Avoid the many Linux OS variations that will stump you.
In order to do that, visit many websites of the many applications that you will use and might use. Study their installation guides for Linux OS.
Example: Brave Browser: https://brave.com/linux/
Compile a list of the Linux OS versions that are the most compatible, in your view, for all such applications.
AVOID FlatPak and Snap.
Study the following guide: Linux Directory Structure and Important Files Paths Explained:
https://www.tecmint.com/linux-directory-structure-and-important-files-paths-explained/
Also: the WINE project: https://www.winehq.org/