You don't need to know anything about Linux, Bash, Python etc. to use these Enigma2 boxes when you have something like Openvix installed on them.
See
https://www.openvix.co.uk/ and the associated guides and features
It helps to have some technical knowledge to set the box up but for day to day usage just some knowledge of the menus.
- Receive Sky FTA channels - Yes
- Full HD 1080p output - Yes - but UK broadcast is 1080i not 1080p
- Dolby-D via HDMI - Yes but only if the broadcasters transmits it - Dolby Digital is on the minority of broadcasts - even BBC HD reserve it for a just few programs.
- Usually encoded stereo (prologic II)
- Record - You need to add a hard disk and then the box becomes a full functioning PVR when running openvix or similar.
- Pause - Yes (if you add storage - hard disk or USB stick)
- Schedule Recordings - Yes (with appropriate added hard disk/USB stick)
- EPG - the 7 day SKY FTA EPG can be obtained over the air or via the internet.
- Do these boxes upscale SD content? - Yes if you output in 1080
- Is the picture as good as it is on Sky? - Same satellite, same signals.
- Is the interface 'snappy' or does it tend to be a bit laggy? I have no experience of the box you have selected