cool. I usually burn it to keep warm...
Microsoft - Google(The G stands for Government) and several others are ‘CARTELS’ that exploit the public with the help of the political elite - They are not your friend.
As per Linux - I have run a KDE desktop for almost 15 years now - I have to do things on a Win7 box from time-to-time and I can say that there is no longer any reason not to move to Linux.
The only thing that keeps people on the Win platform is inertia or some specialized software that is only available there.
Most cities have Linux groups and meetings where you can find a Linux-head willing to help you install if you aren’t up to it.
I recommend Debian - if you want free - as in freedom - software.
Some good information is at https://wiki.xtronics.com/index.php/Debian_Linux