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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Ending support for Windows 10 could send 240 million computers to the landfill. Why not install Linux on them? (gadgettendency.com)

submitted 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) by Gemini24601 to c/[email protected]

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With support ending for Windows 10, the most popular desktop operating system in the world currently, possibly 240 million pcs may be sent to the landfill. This is mostly due to Windows 11’s exorbitant requirements. This will most likely result in many pcs being immediately outdated, and prone to viruses. GNU/Linux may be these computers’ only secure hope, what do you think?

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[–] ladicius 13 points 6 months ago (2 children)

or keep using it.

Know several people still using Win7 without batting an eye.

If it boots it's good.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 6 months ago

A lot of POS, ATM, MRI, and other specialized systems are still running Win7 unironically in production context. Many are probably running even older version.

[–] filister 7 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

Hahaha, don't forget that the majority of ATMs are running some ancient and extremely old versions of Windows XP, NT, etc. imagine that!

[–] TrickDacy 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Source?

[–] filister 5 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Today, the vast majority of ATMs worldwide use Microsoft Windows. In early 2014, 95% of ATMs were running Windows XP.[81] A small number of deployments may still be running older versions of the Windows OS, such as Windows NT, Windows CE, or Windows 2000, even though Microsoft still supports only Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automated_teller_machine

[–] TrickDacy 2 points 6 months ago (2 children)

Thanks. Bizarre! So doesn't that mean hackers can and should target atms because they're insane security risks, not having received security updates for a long time now?

[–] zeppo 3 points 6 months ago

That is one method that has been used recently… they drill a hole and connect to a serial port or something.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago

They're also security hotspots and the value you're trying to attract is physical currency. The chances of getting caught is pretty high.