Welcome CTooze003.
Glad you've decided to take a dive into the world of Linux. Unless you find a specific reason to continue with Win, I think if you search for the right distro (and there are ALOT of them) that you will be glad you went full-time with whatever distro you chose.
The problem you're having with your wifi dongle is not a Linux problem per-se, it's the fact that Realtek isn't very supportive with offering their software drivers (for free) to the Linux community. On a certain level, you can understand that.
Try the driver from the chaotic-aur that was mentioned above. If that doesn't work, it could be a crap shoot from distro to distro at the OOTB level. Maybe Ubuntu if any would.
However ... there is a silver lining! If you can find a wifi stick with a Ralink chip, you could find eternal happiness.
Here's a brand notorius for their general Linux support. Works OOTB with no need to install any additional drivers.
I'm typing this from one now ...
https://www.pandawireless.com/
GM