[daniel1212]

I typically look for alternative to anything MS, except for the OS, and even then, to enhance and or "fix" it to make it more efficient, etc. As regards mail, https://www.thunderbird.net/en-US/

https://www.wikihow.com/Set-up-Mozilla-Thunderbird

For a word processor, LibreOffice - Free and private office suite,

Image viewer: XnView MP/Classic

File search: https://www.mythicsoft.com/agentransack/

Agent Ransack 2016 (for Win 7 or higher) can be downloaded from here:

Agent Ransack 2016 32/64 bit

In addition, most Windows users do not even know about the level of safe and free enhancements available, which they should find improve Windows despite MS upgrades which overall are negative as regards efficient functionality.

Like Open Shell, download Open Shell (click on Releases>Latest on middle right side) to replace the mobile device W/11 start menu, and there is Explorer Patcher that restores the Windows 11 taskbar to be exactly like Windows 10, while Windows 7+ Taskbar Tweaker (I am using the beta ver.) provides more customization.
Then there are the over 200 tweaks available in Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4 and now there is Ultimate Windows Tweaker 5 for Windows 11 from the Windows club.

Add to this the many Winaero features of the Winaero Tweaker and is Right-Click Extender (add items to many right click menus)

Composite image:

Linux distros themselves seem to copy the idea that sparse menus, spaced out icons, are best.
Thanks and glory be to God in Christ

[dayglored]

Hi daniel1212, and once again, Thank You for another terrific, detailed, and useful comment!

We share a preference for placing a lot of information on the screen without tons of superfluous whitespace, large fonts, large spaced-out icons, etc. High-density "compact" display works just fine.

I generally assume that the modern predilection for excessive whitespace is to allow use on a touchscreen device with fat fingers. :-)

[Jeff Chandler]

Can Linux run Scrivener or Final Draft?

[thinden]

circle back for more info

thanx

[ducttape45]

That's quite a post. Thank you.

But even if one has a modern Windows O/S, and they have all the tweaks and addons progammed in, it's still Windows. MicroThief still owns your computer and can steal your info at any time. How does one counteract that? Genuinely curious.