Re: 1998
I last did a clean install of Windows (Win 10 Pro) on a laptop last week. The main problem was convincing the firmware to let it install; that problem would also have applied to Linux… except that there are no Linux drivers available for much of the hardware on that laptop. I checked with the vendor (Lenovo; I was directed to the ‘community’ wherein some said that Fedora might work but certain hardware, including but not limited to the fingerprint reader and the built in camera, would never work under Linux because there are no Linux drivers and never will be. Fedora doesn’t work. I tried. Twice. Win10 works, including all hardware. Don’t ask me why there aren’t Linux drivers for the frigging _camera_.) and I checked the wider Internet. No drivers for Linux. (If someone doubts, contact me directly and I will supply the specs.)
I put Win10 Pro on it precisely because I want to avoid MS screwing with the UI on a periodic basis; Win10 dies soon, and MS will LEAVE IT ALONE, something to be greatly desired. And no frigging Microsoft Account bullshit. Ever. I wanted to put Ubuntu on it, but… no drivers. And I can’t Hackingtosh it, because… no drivers. Win10 Pro is the best way forward. I just have to keep it well away from Ye Internet, and make sure that everything is backed up. Twice.