I've heard good things about Ubuntu but I put Mint (Cinnamon) on a stick and boot with that.

There's plenty of info out there and many willing to help when there's a snag...very active Mint forums.

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/ to start.

https://sites.google.com/site/easylinuxtipsproject/fatalmistakes ...a must. Chock full of useful tips.

Talking gun ownership is like talking religion or politics.

What's the point in discussing EDBSs (Emotionally Derived Belief Systems)?

Most religiously defend their views on all of these topics because that's how Earth Monkey came out of the oven.

Your objection is noted.