Someone did suggest Ubuntu. A few years ago (?) I tried Linux and since I am one techtard I couldn’t figure it out at all; have heard it’s easier now. But for me stuff has to be gradeschool easy.
Not sure what Windows 8.1 with classic shell is; I thought everything new comes with (choke gag) Windows 10 now.
Linux Mint 18.3 is VERY windows like but it would help if you had someone to ask if you had any questions about it.
We have a section on switching to Linux at Timelessauthors and there are a number of Linux users on FR.
I don’t know if you can get Windows 8.1 new anymore, a few years ago I had my local computer shop roll back a Win 10 machine to 8.1 and there should be refurbished 8.1 machines on the used market.
Classic Shell is just a program that makes 8.1 more like 7.