For the most part there are two things that are important when choosing a distro the “stack” (kernel, drivers, security patches) and “packages” (how often your software gets updated)

For something like Linux Mint which is based on Ubuntu LTS, it does major updates of the “stack” every 4 years with just security updates in the meantime. This means that newer hardware may not work fully due to lack of the latest drivers (and even then it’s edge cases), but you are getting a very stable base. The packages may also not be the very latest versions. Something like flatpaks can be a healthy compromise where you are getting the latest package updates, but you still have a rock solid stack.

Something like Arch would update it’s stack far more often but could potentially not boot with a newer kernel with your hardware eg more risky. Fedora is something that would be a newer stack than Ubuntu LTS but also newer packages. Wouldn’t be as new as Arch but would also be more stable as a daily driver.

Windows 3.11 and Kubuntu 6.06LTS (still have the CD!)

Exactly, it entirely depends on how you want to use your computer. If you install Mint because you just want a privacy respecting OS that supports your hardware? Then there’s no need to touch the CLI. You can experiment and try out the CLI at your own pace (if you want). I honestly cannot fathom the “if you don’t want to use the CLI you shouldn’t be using Linux” attitude that many of the responders here have. Isn’t the ultimate freedom of open source is to use the hardware how you would like to use it? So what if you spend 20 years on Linux and never touch the CLI?

You more succinctly, and respectfully, stated my thoughts than I did in my post :)

Yes, entirely possible. I’ve been using Linux off and on since 2006 and full time as my daily driver since 2018ish. I’ve used Ubuntu, Fedora, Open Suse, Endeavour OS, Manjaro and various combos of those in that time. I barely use CLI, bar distro updates and a few basics. The fact that you need to use the CLI is a complete myth. I see a lot of responses stating “yeah, but why would you want to?” . That, frankly, is gatekeeping. I fully respect those who choose to use the CLI as a powerful tool, I understand their position. But if someone chooses not to, because they aren’t as used to it or just prefer to use a mouse to click around then yes it is possible, and they should be encouraged to run a Linux distro if they want to.

If I had read many of the responses below, back in 2006, I may not have tried Ubuntu when I did and may not be still using Linux to this day.

break GNOME as “their desktop”

you mean make it tolerable :)

We all have our preferences, I personally don’t really care for stock gnome

I have tried Jerboa, and have just tried liftoff. I prefer the UI of Jerboa and it’s in fdroid also!