Mint is not the highest quality Linux distribution. So don't judge all of Linux by Mint if you ever end up running it. Although Mint has a lot of features that do make it new user friendly. Mint is akin to your first bicycle with training wheels on it. Once you get your balance you might want to try out a distribution with a more mature orientation. By then you'll know which to choose.
Now as far as spyware goes everyone is spying on your as soon as you access the web. So I don't know how much Google spying on your some more really matters. Have a cookie.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
