I haven't really used Linux, but I feel it might be useful for a potential project. Is it possible, and how doable is it, to have a password locked admin account and an open user account which is heavily restricted on what they can do? As in, not even browse files. Preferrably only desktop access where they can launch the apps placed there. Which Linux would be the best for this while still being on the easier side to figure out? I do understand tech somewhat well and quite enjoy problem solving, so doesn't need to be ELI5 territory.
"Cannot even browse files" could imply being unable to run binaries like a shell. Could you expand a bit on your desired use case?
Poor wording on my part. Simply don't want them to excecute anything I don't want them to or get into some directories. Access to something like My Files would be fine and in some cases may be needed, but nothing past that.
Check out bash restricted mode. Try running
man bashand find the section RESTRICTED SHELL