taskset

I agree, that's kind of my point - the COMPANIES are chasing profit and trying to interest us in the latest and greatest. Meanwhile there's an old Windows XP laptop in the closet that'd thrive with a Linux OS for programming, bare-metal tasks, etc.

Right - but I'm talking about 'optimizing' for the millions of devices already extant, not abandoning innovation for cutting edge hardware entirely. Prices keep rising, memory is becoming more expensive and even scarce - just advocating for throwing a Linux OS on those old machines in the closet and seeing what they're capable of.

I have to agree - Legacy support (WinTel’s 2008-era compatibility) preserves access for millions but limits innovation and wastes hardware gains. Dropping old hardware allows for faster, leaner, more secure software yet excludes low-income users, schools, and developing regions. If people are keeping and using their old devices, fine. I'd just like to see people NOT throw 5 year old PC's in our landfills because of Microsoft's e-waste by design marketing strategy - ie - dropping support of Win 10. These machines can fly with a Linux OS on them. But, yeah - you make a good point.