@snowsynth @wafflez I would add "Linux Mint Debian edition" . I recommend avoiding Ubuntu and derived distros. Canonical is trying hard to be a Microsoft wanabe. It's sad, because Kubuntu and Ubuntu were especially beginner friendly.

Also, have in mind that you can use different desktops. For beginners, I recommend to use KDE/Plasma desktop or Cinnamon desktop. Both have a very similar look&feel to classic Windows.