For the entire time I've used Windows, I have had no need to install weird things off the internet. I just go to cnet's "software repositories", and I can download thousands and thousands of pieces of software that have been tested just for my operating system. In many other cases, I can go directly to the vendor's website and download yet more known-safe programs. No malware, no viruses, no attention seeking software that wants to embed a brand in my brain, no nagging to buy additional products, nothing.

The idea of owning information is absurd...

What's your bank account number? Not having that information is inhibiting my economic development.