I realize that these articles are well intentioned, but I really wish the authors would take a more measured approach. My general advice prior to switching to Linux is: use open source applications under your existing operating system first and ensure the distribution works by testing it on the installation media prior to installing it.

The diving in head first approach has two big drawbacks. You are learning everything at once. That can be a painful process, particularly for people who know how to use a particular piece of software and have never generalized their skills. The second problem is that Linux (or particular Linux distributions) doesn't work well with some hardware. It is easier to shrug that off if you find that out prior to installing and spending hours troubleshooting.

Two other thoughts: choose Linux for what it is rather than choosing it for what it isn't. If you're switching to Linux because it is more performant on older hardware is good. Switching to Linux because your old operating system is slow is setting a mindset to hate Linux. Also keep in mind that switching to Linux is a personal decision and it's okay to say that Linux is not for you. No one is forcing the switch: not the old vendor you dislike and not the enthusiastic advocates.

I'm sorry if this rubs some people the wrong way, but I believe that most of these articles are setting people up to hate Linux rather than embrace it. That is saddening since it is a great operating system that makes life so much easier if you approach it with an open mind.