Advocating for AtlasOS is unwise.
Advocating for AtlasOS is unwise.
I understand the desire to keep old devices in use, but AtlasOS isn’t the best fit. The main issues are: it eliminates Defender and updates, and it disables protections against Spectre and Meltdown. These are especially concerning since the intended users—people extending their old PCs for general internet use—are likely relying on these systems as their primary computing solution with no alternatives. It’s almost certain they’ll face malware threats after applying these changes.
I felt a bit disappointed when Linus mentioned Linux was unnecessary for this task with AtlasOS available. I know it was meant as a joke, at least I hope so, but sincerely, unless your main goal is gaming, Linux remains a superior choice for an older machine. It’s much more user-friendly than it used to be. I set up Ubuntu on a vintage computer for my mom, who isn’t particularly tech-savvy, and she handled it without any issues. The performance was impressive given the hardware: Core 2 Quad Q9400, 4GB DDR2-800, Nvidia Quadro 600, 128GB HP SSD. Unless AtlasOS decides to adopt a similar path for Windows 11 and eases its limitations, this project becomes irrelevant after 2025 when Windows 10 stops receiving updates, making Linux a better long-term option—especially for systems with modern processors.
Removing Windows Defender is acceptable if you can avoid making mistakes. It’s a resource-heavy feature, which explains the change. Disabling Windows Update seems risky because it might undo the improvements they made. Yes, that’s problematic. My custom image includes Windows Update and the Spectre & Meltdown protections, while only Disable Defender Anti-Virus (firewall remains active) for security.
What people consider "common sense" is actually very limited in the realm of PC security. How could the cyber crime sector earn billions each year if not? There’s a clear reason why companies like Microsoft push defaults—such as disabling macros in Excel—which significantly cut down malware worldwide. Most users don’t care about it; they just need it to function properly.
For the average person, I understand. Running a Windows PC without any antivirus is not recommended. While I strongly dislike mandatory updates and forced installations, most users find it effective to keep things running smoothly. A solid antivirus pre-installed has also proven beneficial for many.
I rely on the Ghost Spectre Windows 11 custom ISO, since I only use this version. My devices have Defender turned off or completely removed. I also employ Kaspersky for protection, which effectively disables Defender.
Why not? That seems identical to what limits CPU gaming speed. Checked a tech yes city video on these fixes, and the effect is clear on older processors.
Performance decreases slightly to ensure safety. Spectre and Meltdown are risks to avoid on devices exposed to public networks.