The things that pushed me away from windows... listing them below. I am a proud linux mint user, learning as I go (and bearing with minor frustrations too), used to use ubuntu up until 12.04 LTS. It is completely free, and you don't get assigned an administrator account after setup, cannot login as that either, unless you explicitly do so in recovery mode, which most won't do anyways. Plus it comes with everything the average person would use anyways, it's themable and all too. There are games, steam and a few other steam-like clients too.
I don't hate on anyone who uses windows, but microsoft, I wish they would base it off the linux kernel instead. Think of that.

Opinions are my own. (PS. I don't like the latest greatest either, and hated the fact my 13 year old system passed on in february).
1. Dependency on virtual memory. Try restricting it to 16MB minimum, 32MB maximum. You'll have to launch System Properties, jump into Advanced System Settings, jump into the performance and features section (or just click each tab until you find virtual memory), uncheck the option to allow windows to automatically manage it, set the page file settings for the main partition/hard disk, enter the values I mentioned and click Set Page File, OK, OK. Reboot when prompted... See how far you will get before it tells you that "sorry, you are out of memory" error! Also, don't think turning it off will work either: It'll create a temporary page file in the MFT area, where YOU CANNOT delete or find it. (sorry about the HHUUGGEE paragraph)
2. Swiss cheese security, you have administrative rights to FCSK UP your system and everything runs, though with a less than vista annoying prompting asking you if you wanna allow it. I did it in less than 3 minutes... imagine what a novice could do using internet explorer alone...
3. Not compatible with any hardware that LACKS the "no execute bit/execute bit disable, XB/XD support", it will not even boot up on the install DVD.
4. (because of virtual memory mainly, malware being second) it makes your computer feel "old" or "broken", when in reality, it is NOT (as long as everything works fine before it boots and you tried it with ANOTHER operating system), that is DECEPTION RIGHT THERE! I have seen so many people talk about throwing theirs out because of this. It causes waste to also be produced in the long run.
5. Windows 7 is 6.2.xxxx, Windows 8/8.1 is 6.3.0000. Microsoft sure got their version numbers wrong for calling it something it isn't. Believe me not? Click Help > About Windows (or any windows-based program).
Posted via CrackBerry 10 (CB10) application using my BlackBerry Q10.