Computers: Poster Children of Planned Obsolescence

I bought a new computer. Within one hour of setting it up, I was boxing it back up. I have never been so frustrated with a computer in my life.

It kept forcing me to take Microsoft Edge as my browser. In fact, you couldn't even get into the computer until you agreed to all its terms. That was a deal breaker, right there.

Whatever happened to free choice?

There were other reasons I hated this computer too. It was a "gamer's computer" making me think it will have more memory and speed than a regular computer. (I didn't notice a difference.)

It was impractical. It had a clear window to see into the guts of the PC, which is cute, but it also had large openings at the top of the tower that could let every bit of dust and dog hair inside. Stupid and impractical.

Finally, it had no CD drive. I need a CD drive in my tower. Why should I pay for an extra bit of hardware that will take up more desk space? That was my fault for not noticing it.

It went back to the store within one hour of taking it out of the box.

A lot of people like laptops, but I've always found them cumbersome. I need a big screen and a keyboard that fits under the desk. That's the most comfortable way for me to work.

A lot of people like Apple. I actually started with Apple, but by the time I got serious about designing on a computer I had switched to Windows so I wouldn't have to buy Apple friendly (and more expensive) software. 

I've stayed on Windows ever since.

When I updated my computer to Windows 10, they had tried to force Microsoft Edge on me then, but I simply uninstalled it. Ironically, my computer began to speed up a little after I removed Edge. 

In the new computer it wouldn't even let me access the computer until I accepted Edge and gave them personal information about myself.

The Geek at Best Buy said I could bypass it, but it barred any of my attempts to circumvent it.

Right now, my old computer is at the shop. I'm hoping they can at least extend its life for another year or two, but it doesn't sound hopeful. After describing what it was doing, the tech thought it might be the operating system. 

The operating system is the same reason we've had to upgrade phones, watches, and previous computers. Without a consenting operating system our devices slow down to a crawl, rendering them unusable. 

Fingers crossed, they can do something. 

Microsoft Edge: What is it with Microsoft? Does anyone know why Microsoft Edge is so ruthless in getting your information and forcing you to accept them? 

I have never seen anything so draconian for a product I've bought and should be able to operate without a leash. It's almost enough to make me switch to Apple.

Almost. Apple has leashes of its own.

Any help, recommendations, or insights would be appreciated.

I'll probably be late replying, so bear with me.

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