I’d say start with one and use a virtual machine to try different flavors out. Something like Ubuntu or Fedora will come with the basics (I like the Fedora Budgie spin by nostr:npub1d2p602nlu278uyy3h6svzk5sthfky5mpvqfw7wekm9mx9z3sxefspd5fu5 ). I also think rolling releases are better.
Lot of good takes in this thread though.
I’ve used Arch as well, and what’s nice about that is once you figure out the installation process it gives you only what you want and nothing more. Love the idea of Nix, but the learning curve/politics stop me from trying it out.