@cjd As Linux is only a kernel, you won't get far if you attempt to install it on a desktop.

You can install whatever DE you want on any systemd/Linux distro.

>1. Brave
Proprietary - you should use a free browser.

>2. Thunderbird
Proprietary - you should use a free mail client - icedove is free.

>3. VSCode
Proprietary malware - you should use a free IDE instead or at least VSCodium.

Trisquel GNU/Linux-libre offers the lowest bug-rate in my experience, as that software has really been tested by the time it gets to Trisquel - too bad it's very outdated.

>I need control+tab and control+tilda for switching windows.
That can be configured in any DE.