but for a Windows convert, figuring out which Linux apps to use isn't straightforward.

That's a problem with any system. You can say that about moving to iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux.

Deciding between numerous unfamiliar software options isn't much different from the Windows method

Yes it is, it's very different. I've shown you the difference.

But in terms of pratical experience, the difference isn't that significant.

No, the practical difference is huge, and I've shown you that! It's far less complicated, far less cumbersome, far more intuitive, and also considerably safer on Linux than it is on windows.

I like Windows, I do. I use it every day. I could list a dozen things I think Windows does very well. But the biggest issue I have with Windows is that managing software on it makes me want to pull my teeth out. It is hands down the worst operating system that is still in use in that regard.

That's not me being dramatic or exaggerating. It is the worst actively used operating system that exists for managing software, and it's not even close.

No amount of writing I can do can sum up how bad it is in that regard.

Again, I need to reiterate this. Microsoft has stated themselves that they think it's a bad system. No other OS has tried to do it this way, for good reason.

Please stop pretending they're on par, because they're not.

Yes, it's probably safer

Verifiably safer.

terminal

Stop talking about the terminal. You don't need to use the terminal. If you talk about the terminal then it's only fair that I bring up command prompt, Windows terminal, and powershell. And guess what? They're even more complex than the Linux terminal, the fact that there are three and you're expected to know what to use each for is another layer of confusion.

I also never said the terminal was user friendly, I've repeatedly said you shouldn't use it. Please stop putting words in my mouth.

You don't need to use the terminal. You don't need to use command prompt. You don't need to use powershell. You don't need to use Microsoft terminal.

YOU DON'T NEED TO USE THE TERMINAL.

Do I need to say it any more? It's a completely disingenuous argument.

I'm not sure why Mint lists flatpaks as a different app to their own packaged version. Other software centres I've seen don't do that, you've seen what mine looks like. But the Mint team is literally just a handful of people who make a system that's still less complicated than one from a $2.75 trillion dollar company.