To be honest Dale, I cannot image why you would have any trouble doing that on Linux. There's no shortage of Linux compatible gear and command-line-free software now, and as you said, you bought Linux compatible hardware anyway. I would just install Ubuntu since it's a popular choice for Linux, and then install WINE on it so that you can run the Windows programs you really need.

I think the trick with Linux if you want it easy-peasy, is to go with the popular stuff like Ubuntu and treat it to some WINE

My own way is to use a popular distribution of Linux, and replace everything I can with software that runs natively on Linux anyway. My current favourite s Ubuntu MATE, I never even bothered installing WINE on it, had no need, everything I really need is available on Linux now anyway, but for any that aren't (Poser for example), well, I'll just install WINE so that they run, no problem.

Anyway, hope you get it sorted, but remember that continuing on the route that got you into this mess, cannot be the correct one.