[Anonymouse]

I don't like the way Microsoft is going. Call me old-fashioned -

<dry>I'll pause while you laugh and/or agree.
No rush.
Done?
Okay.</dry>

- but I don't like the emphasis on AI. Or the change to the context menu (I found a way to restore the old version, but it won't stick!). When there were calls for Microsoft's monopoly to be broken, the legislators missed the point. We users wanted Microsoft to be accountable. We wanted Windows to go open source.

I don't like the overdependence on OneDrive. I've killed it - I find external drives useful for backup. My updates are paused (minimal risk - I have Norton). I never updated Windows 8.1; it worked and works fine. Most 'security updates' are un-necessary IMO if you have a decent AV and firewall.

Especially I don't like the fact that they're showing ads. AT ALL.

So I might get a new SSD, even though my laptop's relatively new, split the partition and dual boot. I last did it with 98 and 2000, painlessly. If I prefer Linux I'll erase Windows and merge the two partitions.

I've heard good things about Mint. What's the learning curve like, switching from Windows to Linux - shallow and smooth, or are we talking dangerous ski slope?

I like the idea of never getting viruses. I would prefer the lack of AI and ads. There is a vast, helpful support network.

But...I paid for Driver Easy, Norton and PowerDVD.

So I'm in two minds, which is why I may go for dual boot. I'll need to copy my existing setup to the new SSD, of course - not a problem, I've done that before, too.