@rlier23 I didn't tell you to write an OS from scratch using nothing but a needle and a steady hand to write the correct bits to a HDD - that would be something akin to telling a early caveman to learn how to do complex math.


GNU/Linux is far easier to install and use than windows, as current installers do everything for you and you just have to select a few basic options and set an account.

The windows installer is much harder to operate, let alone if you want to do basic tasks like delete existing partitions or dual booting (but why would you want to do that).


There's even a free software GUI that will prepare a live flash drive for you: https://rufus.ie/en/

If disabling restricted boot (if applicable) and booting off such flash drive is too hard, you can buy a computer with GNU/Linux preinstalled.


I recommend Trisquel, as it's easy to use, note that Trisquel can't do anything about how certain hardware manufactures spitefully make their hardware refuse to operate unless you load up proprietary software.

Even if you don't want to commit to installing just yet, I recommend trying out the live image for a while.