Ok, quick update on the Linux machine. I now have it, its in a midi tower and the MB is micro ATX Asrock N68-S, nothing to write home about but should be OK. Maxed out already at 4 GB memory but so far my research shows that it will run smoothly on 1 to 2 GB along with programs, so I have a bit of headroom for the time being.
Have not run it yet as I'm waiting for Amazon to deliver a DisplayPort to HDMI cable and USB KM switch, so I can share mouse and keyboard between both PCs and the monitor has a input selector, so I can have 2 PCs connected and can select between D-Sub, HDMI and DVI inputs. Have only just ordered these items, as I never knew what I was dealing until I got the PC.
Now a couple of questions for the enlightened here with Linux, my existing mouse is Bluetooth, so with the dongle in the switch unit, will Linux detect that and install the drivers or what? And, will Discord work OK on Linux? If so, I will probably set it up on the Linux PC.