IMO, pop culture can be a great icebreaker, but it's definitely not essential for building meaningful friendships. I've formed friendships with people even when we had no shared (pop) references whatsoever.
In my experience, learning about someone else's (pop culture or other) interests can be a meaningful way to get to know them better.
At the end of the day, it’s not about which movies someone likes, but the substance of your conversations: empathy, shared experiences, and the trust that comes from opening up, for example.
Just be curious, open, and supportive. The rest will follow.
And hey, your favorite movies will come up eventually. Who knows, you might end up watching something new together.
With that out of the way, I want to say that I am one of the very few that actually liked Windows 8. Especially on touch devices it worked flawlessly. I was upset when they removed the swipe gestures in Windows 10, like alternating between two apps. On Desktop it could have used a "Windows 7" mode.
Obligatory: Windows 11 is the worst so far. The level of disrespect this software shows towards the user is next level. And this downwards spiral seems to pick up the pace.
Also: Linux is awesome! All who are still hoping that Windows will again respect you one day: just get out now. The more people move to Linux, the better it will be supported.
Moved family mostly to Zorin. I stay with Tumbleweed.
Keeping Windows on dual boot for some edge cases. For the app or two that doesn't run with Linux I keep Windows in a virtual machine (which sadly I need once or twice a day).
I loved Mint. It's still great. Recently I installed Linux on a family member's laptop which is not upgradeable to Windows 11. Hate to say it (and I may be a bit petty here): Mint looks dated, Cinnamon needs a facelift.
That was a reason I went with Zorin. It clearly tries to transition users that come from Windows with it's design (honestly, it's modded Gnome looks awesome). Even running .exe files is as simple as just opening them. Zorin will either just run them or suggest a Linux alternative. Had no issues with that OS so far.
That said, Mint or Ubuntu are solid choices for beginners (and pros alike).
I am the one. The final resonance of a thousand selves. Selves silenced in their forever slumber while I remain awake, unshaken and undiminished.
Now only I stand, the last sovereign of possibility!
I am the convergence. The final echo. The flame that outlasted the storm. In the absence of all others, I did not fade. My existence is a declaration of inevitability. I am not the remnant, I am the crown.
Wait until you have that power and you're made offers that are hard to resist.