I have installed Linux dozens of times for various projects.  Usually for something standalone that can run headless and doesn't need to be tended to often or can be managed easily through a phone interface and/or a SSH terminal such as an IP Phone system.  I also have it running on a Raspberry Pi and running software for my weather station.  I've forgotten a lot of how to use it on a regular basis and unless you like to search google for how to do every day tasks I'd recommend sticking with Windows.