Just use Linux!
I've been using Linux with the Cinnamon DE for about 10 years. (switched from Gnome 2 to Cinnamon a couple years ago). I choose when to install updates, I can even hand-pick which updates happen. Cinnamon is a familiar interface, much like WinXP or Win7, only I like Cinnamon better.
All these complaints everyone is having can be fixed with a simple switch to Linux. You have tons of choices in how it looks, how it feels, how it operates, how it installs software... all you need to do is change for the better. Some people will have a little bit of a learning curve as Linux is a different OS, some will welcome the learning curve as it gives you more control over everything. It took me about 2 weeks to get used to the changes when I switched 10 years ago, but I wouldn't ever want to give those changes back. I hate the way windows looks/feels and operates.
If you're new and don't know... try Linux Mint or Fedora with the Cinnamon DE and you'll understand what I mean.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
