I’m pretty sure this was a contributing factor in my parents divorce.

Because either way you’re taking a risk.

Security flaws and aging hardware are two obvious problems.

I’d very much question why you’d use windows 10 over something better supported— maybe not Linux but at least Windows Server OS.

I would agree that it certainly wasn’t the worst case scenario.

Partly, yeah.

Local and inconsistent.

Turns out the US is a collection of states.

Completely agree. Could have been far worse.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/16/us/salt-lake-city-no-kings-protest-shooting

They also got an innocent bystander killed, so not great there.

Thank you for sharing, that was an excellent video.

Also appreciate the edit; it’s amazing how much of a difference those little words make.

Biggest objection to that angle for me is “well I never eat microwave popcorn” makes it too easy to dismiss the problem.

I’d still bet that “groundwater contamination” (or “drinking water contamination” from manufacturing is the single largest source for almost anyone, but it looks like microwave popcorn is shockingly high when it comes to food and food packaging.

their packaging is a major source of PFA buildups in our bodies

[citation needed]

There’s no way that more than a few people eat enough microwave popcorn for that to be true.

Doin’ the Lord’s work here.

It’s definitely a thing.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unix_philosophy

Lots of great recommendations here. I’ll add some things:

1. Windows will be a great choice for something you are familiar with, but the current iterations are definitely heading in the direction of being advertising-filled messes. So it’s not a bad idea to look at alternatives.
2. Apple should be a good choice for a “just works” system without a lot of junk in it. But if you’re new to it there will be a learning curve. Software options are also more limited. AutoCAD looks to be your only major commercial CAD option there.
3. If you want to explore Linux, try a live usb stick and see what you think. It will feel very different and there will be a larger learning curve, but a liveUSB should be a risk free and relatively easy way to try it out and see if you love the difference or hate the change. If you still are interested at that point consider dual-booting or repurposing an older system for something to tinker with.
4. CAD in particular might be a sticking point. Windows will give you the most options. You didn’t mention whether you’re tied to a specific system as is common for a profession / livelihood or whether you’re open to options. If you’re able to look at alternatives— AutoCAD is on Mac and Windows, SolidWorks is on windows only. QCAD is a smaller option for 2D CAD on all three platforms and I’ve been happy with it for everything I’ve tried to do.