“Then keep using it, no one’s stopping you or forcing you to change.”
Hmmmm...there are not a huge number of cheap computers for sale with Windows 7.
I’ve been using computers since the days of punch cards. Why shouldn’t a major company give customers the option of whatever interface they like best - which, I’ll admit, is NOT punchcards?
“I’ve not had a single complaint or question from them since moving them to Linux Mint. “
I might try it, but it won’t change the ‘sales’ for MS since MS sales are based on sales of new computers. There just hasn’t been a big rush of people wanting to upgrade from 7 to 8, or from XP to 8.
It reminds me of razor blades. Gillette has been pushing more and more blades/cartridge, at greater and greater expense, to justify buying their patented ‘system’ - although a Gillette Atra with cartridges that cost under 20 cents each gives a better shave. But Gillette has an advertising budget, and the truth does not...
I've been building my own computers for years now. (Since @ 1988.) You can typically build a much higher quality computer for much less than buying one "off the shelf."
It takes a little knowledge and reading component specifications to make sure the parts you buy are compatible, from there putting together a modern computer is pretty darn simple. Always helps if you have a friend who can help you through your first build as I did. After that, once you know how to spec out your system and put it together it's a breeze.
I built the computer I'm using right now from components I selected myself. If I told you what it was and what it cost me to build it myself you'd likely be surprised. Systems that are similar to mine sell for several hundreds of dollars more than I paid to build it myself.
Between building the computer (putting the parts together) and installing the OS took me about 90 minutes. I used to be able to do it much faster however old age, arthritis and failing eyesight (need cheaters!) slows one down a bit.
BTW: I won't argue the "uptake" on Windows 8 compared to Windows XP or Windows 7. Yep, Microsoft is heavily relying on bundling the OS with New PC's to drive their numbers up. That's part of covering up their mistake, changing their Desktop OS to look like an XBox. You'll get no argument from me there!
Best Regards
USC