Like 80% chance it works with everything on your computer, higher on a desktop. You can check this with a live USB. As a non-technical person, I would suggest trying it with a live USB for an afternoon, and giving up if anything doesn't work. (That 20% chance still can get very technical.)
Are they compatible with most software?
It'll run a browser, Steam, LibreOffice, and like 80% of games. If you have some other specific thing you're looking for, you'll have to ask about it. Generally there is a free program that does whatever it is you're looking for. If you want to use a specific program that's Windows only, you can install WINE and it'll make most Windows stuff also work fine (but possibly looking a little odd, and save/load menus through WINE tend to start you in a dumb folder instead of your home directory).
Also installing software on Linux is easier than it is on Windows. You just go into a program called Software Manager, find it, click install, and enter your password.
Do they require a manual to use it?
The most technical part is setting up a live USB, which you'd be doing in Windows. (A live USB is also how you install the thing.)
And if they do need a manual, is it in layman’s terms that your granny could understand?
It's largely the same UI as Windows, but it looks a little different, there are no ads in the start menu, and the auto-update fixes things instead of adding advertisements.
How often do you need to troubleshoot?
Pretty high chance during the first week or so. Basically never afterwards.
How likely am I to get help for these online without being treated like an idiot?
Largely depends on your attitude asking for help ("I get X error when I try to do Y, what can I do?" is fine). But mostly any issues you have should be something you can find an answer to on Google.
Again, highly recommend trying it out with a live USB for an afternoon; if it just works out of the box you're going to have a good time, and if it doesn't then you tried.
Answering for Linux Mint:
Like 80% chance it works with everything on your computer, higher on a desktop. You can check this with a live USB. As a non-technical person, I would suggest trying it with a live USB for an afternoon, and giving up if anything doesn't work. (That 20% chance still can get very technical.)
It'll run a browser, Steam, LibreOffice, and like 80% of games. If you have some other specific thing you're looking for, you'll have to ask about it. Generally there is a free program that does whatever it is you're looking for. If you want to use a specific program that's Windows only, you can install WINE and it'll make most Windows stuff also work fine (but possibly looking a little odd, and save/load menus through WINE tend to start you in a dumb folder instead of your home directory).
Also installing software on Linux is easier than it is on Windows. You just go into a program called Software Manager, find it, click install, and enter your password.
The most technical part is setting up a live USB, which you'd be doing in Windows. (A live USB is also how you install the thing.)
It's largely the same UI as Windows, but it looks a little different, there are no ads in the start menu, and the auto-update fixes things instead of adding advertisements.
Pretty high chance during the first week or so. Basically never afterwards.
Largely depends on your attitude asking for help ("I get X error when I try to do Y, what can I do?" is fine). But mostly any issues you have should be something you can find an answer to on Google.
Again, highly recommend trying it out with a live USB for an afternoon; if it just works out of the box you're going to have a good time, and if it doesn't then you tried.
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