A few questions since you seem to know much more about this than I can probably even find from searching:
What is “IoT”? What is “LTSC”?
Other than update support, how is this different from my existing home laptop’s Windows 10?
Is this free? Will there be obnoxious limitations or reminders to pay to activate?
Why should I as a medium skill home computer user without work needs opt for this over Mint, Ubuntu, Nobara, Arch, or whatever other distro somebody would insist I use? I don’t need Office.
The the LTSC branch of windows is the enterprise version Microsoft sell only to businesses that require less flashy feature and longer security support since most business don’t update machines frequently. IOT just seems to be the LTSC version with the longest supported update cycle.
It’s slightly less bloated at least the Win10 version doesn’t come with pre-installed games and didn’t even have the Microsoft store installed by default. It still comes with telemetry but heard some say online they’ve had an easier time disabling it and keeping it disabled on the LTSC versions.
It’s “free” as in a sandwich you find on the side of the road is free. Microsoft REALLY doesn’t want regular users using their business only services but people always find a way.
It’s really only for people who currently refuse Linux but also can’t/won’t upgrade to Windows 11. I’m only suggesting it because I’d rather people at least still get security updates than use a completely unsupported OS.
Dope! I appreciate you taking the time! So it sounds like a slightly less bloated version of 10 that gets more support, but it may not be exactly legal and breezy to obtain for my personal home use.
With the possible exception of finding drivers for a device or two, it sounds like I’ll be better off just pivoting to a Linux distro mid 2025. I have been happy with SteamOS on my docked steam deck with m+kb and controller, so I’m sure I won’t be missing much by picking a popular distro that I can find troubleshooting guidance for when I hit inevitable snags.
A few questions since you seem to know much more about this than I can probably even find from searching:
I’m no expert by any means but.
The the LTSC branch of windows is the enterprise version Microsoft sell only to businesses that require less flashy feature and longer security support since most business don’t update machines frequently. IOT just seems to be the LTSC version with the longest supported update cycle.
It’s slightly less bloated at least the Win10 version doesn’t come with pre-installed games and didn’t even have the Microsoft store installed by default. It still comes with telemetry but heard some say online they’ve had an easier time disabling it and keeping it disabled on the LTSC versions.
It’s “free” as in a sandwich you find on the side of the road is free. Microsoft REALLY doesn’t want regular users using their business only services but people always find a way.
It’s really only for people who currently refuse Linux but also can’t/won’t upgrade to Windows 11. I’m only suggesting it because I’d rather people at least still get security updates than use a completely unsupported OS.
Dope! I appreciate you taking the time! So it sounds like a slightly less bloated version of 10 that gets more support, but it may not be exactly legal and breezy to obtain for my personal home use.
With the possible exception of finding drivers for a device or two, it sounds like I’ll be better off just pivoting to a Linux distro mid 2025. I have been happy with SteamOS on my docked steam deck with m+kb and controller, so I’m sure I won’t be missing much by picking a popular distro that I can find troubleshooting guidance for when I hit inevitable snags.