What is the simplest way of downloading and configuring Linux for a beginner?

Hello, I've never used Linux before. I've used Windows all my life and will soon revert to Windows 10.I'm currently obtaining my associates for Cybersecurity and to allow myself to become acquainted with python, C/C ++ and anything associated with TCP/IP protocols I've installed C++ and python on my computer. I would like to download Linux but i am unsure of how to go from there. As before, I've never used Linux and referencing back to my coursebook would not help me. But what is the easiest configuration for someone like me to use Linux efficiently without getting too lost?

 

I suggest Ubuntu Linux for new users, it is widely used so has lots of documentation and books, for example Sobell: Practical Guide to Ubuntu. Ubuntu can be used on desktop and as a server. Use the LTS versions, the versions in between are test versions more prone to problems. Current LTS is 18.04, next is 20.04 due for release in two months.
https://ubuntu.com/download
Since you ask on Howtoforge, there is "Linux Commands" in the top bar and in Tutorials you can find Linux (use search word linux) and other topics.
If the other similar questions recently are from students in the same course, maybe you can pool your resources?

 

If you ask 10 people, you will get 12 different answers.
I would suggest to start with a live system from a USB stick. It is much slower, but you do not have to make any installation, etc.. and you can try many of them easily.

In general:
Linux is "just" the Kernel. You need additional userspace programs to use it (GNU-System and things like a graphical interface). The advantage is that you are not forced to anything, you can exchange every bit. However, that makes it very diverse.
Distributions bundle everything together and provide a usable system. There are many distributions out there and every one of them has its pros and cons.
Have a look here: https://itsfoss.com/best-linux-beginners/