[discussion]: regarding the best OS for a pirate (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by zaknenou@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/piracy@lemmy.dbzer0.com

58 comments fedilink hide all child comments

This post started out as a question, but throughout two days of googling it became this compilation of links. I will tell you everything worth mention that I found, share my plan with you, and expect some critics (for the infos of course, please not for the silly hyperactivity of my ADHD brain over such a trivial matter 🥲). Tell me what do you think, is windows 10 enterprise LTSC IoT actually the best OS for piracy? Is it Windows 7 for best fps with games despite DirectX11 being outdated? Or maybe everything could be done through Linux + Lutris&WINE for example? I'm moving out from ubuntu mainly cuz I still don't know where to get Nvidia&Intel Drivers from 😂

So the windows community would infinitely shame you for using Windows 7 because it has no more security updates. Also I heard you neither have support for DirectX12 nor optimization for SSD, So windows 7 isn't optimized for ex: gaming even though most repacks were released for it. I don't know anything about Win8.1 and my experience with Win8 isn't good, so I disregard them here.

So it is Windows 10 or Windows 11, but both are bloated with ads, telemetry, useless apps, processes and services (why do I have Cortana!?) and forces you to update. Win10&11 presented what is called "windows as a service" instead of "as a product", a policy which sucks for us users.

But I heard about Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC, which has minimized telemetry and non of the annoying apps, I don't know about auto-updates though, but I heard it doesn't receive them often. I also learned that I better choose IoT version of the later for longer support (2032 vs 2027 for non-IoT LTSC). Now I have multiple choice of guides:

Downloading Microsoft's official copies, debloating and activating them:

1- the r/piracy guide which suggests these two files, which are both 2019 versions. But I'm happy to see the size is 3.78 GB, so I can burn the 64x on a DVD!

2- the r/WindowsLTSC Megathread which sites to this guide, which again suggests this friendly thread, and seems to be extensive and up-to-date. The friendly thread suggests tb.rg-adguard for downloading the iso. If you choose the options on this picture then according to the files.rg-adguard.net database you're downloading en-us_windows_10_consumer_editions_version_22h2_x64_dvd_8da72ab3.iso . Not Enterprise Edition, so I think we just disregard this particular part of the friendly thread and download from the pastebin in the Megathread.
--->cons: This is a bit extremely hard, especially since I'm on Linux rn.

3- Microsoft Activation Scripts developers also provide direct links to download , without the heavy guides. But will I be able to uninstall Microsoft Edge for example later? This one might be the easiest yet balanced route for now.

honorable mention: This Russian site, called nmclub, claims it offers 22H2 version of Windows 10 Enterprise IoT, but it is not LTSC I guess?

Modified Windows copies

1- Ghost Spectre Superlite which apparently doesn't have an official site, rather an official Youtube channel (which I linked) but it is constantly updated on the tech-latest.com website. the videos prove that the system supports android emulation well (I think, tbh I'm not considering this one, just included it cuz people who tried it speak positively about it)

2-Revi Os I heard it has an active Discord community and has a GUI tool that allow you to enable whatever you want,

3-Atlas OS (this one is open source and has a Github page and is said to give the best gaming performance and least resources usage, I'm really considering it!).

--->PS: as far as I understood, both Revi OS and Atlas OS are applicable on your installed win10/win11 using this open source project called ameliorated which itself had its' fixed Win10 1903 version.

4- Slimdown10: from the mydigitallife forum. The creator states:

The tool eradicates all cloud stuff, telemetry stuff, spying, tracking stuff, UWP bloatware, suggestions, ads, etc by removing them directly from DVD media (before installation, not after it). It also integrates latest updates and turns Windows Update into manual mode (no more forced updates). It is fully open source with no hidden stuff or blackbox features.

using Scripts

1- Win-Debloat-Tools Looks like the most maintained open source one out of them. Along with Sophia...

