Then there is always Linux! Many variations to choose from and all are free. Mint is great for music activities. Firefox usually comes with it as an optional browser. Updated frequently (for free) and many free add-on software packages available.

I got tired of constant new Windows versions and the cost of their other software. Seems like they expect users to pay for every upgrade and Microsoft was involved in so many shady deals to destroy competitors. Why reward them for bad behavior?

Did I mention that Mint is a graphical user interface? Makes the transition much easier. Don't get me wrong... there is a learning curve but now, you don't need to be a "programmer" to use Linux. I'm told it can reside as a partition on your hard disk drive so it and Windows can run on the same machine... in case your other software investment in Microsoft is too much of a leap to abandon.

I decided to "wean" my internet activities from Windows and dedicate one machine to Linux Mint alone. No complaints.