Bill, you're correct in that you can't stop the (auto) updates, but you can PAUSE them for 35 days. However, you can't do a second or subsequent 'pause' until you do the updates. Uninstalling the culprit seems to be the only recourse. Of course it gets reinstalled at the next update . Oh well, I'm too old to switch to MAC at this point .

chas

Just buy a Mac....!

Donny, Mac has it's own unique problems. And, like Chas, I'm too damned old to mess with a new OS PC.

Gary

Check on the MAC forums and you will find a tale of woe as updates have broken certain programs, however whereas Microsoft try to make updates compatible with older software, (Up to a point) however with MAC you have to usefully rely on the program manufacture as in most cases if you bring it to the attention of Apple, they just give you the finger. (Do a search on the web and you will find that even serious Apple fans are ditching them as they have become too restrictive)

Bill

Been using Linux since the late 90s (You really had to work to get it to work properly then) as a secondary system and providing the free programs available will do the job that you require it’s great, however with Linux it is not unusual for an update to completely change the system (Way bigger than what you normally get with Windows) which can get really confusing unless you have a full understanding of Linux, (And the particular Distro that you are using) plus a lot of specialist programs will not run even under WINE so you have to learn a whole new program.

If anybody wishes to try Linux I always recommend to use Virtual Box (Or similar) and run it in a virtual machine to make sure it is for you, before installing it as your main system. (As you say if it suits then it’s all you will need for most use, however don’t be conned into believing what the Linux Fans say that it is the best thing out there, as it only that in certain circumstances. (Just like any OS)
NOTE: Make sure you research all the Linux Distros out there as not all will suit your requirements.

Bill

Hi Bill:

Thanks for "chiming-in!" You are 100% correct. Always crawl before attempting to "walk!" The "net" is full of ways and alternatives for accomplishing the acquisition, familiarization and actual usage of all the many variations of Linux.

I tried "Red Hat" years ago and within 30 days... walked away from it. I'm not a programmer or code-man. I am a "user" only of any operating system. The Graphical User Interface of "MINT" is the key to "launching this puppy" IMHO. Most of the guys and gals here must own 3 or 4 keyboards costing thousands more than a PC.

I would not be surprised if many already own as many PC's as I do. Take one completely off-line, remove any software, programs or records you need to keep... then wipe that sucker clean. (You can get that free, too.) Then install "MINT" and learn the "ropes." Once you are satisfied, start using it by taking baby steps. Get comfortable with it... then bring it "on-line."

Before doing anything... do a little research. Read about what others have done, their failures and successes.

Best wishes for a smooth transition if you give it a try. It isn't "Rocket Science."