I don't have an issue with Microsoft using P2P to move updates etc to clients. P2P it is so efficient.
Yes, it's good for a lot of people. Some people don't' want their computer uploading to others and "stealing" their bandwidth (While they happily suck files from other computers...)
I'm pretty sure several of my games use torrent to update content. Runs VERY fast after a certain number of people get their seeding up.
I have always thought of converting to linux, I am now at the point where my xp desktop is now a music machine in the garage. Curious how the transition is to linux.
If you are interested in trying Linux, and have little experience, maybe try Mint. I've heard it's the most user-friendly distro out there for Windows users. I haven't tried it myself yet, but I might dual-boot this workstation and see what it's like. I'd honestly be fine running either OS for day-to-day stuff, but I have to have Window available sometimes.
I *should* look into a Virtual Machine solution.