There are probably lots of books including for-dummies versions. I would say nearly every Linux distribution (distro in geek-speak) is easier to work with than Windows-from-hell - er - I mean - Windows 8.1.
Linux was originally command-line only but there are lots of versions with windowing environments and there are lots of them that will load on standard PC hardware without any intervention from you. They will also tend to set up their Internet, including wi-fi without you having to peak under the hood.
If you need Microsoft Office, you’re basically tanked, but a lot of people use Open Office (free) and are very happy with that. You would probably have to learn a new email client.
I’m pretty good with these things so I’m not your best source, but I would say that moving to various flavors of Linux is no harder than moving to Mac and MUCH easier than moving to 8.1.
linux.com recommends the following top 3 distributions for people new to Linux:
Ubuntu
Linux Mint
Linux Deepin
They compared user-friendliness, common apps, and a modern interface. They said you can’t go wrong with any of the three.
I don’t use MS Office. I loathe it. I use OpenOffice.org and have for years. MS doesn’t like that, and tries to default to MS Office, but I won’t let it.
Is Linux similar to Win 7?
I will go to the library tomorrow and see what I can find, as well as check Amazon for a Dummies book before I make the change. Thanks for the info! :o]