It’s been about 8 years since I gave Linux a real chance. I have an Sony VAIO PCG-3D3l Laptop which was abandoned by it’s previous owner.
I have no real plans for it, except to install Linux, and if I get comfortable with it, it’s probably what I will end up doing my banking on, because as much as I love Windows, I can’t say I ever feel secure using Windows.
What are your recommendations? I consider myself an advanced user with most forms of technology (Have an A+ certification that’s older than this laptop), but not on the level most of the people reading this are probably on.
Spiral Linux. It’s Debian with customizations on top. You probably have a HDD. Flatpak/snap won’t play well with that.
You could try Opensuse tumbleweed for newer stuff, not sure how well your machine would hold up.
Puppy Linux might be an even safer choice than spiral Linux if you really want to stay lightweight.