So Ubuntu has this model where they pretty much freeze package versions for an Ubuntu release after release, and then they only backport security updates from upstream. There's nothing new here, most distros do it this way. The idea is that this way they can polish the gazillions of package versions
You’ll get 5 free instances if you get a subscription, but that kind of messes with the whole “just install Ubuntu from a USB key and use it with no hassle” workflow many Ubuntu users used to love.
It only matters if you want support after 5 years. Just upgrade to a new release if you don’t need 10 years. If that’s a hassle, get the free subscription for 5 machines and you get 10 years.
Seems reasonable!
I subscribed to pro with a throwaway email so I’m okay with it generally speaking.
But 5 instances is not enough, not even for home personal use. If you’re running VMs for other tasks, you quickly hit this limit.
I donate to Ubuntu annually but I’m at the point of foregoing that donation if I need to subscribe to their subscription model.
Then update after 5 years 🤷🏻♂️