I understand. And the unfortunate thing is that we are down to just a few programs folks feel they “just can’t live without” that cannot be replaced by a Linux alternative. Other than games...
There are only a very few hold outs who have not ported to Linux yet. MS is probably paying them not to. The main thing though is user laziness. No one wants to take the time and effort to learn how to use a similar alternative.
My thought with the Win 7 window dressing was that it would be easier for first time users to feel comfortable with Linux from the get go. Most do not care how the engine works, they just care about the looks and feel of it being different.
Had one user on here say they didn’t like Mint because of the log in chime. So they threw the baby out with the bathwater over something that petty. But that is the common pickiness. :)
LOL I've turned them all off for years -- Mac, Windows, Linux, all of 'em.