[mjustice]

Not sure which variant you're using but that's not the experience of most Linux users out there - it's insanely easy to update or add programs - if (for Debian/Ubuntu) "sudo apt-get install X" is too challenging, there's also a GUI where you can search for an application and install it. For things that are not free (like VMWare) they provide installation archives that you can download and install from the command-line or GUI and then you can register/enter a license key once it loads.

As for customization, there are tons of options - most involve editing configuration files, pretty simple - so again, I don't see it as "take what I give you" from the developers who create and maintain these apps.

[Openurmind]

“As for customization, there are tons of options - most involve editing configuration files, pretty simple - so again, I don’t see it as “take what I give you” from the developers who create and maintain these apps.”

Actually, GUI themes, applets, desklets, and extensions can just be switched out from the settings to customize. No need for editing configuration files. That is only needed for very very fine tuning if you are a perfectionist.

https://cinnamon-spices.linuxmint.com/themes

But your point is extremely important, at least you “can” customize it right down to every last nut and bolt if you like.