@amachini I should have said: *"inadvertently, doing something which we may not even realize we have done… not they, because I’m a fledgling newbie myself! 
Newbies helping newbies in this case; and that is why you can depend on me to be on the careful side. I was also freed from Microsoft’s claws, some months ago; my first real experiences being with Mint 17.2 Rafaela, not long after it first came out.
Ubuntu MATE, and this growing, supportive community is a superior choice - so far as what I am after. 
I say this after using Zorin (just for my first clueless week), Mint Cinnamon & Xfce, Lumbuntu LXLE, and Unity regularly - as well as dabbling in plenty more for a day or two. Those are all in the past now, and I am finally contented - not that I see any thing wrong with variety - I merely find no need now.
MATE embraces a ‘come-as-you-are’ approach which is genuine and much needed.
