> I realize that these articles are well intentioned, but I really wish the authors would take a more measured approach. My general advice prior to switching to

> I realize that these articles are well intentioned, but I really wish the authors would take a more measured approach. My general advice prior to switching to Linux is: use open source applications under your existing operating system first and ensure the distribution works by testing it on the installation media prior to installing it. They do. From the article: > Like any serious upgrade, start with making a complete backup of your Windows system. Installing Linux shouldn’t hurt your Windows setup in the least, but I don’t believe in taking chances. > Two other thoughts: choose Linux for what it is rather than choosing it for what it isn't. The article is targeted for people who are on Windows 7 and can't run/afford Windows 10 and stuck with an operating system that no longer gets any security updates. That's a given for the target audience from the outset, so we need to keep that context in mind when prioritizing.