2- In this reddit comment, a user recommended to:

install Windows Enterprise or Pro, and use Sophia Script to remove the Bloatware that comes installed and use O&O ShutUp10 to disable the telemetry and spyware that is possible.
Because security updates are extremely ultra important when you are connected to internet.(?)

3- privatezilla: This one seems lightweight and easier to use, but not up-to-date, idk.

honorable mentions:

This redditor from 2021 seems confident that the three tools he mentions, combined, fully remove telemetry?
winutil: an open source supposedly "One Tool for Everything" as the title of the youtube guide by the developer says.

my plan:

I will just download the r/piracy 64x ISO file,
burn it on a 4.7GB DVD that I have (probably using ubuntu MATE's Disk Image Mounter) cuz I don't have a USB rn,
Activate using MAS Tool,
Download Drivers Manually,
Maybe use either Win-Debloat-Tools or winutil if I feel deranged. ngl, they got me sold just by having gui and being open source

top 50 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[-] backhdlp 135 points 1 year ago

Windows users will go far to not have to use Linux

[-] SchizoDenji@lemm.ee 10 points 1 year ago

For good reason.

[-] backhdlp 35 points 1 year ago

And what is that reason?

[-] SchizoDenji@lemm.ee 14 points 1 year ago

The reason that an average pirate, let alone an average user does not have enough time to keep investigating shit that breaks down frequently.

At some point everyone feels that the time you spend on setting up and getting things to work is better utilised in using a more standardized solution that doesn't need investigating.

[-] Sanctus@lemmy.world 10 points 1 year ago

If your linux setups are breaking this often you have a fundamental misunderstanding of something within your operating system. They really don't break frequently.

[-] SchizoDenji@lemm.ee 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Yeah sure, and I don't want to spend valuable time and resources into understanding a new operating system when I can easily get my work done in windows.

[-] Sanctus@lemmy.world 10 points 1 year ago

Then why comment at all? You're obviously biased towards Windows and refuse to learn Linux. Strange you would blame an OS for your refusal to learn how to properly use it.

[-] SchizoDenji@lemm.ee 4 points 1 year ago

Bruh all I said was that there is a good reason why people stick to windows. If you want to use Linux, good for you but there is a genuinely good reason for not to switch.

[-] Sanctus@lemmy.world 7 points 1 year ago

Your "good" reason was no reason at all. Linux just doesn't break like that anymore. So either argue in good faith or stop spreading misinformation. Everything has an installer now, you don't have to do much yourself as an "average user".

[-] jelloeater85@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

I can count on one hand the amount of times I've broken either of my Ubuntu desktops. And I'd say 80% of the time, it was my fault. For everything else, there is BTRFS and TimeShift .

[-] pastermil@sh.itjust.works 12 points 1 year ago

Is being a noob a good reason?

[-] backhdlp 29 points 1 year ago

Everyone is a noob when starting out with something (so no)

[-] brax@sh.itjust.works 15 points 1 year ago

No, not really. Distros like Ubuntu work pretty much out of the box. Dead simple to install, and easy enough to use that anyone should be able to handle it.

It's only tricky and confusing if you try to do more advanced things.

[-] 0x2d@lemmy.ml 5 points 1 year ago

nope

endeavouros and mint are very easy to use

[-] bbuez@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago

I think the critical mass for contributions to useabilify is soon, but not quite yet. I was using mint for over a year, but recently changed to popOS. I was surprised that my sister actually wanted me to get rid of windows off her new Asus vivobook.. if I had known how many hairs I will have pulled trying to get WiFi working.. I probably wouldnt have, and I can only he thankful she didn't get too bad an impression, she's seeming to like it now. If I had let being a noob get in my way of trying however, I wouldnt be nearly as satisfied with my workflow and desktop, and its let me dive further into selfhosting than I feel I wouldve on windows. I cant stand to be a Linux evangelist, but also I would love for adoption to increase, as users and contributors make for a fuller experience, Valve getting on the deck and proton is what let me really switch, but it will have holes until developers also change

[-] Petter1@lemm.ee 3 points 1 year ago

Had this Bluetooth / wifi problem with manjaro, and killed it twice by trying to get it Working After that I installed openSuse, and everything just worked out of box ☺️ i love openSuse now

load more comments (2 replies)

[-] people_are_cute@lemmy.sdf.org 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Video Games.

