How can I manually keep these programs up to date? Is there a command or an option in the applications or do I have to check the website for updates? Sorry for the stupid questions, I just don’t know anything about it.

What I really like about Linux (Mint) is the automation of updates. I had a similar feature enabled on Windows (10), but I still had to install most of it manually. With Linux (Mint) the automation works wonderfully and I have no stress. Another reason not to go back to Windows.

I can understand that certain European alternatives do not yet exist, but how wise is it to entrust data records to a country that is already threatening to simply shut down or block the software for fighter jets? I think it’s good that the EU and its countries are becoming more active in the intelligence sector, but the solution here should at most be designed to bridge the gap until European alternatives are developed. Anything else would be negligent towards the data and the protection of the European population. Especially since Palantir is not exactly known for good articles and is also owned by someone close to the anti-European Trump administration.