Thanks for the replies. So it's confirmed I'm powerless to stop Microsoft meddling with my computer? It's not the update concept that annoys me so much as the loads of unwanted crap they insist on installing (I'm 55, I don't want gaming related ****e on my machine, nor do I suspect do millions of other users. They should offer the choice of what WE want on our machines, not what THEY want..). Add to that the chance of their updates going "wrong" and wrecking my laptop as occurred last time..
As for Linux, I have no problem with it. Many people say it's great stuff. It's just that until now I've been quite satisfied with Windows and what it does (I did prefer XP over Windows 10 however). It's just that I don't have the inclination of going through learning curve of learning a completely new operating system and all it entails...