Microsoft suspends Win 7/8.1 updates for new generation processors.

[#1]

I'm here!
OK Mint has Libre Office and has had for several years.
Both your printers are supported by HP on Linux, so no issues there.
A complete install of Mint 18, I would give ~25Gb to / and as much as you think you need for /home.I always recommend using a separate /home partition (its easier that it sounds when you install, you just choose custom and select the partition names & sizes) to make upgrading/migrating easier.

But 1st off just download an image of Mint 18, Mate if you want a windows type gui or cinnamon if you have a reasonable video card and want the bells and whistles. Put it on a usb drive and play with it. You will be able to print/scan surf etc from the usb boot.

[#2]

@HairyMcbiker

Thanks for putting in an appearance! I am in good company!!

Your welcome assurance about Libre Office having both editions. I use the Windows version now but will end up with Linux version  I was aware that HP look benevolently on Linux pretty widely, thanks for confirming that. 

I anticipate picking up a reconditioned tower as mentioned to shutter. I intend to replicate my laptop set-up in it. So I anticipate that I will have to face Win10 with a genuine M$ Win 7Pro DVD if I can get one. I seem to remember that the Key DVD also was needed to register ownership with M$. Would this have to be connected with the install disk?  This could be difficult. I cannot remember how I got on with the laptop in this matter because the OS was already loaded.

When I get down to Mint18, I have a live DVD (c/o Linux Format) which lets me go for Cinnamon or Mate as I wish.

No doubt I will hold my hand up indue course if things get out of hand!!

 

[#3]

@colintivyWhen you get the Win 7 Pro dvd from the ebay seller, there should be a little strip of paper with a barcode and the "key" series number .

[#4]

@shutter

Ta! I will investigate to see what is available.

@HairyMcbiker

I have a couple of HD Caddies, one with over 400GB SATA to play with!!

Work nearly in hand.

[#5]

@Anonymous

@HairyMcbiker

Hi Folks!

Shutter knows, in a different post, that I expect to have a recon lenovo M91p i5 - 2500 2.30Ghz Quad Core with Win 7 Pro  installed on Tuesday. That short circuits the need for another M$ disc. I have read the FOSS reference which looks like good advice. I will be using the Linux Format DVD with Mint 18 (both desktops) as I am not sure right now which software the laptop has. We shall see after I have checked out the new machine. No doubt the questions will arise.

[#6]

With that spec. the cinnamon desktop would be great on it.