Comment on Microsoft Came to Bargain: Use OneDrive for Device Backup, Opt into Loyalty Program and Use Their Products Till You Earn 1000 Points or Pay $30 and They Might Give You Security Updates till Oct 2026.

• Passerby6497@lemmy.world ⁨3⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

  Windows Home isn’t free (legally), you can’t just install it and have a valid license available without paying money. Most people think Windows is free because you’re paying for the license when you buy a prebuilt, you’re just not seeing the line item cost.

  But either way, Home is a trash fire. At least Pro lets you control more of the annoying aspects of the OS. Home you’re just opening up for whatever MS wants to shove down your throat. And even then, just run linux. That’s actually free, and a better experience.

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  • 01189998819991197253@infosec.pub ⁨2⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

    Download the iso and install home. It won’t stop you, ask for a key, or attempt to activate later. It just installs, runs, and spies happily.

    But, yes, I suppose that you’re supposed to pay for it, but they don’t seem to care that much, if at all.

    I agree that Windows Pro is a slightly better experience than Windows Home, but the right Linux distro for you is where it’s at. I usually recommend Mint for newcomers, and not one has had issues (beyond the expected “this looks different” comments). I’ve installed Elementary for one person who came from a life of Mac, and she dove right in with almost no hiccups. Know your audience, I guess is the lesson here lol

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    • Passerby6497@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

      Download the iso and install home. It won’t stop you, ask for a key, or attempt to activate later. It just installs, runs, and spies happily.

      Well sure, anything is free when you steal it. Whether or not they care enough to come after home users, doesn’t change the fact that it’s not free.

      But yea, know your audience and give them something they can use. I made my mother learn mint after the 80th time I had to clean the windows box, and she did well enough with it.

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      • 01189998819991197253@infosec.pub ⁨2⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

        I meant to download from the official Microsoft site.

        Kudos on getting your mum on Linux! I was unable to keep mine on it : /

        Maybe I’m missing something, but this is from the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices” section from the official Microsoft site, but I don’t see any option to buy or mention of it:

        Before you begin downloading an ISO Make sure you have:

        • An internet connection (internet service provider fees may apply).
        • Sufficient data storage available on the computer, USB, or external drive you are downloading the .iso file to.
        • A blank DVD disc with at least 8GB (and DVD burner) to create a bootable disc. We recommend using a blank USB or blank DVD, because any content on it will be deleted during installation.
        • If you receive a “disc image file is too large” message while attempting to burn a DVD bootable disc from an ISO file, consider using a higher capacity Dual Layer DVD.

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