Microsoft is pushing hard to make sure they control you and your data.

https://www.makeuseof.com/microsoft-removing-windows-11-install-loophole/

If you can actually set these up getting your bookmarks out of your browser is the best way to go for data protection. Along with never storing passwords in your browser.

https://www.xda-developers.com/shiori-is-the-best-self-hosted-bookmark-manager-i-didnt-know-i-needed/

Good advice but I would add the core matters. Debian/Ubuntu is your best bet if you are starting out.

A simple breakdown every distro is based on one of three cores that they were created from.

1. Debian/Ubuntu - Stable, only security updates are pushed. Point Upgrades are done to the OS on a yearly or long term schedule.

2. Arch - Bad for beginners prone to regression (bugs and crashes). Usually rolling release which means the OS is updated constantly. Falling behind those updates usually causes problems.

3. Fedora/RHEL - Stable, meant for workstations and professional use. Follows a security update only style release and point upgrades. There are some rolling release so care is needed when choosing from this line.

https://www.howtogeek.com/new-to-linux-focus-on-the-desktop-environment-not-the-distro/

The cloud backup is the only part we disagree with. However even a local cloud can still be prone to HDD failures unless setup with redundant disks. The idea of multiple types of backup mediums is a best practice.

https://www.xda-developers.com/why-external-hard-drive-isnt-real-backup/

Courses can be very helpful but not necessary, most non-technical people could probably benefit from computer literacy courses. With some basic general knowledge on technology it could help most navigate the easy to make mistakes that cause headaches.

Such as safe browsing and email habits, how to properly turn the computer off, and other basic operations. These would translate to better use of Linux as well as Windows.

https://www.howtogeek.com/what-does-it-mean-to-learn-linux/

Maybe they have tired of all the jokes about blue screens of death?

https://www.xda-developers.com/microsoft-blue-screen-of-death-replacement/

Like every other electronics component we are hitting the walls of sensible gains for the price. With money being tight settling for something more modest is smarter in the long run.

https://www.makeuseof.com/wont-buy-flagship-phone/

Physical media is another good screw you to the you will own nothing and be happy crowd. In a time of financial strain a streaming subscription might not be your best option.

https://www.howtogeek.com/vinyl-record-sales-are-still-going-strong/

While we don't really care how this came about especially from the depths of the sewer of reddit, there is good information on the statistics of how much data loss occurs.

https://www.xda-developers.com/story-of-world-backup-day/