Go with XFCE, it is perfect to start from. You will get a feeling for linux in a fairly intuitive environment. Then you can easily move on to other stuff if you want to. You can install multiple DEs/WMs and choose which one you want from the log in screen. You can install as many as you have disk space for.

One thing to know about the concept of “customization” in linux. It is on a whole other level than you may be thinking of. On linux when people say something is customizable, especially when you start reading phrases like “infinitely customizable” what it might means is that you must configure it to even open it. And to do that you will first have to spend a bunch of time learning about the application’s conventions, history, weirdsies, development environment, etc. You may also have to understand and be able to manipulate the underlying system architecture.

It’s fun to do once you reach the basic required skills, if you are interested in that kind of thing. but you can only learn so many things at a time, so set yourself up for success by starting easy. You can move on to a more complex situation at any time you are ready for it. Like imagine learning to drive in a place you’ve never been with totally different traffic laws than you are used to, and also it’s on the moon so gravity don’t work as expected. Better learn to drive in an empty parking lot close to where you live.

First thing is make sure linux will run at all on your computer. You can install it, boot it, shut it down, connect to the internet, play audio, make a backup, un/install applications, and other simple tasks. Just go path of least resistance. Don’t try to find the perfect set up. Just try something out.

• SSD ASAP

• Make a separate /home/ partition when you install — this will keep your actual files (documents, user configurations) safe® from screw-ups

• Find a way to make regular backups of your user and system configuration files, keeping past versions in case you screw something up but don’t realize it right away