I believe a final opportunity to support Linux would be valuable
I believe a final opportunity to support Linux would be valuable
I’m familiar with Linux and have managed a home DNS server using piHole, experimented with virtual machines, worked with Docker, and even installed it on my primary machine. However, I faced challenges from the beginning due to persistent BIOS issues that prevented proper booting until they were resolved. Once fixed, I found myself dealing with small details that would take a second in Windows. While Linux can be tricky, KDE handled most of the functionality well and I didn’t need to remove or downgrade my operating system. It’s frustrating seeing Microsoft continue with updates like ads, telemetry, bloatware, and unstable releases—changes to the desktop environment are becoming increasingly problematic. Trying Linux again would require at least one feature to function smoothly. Switching my living room setup (LG OLED and AVR) and turning off displays in the office was straightforward with DisplayFusion; in Windows it’s much easier using DisplayFusion or Kubuntu, but Kubuntu didn’t offer a simple solution, so I returned to Windows 10. If I can’t find a better option, I hope Windows 10 2021 IoT LTSC still has room for improvement, and alternatives may emerge soon.
Search for "Windows AME project". It was previously considered against guidelines since they bypassed activation by providing an ISO, but now they offer scripts to convert Windows into a lightweight version. I can execute it in a VM with GPU support, and the performance is better than native Windows while using less overhead from Linux and WinAME. I’m not sure about the full experience yet, but it works well for running my few remaining Windows games.
Also don't forget the unfair practices they employed with edge.
I understand AME, but for the sake of stability and simplicity in maintaining OS security I’d like the newest IoT LTSC version of Windows 10. Microsoft seems to treat regular users poorly, yet they do respect corporate clients—offering an ad-free, lightweight, reasonably uncluttered, and very reliable distribution. It appears the LTSC branch also supports measures to prevent telemetry and data gathering. I’m not sure if AME will receive extended support until 2032 or if it will end with mainstream support. There’s AME for version 11, but downgrading to Windows 11 is essentially a last resort.
P.S. I don’t dislike Windows at all. I’ve relied on this system across almost every version since the early 90s and appreciate its excellent hardware compatibility, broad support, and the surprising number of software options that still function well without updates. My main concern lies with Microsoft and their recent approach of prioritizing users, which I now fully recognize. Linux may be challenging, incomplete, and tough to use, but those behind it generally care about your needs.
HDR functionality on Linux is still emerging and the standards are not fully established. For dynamic screens you should consider a Wayland session, which may bring its own challenges (like with NVIDIA). One final thought? I never give an OS a last chance. I stay updated on what interests me regularly—whether it's Linux, MacOS, BSD, or Haiku.