Its a pretty dependent question.

Depending on your hardware, I’d say if you consider compatibility first.

Touchscreen is something you mentioned, I’ve used lenovo laptops that have built in touchscreen that work well on fedora.

They want something close to windows then I say Linux mint.

I have used Linux mint with various ages past 2 years. Very on levels from beginner to complete non tech users. On those that need compatibility with various applications close to windows. Regular Linux mint

On users that just require basic internet and document usage (aka a word like application) Linux mint debian edition (why? Less complicated, for non tech savy people). Less configuration means lower chances of issues popping up.

TLDR base your decision on peoples needs, and your ability to assist with what they have. Right tool for the job. Hope this helps.

I never seen it, what mafe you stop loving it? Looks like the same style as ranma 1/2 and inuyasha(i like that artstyle)

As an example, i use mint as the base of my kvm/qemu virtual machine since i run an arc 380 on base and nvidia gpu for the guest. I made the mistake of updating my experimental kernel and forgot to set quiet and mint menu on grub to select the kernel at boot time. I popped in the install disc i had used previusly and fixed it by using the inlcuded programs to edit the grub and undo my kernel update. Fixed and i saved a timevault snapshot of the fix in case i mess up again. Linux mint saved me from reinstalling my entire os from a simple mistake.

Most desktop enviornments work with most distros. There will be a selection of linux users that say it doesnt matter because though its true you can make any distro look like each other. The navigations can change depending on the distro you use. I agree with most of the comments here, since you are starting out, mint is a solid choice. You get the backings of ubuntu, + its very user frienldy. A gui for packages/drivers and good sweep of software for daily usage. Im using it now since my arc 380 gpu is supported on it to use as the host for my virtual machines. ( i virtualize other distros/BSD and windows [for those pesky windows only games/programs])

Im wanting my friends to try out linux, they are all windows normies. This is pretty aggressive approach. I applaud the enthusiasm, maybe there are some people who respond. Id try my own way by finding a distro that best suited to their use case. All an all, someone is doing linux spreading to the masses and at least we can call that a win.

You have lot of good post on edc, was wondering if you have a recommended travel sling? I usually carry a coin rotary dispenser, keys, mobile hotspot, wallet and my phone in my pocket. However the hotspot tends to get scratched either by the keys or depsenser.

I had that key organizer, loved it that you can expand in case you got more keys but they can get bulky quick. I gave it to someone who had more keys than mine since i wanted to try an offbrand (clone) since the keysmart started becoming mainstream brand.