I am having a lot of fun using Linux on my new-used netbook and have elaborated my view of the cost of using free software. Although Linux costs no money, there is a price for using it. Some learning is required.
I enjoy the learning, as it happens, but many (most?) would rather not be bothered. For them, it’s preferable to pay someone to understand and maintain their devices. Certainly a valid choice.
The Linux version I’ve chosen is Linux Mint Debian Edition, for reasons of open source policy as well as usability. Believe it or not, I can run it from a USB stick, actually booting the laptop from the stick rather than the internal drive.
The whole operating system is on the stick. All of its applications, too. The wireless internet works, the touchpad works, videos play. Downloads or files I create can be saved onto the USB stick. That means, essentially, that I can carry my computer with me on something as small as a key fob. Plugged into another computer’s USB port and booted up … there’s my computing environment and all of my files. How’s that for portable!