I used Ubuntu once a few years ago but had compatability issues so I went back to windows. Not a great programmer but I’d like to learn. I’m not looking to do much gaming beyond DOOM2 and factorio. Mostly looking for privacy and a way to get back into programming (I have this pipe dream of learning Assembly). I’m not to particular on UI, I can use whatever.
Edit: https://distrochooser.de for anyone who stumbles upon this post with the same question
Ubuntu is a good starting point.
You can follow the general idea of: “Are you new to Linux? If yes, use something you know other people know too. If no, use whatever the fuck you want, heck, make your own distro if you want”.
I’d say try whatever looks good to you, you can always install something else if you don’t like it, as long as it isn’t Manjaro. (backup your data before you install something new)
Some distros that I think are a pretty good choice for starters (no particular order):
You can also use Distrochooser to maybe help you make a decision.
That’s alright, you don’t have to be a programmer to use Linux. You don’t even have to use the command line if you don’t want to (tho I recommend it, getting good at it feels pretty great).