> a clean windows install feels like it less junk on it than a fresh Mac install.

If you have the choice between windows and mac, go with Fedora.

I imagine you arent trying to run any specific software, so go with something that is 10/10 in quality rather than a 6/10 user experience, 10/10 profit maximization.

I specify Fedora because Debian-family linux sends people back to Windows.