I want to ask what people here are using. I want something that is easy to install that has full disk encryption features during the install on the GUI. And basically something without privacy unfriendly bloatware (like Ubuntu).
I would also like something that doesn't force you to wipe your stuff and start from scratch every 2 or 3 years.
So I would rather use something more common. I want to be able to search for stuff and find answers.
There has to be a simple OS that just works.
Those are very tough requirements, i'd just recommend Linux Mint or Debian which tick most of your requirements. You can even choose desktop environment you prefer.
You will probably not even have Wi Fi drivers after installing the first CD. Probably will not need that if you are using Ethernet any way. You can look up drivers for any thing that does not work. I doubt you will not find a way. Internet is your friend.
These days Debian include non-free driver by default.