So, you're tired of Microsoft and want to step away from Google but hear Apples are expensive.

So, you're tired of Microsoft and want to step away from Google but hear Apples are expensive. As a last resort you decide to venture into the hereto unknown: Linux. But, what's a good Microsoft or Chromebook user to do when they're trying to cut off the elephants in the room? Well, here's a start: plenty of Linux-y goodness to replace your Gmail, Hangouts, Skype, Office, GSuite and more. Yes, some of them cost money, but the trade off is, you're not the product - you're buying the product. So, no ads, no invasive scripts, no nothing. Just clean usable features.
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ditch-google-on-linux/