Mac achievements unlocked!

Create bootable USB drive for installing Mac OS (High Sierra) - done!

Upgrade RAM in Mac Mini from 4 to 8 gigabytes - done!

Upgrade original hard drive in Mac Mini for a fast SSD - done!
(The online guides make it look easy - but the fit is very tight and fussy.)

Install High Sierra on SSD for a fast new(ish) Mac experience - done!

Next on the list: create Open Core install USB for installing new but officially unsupported Mac operating systems. We're going for a slightly older OS: Monterey so what I have at home will match what I have at work.

Then I will get my engineer at work to install all the programs I need for work. Working at home is going to be *much* easier afterwards.