For a GUI managed application, I prefer Timeshift. Timeshift is reliable, stable and easy to use.
Others like Rescuezilla. The only reason I do not is the space that Rescuezilla requires in order to be used. For your described applicability, Rescuezilla may be the better fit. It can create a snapshot of the entire OS, allowing fast restoration.
Having your ~ directory on a separate partition helps protect your personal files and data from loss.
There are means of backing up to an external drive that allow you to remotely restore from the back up. I have used these systems, but am not well versed in setting them up.
Being non-techie seems age independent. So what apps are really best covered between you and your users. If you give us ideas of Needs or applications they want, we can make Linux Friendly recommendations...
As general as your current question is - you will end up with as many suggestions as the thread you linked. Many of which won't apply to you.
I always used Teamviewer on Windows and Remmina on Linux.
I answered this one earlier... I will detail here:
Wine is great. But not all apps work on Wine and not all apps work the way they do on Windows OS. Wine is a compatibility layer and while it is very good, there are limits to reason.
Wine can also get complicated pretty quickly, be difficult to manage remotely and it can only run Windows Applications - the user cannot browse and operate as they would in Windows.
For your needs, a Virtual Windows Machine really sounds the way to go. It may be a bit more work to set it up, but would fulfill your requirements better and be easier to manage and reset. It also would be utterly unable to affect or alter the Linux Distro install.
The biggest hurdle switching users face is Application install / removal and the Terminal.
When I switched, the terminal was a very scary place. Now, it is my go-to tool for most things. I do not use Software store or Synaptic - only terminal for file modification, search, package checks, kernel, installs... I thoroughly understand both sides- the migrants aversion to it... And the Linux users that love it.
But not everyone responds to the terminal the same way.
While it is my own goal to encourage the terminal for the efficient and powerful tool that it is, minimizing the exposure to a new and non-tech user is a great way to help ease them into the pool.
While I personally dislike the Software
store, it is very easy for newcomers to use.
It's not complex like Synaptic is.
And the terminal scares new users that feel lost as to what to type into the empty blank looking thing.
Using GUI applications that come with Zorin OS like the Software & Updates app, Software Updater and Software store can keep them from the most common terminal use.
The next familiarity issue is inevitable: Knowing where to find the settings that they want.
I usually recommend Zorin Lite or Zorin Pro Lite depending on the users need for Settings and ability to really sete things up their own way.
And with Cinnamon D.E., a machine can be set up to resemble Windows so closely, that many users don't realize it is Linux (Like many city libraries do).
Lastly, even as you shoulder the burden of being their tech support; this forum can help you there with individualized support and troubleshooting. Don't hesitate to send them our way if you need.
Only @Frog bites. But he's lost his teeth. I'm sure he will find them, though.
Soon as he remembers where he put his glasses.