struggle with any flavor of Linux has been battery drain and ram usage. I haven’t been able to get laptops to suspend properly, they only turn the screen off.
That's an interesting problem. I'm no expert so can't help you, but I'm just replying to say it does work for me.
It may be laptop specific. I have a Framework laptop, and they provide official guides for Linux including setting up for minimal battery drain, so I'm very lucky that way.
Here's a tl;dr of my Linux learning curve -- from 0 (Windows pleb) to hero:
Start with a "user-friendly" distro (Linux Mint, ZorinOS) and get used to its package manager (i.e How to install, uninstall and remove stuff. Also, your best friend.).
Then go for a more "serious" distro like Debian. And from Debian... Arch. Keep at it until you've got the most interesting commands (and "whom is whom" regarding video graphics, audio, etc... the "basic" stuff) written on your forehead.
After that, "duckduckgo" about "Minimal linux installation" or "Baremetal linux installation". Follow the instructions closely and at heart. PS: You are gonna suffer a bit.... but that is perfectly fine. Once again, you are gonna have to get used to it and to witness "your own distro" booting up for the first time. Yes, the nerdgasm feels quite great.
At this point, there is nothing "much" to learn other than to add more "depth" to the stuff you learned by "duckduckgo" about "Linux how do I improve my network", "Linux how to improve performance", etc until you are used to all that.
Now, you've reached the "average user" status and there is nothing "strictly necessary" to learn -- so start your own github, send your .dotfiles/scripts in, and go take a break. Congrats, you are now a penguin.
I'm not wanting to dive into programming specifically (only dipped my toes in the past for school/work as needed but certainly not experienced) so I'm not interested in maintaining scripts and a GitHub if that is necessary for Arch or what you mentioned as "serious" distros. That's good information though, thank you!