Thanks for info chaps. This old brain gets weary struggling with modern tech so I've wimped out and ordered a new laptop. How dare you accuse me of laziness!
It's a shame that Linux is such a faff to install compared to all other programs and apps. Presumably the reason is that Microsoft don't want people to escape from Windows.
I'll leave the thread extant so that braver souls can follow the guidance of the posters here if they're determined to forge ahead with installing Linux - good luck!