A bit of history. I've tried installing Linux in 3 different guises (Mint in particular) on 3 different laptops using new and used HDD's,SD cards and SSD's. I've quite a collection! I've been trying to get onto the Linux wagon for some two years off and on. Believe me I've spent a real lot of time on the issue.
I succeeded once - don't know how. I also, in desperation, paid my local computer shop 90 Euros to get it loaded.
I have often said that I wonder how many give up with Linux at this first hurdle? Has anyone in Linux circles ever tried to quantify the failure not success of Linux? I have got to know a few in my circle of friends " Love to use it, desperately want to ditch W10, but it's too complicated"
It appears to me (having done some computer courses - hardware and software, Ql's Speccys et al ) that a fundamental stumbling block is installing Linux (Mint). I bought the discs to get around the fact that there is so much messing around downloading and creating ISO's or whatever, creating partitions and god only knows what else, none of which worked, Narrowing that down, it appears to me that installation depends on the type and format of the HDD/SDD, again another minefield but I suspect a root cause of the issue.
I've had all the usual banter back on the Mint forum about how easy it is, and it has to be said, also some pretty useful determined help from individuals. My thanks to you. Alas, all to no avail.
SO - imagine my complete surprise when I bought a Raspberry PI to help my godson get into computing - I inserted the NOOBS SD Card and WOWWW! it worked first time! How neat is that!? I finally got Linux to work.
No faffing around trying to get a computer degree to understand all the jargon. Blimey - I've even got it talking to my W10(spit) laptop and my Ipad!Well, that's the route I'm going to use to get away from Microsoft and it's tentacles.
I'll have to buy another Pi for my godson and his robotics, I'm keeping this one. Maybe I'll revisit "Mint" another day. Genuinely - thank you all for your constructive help.But - literally the bottom line is - how strange is it that with all that worldly knowledge and expertise there is out there, trawling the pages of Google, forums, try this - try that , maybe this - maybe that, when it comes down to getting started with no fuss and spitting feathers:
the most simple and successful solution to getting on the Linux path is to buy a Raspberry PI and NOOBS !!
Alas, my parents insisted I install Windows on it. 