No matter how good Proton gets, native will still be better. Also, trying to find support on running pirated games on Linux will get you kicked out of most forums.

Also, Nvidia hardware sucks on Linux

[-] backhdlp 8 points 1 year ago

No matter how good Proton gets, native will still be better.

If Proton sucks for a game, try a different Proton version (maybe even Proton GE), if it still sucks, try a KVM with PCI passthrough. If you don't wanna do that shit, dual boot.

Also, trying to find support on running pirated games on Linux will get you kicked out of most forums.

!linuxcracksupport@lemmy.world

Also, Nvidia hardware sucks on Linux

Not really under X11 with the proprietary driver. Also Team Red has good hardware to offer too.

[-] loudWaterEnjoyer@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 1 year ago

I dont have any problems with gaming

[-] odium@programming.dev 44 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

The best OS for piracy is any security focused Linux distro like Qubes and Tails.

The second best pirate os is any general Linux distro.

Pop os is a distro with nvidia drivers pre installed.

[-] zaknenou@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 year ago

So they are installable on- say ubuntu for example ?

[-] TableteKarcioji@lemmy.dbzer0.com 25 points 1 year ago

You telling me you couldn't install nvidia drivers on Ubuntu? It's one of the friendlies distros for new users out there.

Official instructions: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/NvidiaDriversInstallation

TLDR: "sudo ubuntu-drivers install" if that fails read the instructions.

[-] thanksforallthefish@literature.cafe 21 points 1 year ago

Yup. Nvidia are installable on any linux distro, some just have tools to make it easy.

I don't recommend ubuntu but it has an easy to use device manager that makes installing nvidia straight forward.

I would suggest you look instead at Mint which has all the good stuff from ubuntu with all the cruft removed

[-] drwankingstein@lemmy.dbzer0.com 40 points 1 year ago

sounds like a lot of work when you could just install arch or nobara and be done with it

[-] zaknenou@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 year ago

I heard Arch uses something called Wayland, which doesn't go well with Nvidia

[-] JustEnoughDucks@feddit.nl 19 points 1 year ago

Any linux can use whatever you want.

Arch comes by default with nothing but a terminal and then you can install X.org or Wayland, whatever you want.

load more comments (1 replies)

[-] EuroNutellaMan@lemmy.world 35 points 1 year ago

Or easier even: Linux.

Strap Linux Mint, Pop_OS!, or your favourite Linux distro on your PC (I personally tend to recommend Linux Mint, it automatically installs the nuveau open source Nvidia drivers but will prompt you to choose which Nvidia drivers you want in the post-installation menu). For media piracy you're good to go, for gaming, honestly I'd rather recommend just using steam whenever you can but if you have to pirate a game see if you can find it for linux first, otherwise go for Lutris/Wine or a virtual machine, worst case scenario you can do a dual boot with a windows copy but honestly if you don't want any hassle just stick with Linux and games running on it.

[-] Krafting@lemmy.world 32 points 1 year ago

Spoiler: Everything except MacOS or Windows

[-] Certainly_No_Brit@discuss.tchncs.de 16 points 1 year ago

TempleOS?

[-] Krafting@lemmy.world 22 points 1 year ago

The most private and secure OS indeed. You won't find malware for this thing.

[-] Luftruessel@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

OSRS?

[-] solberg 18 points 1 year ago

I would recommend Fedora or Pop!_os

load more comments (2 replies)

[-] zaknenou@lemmy.dbzer0.com 8 points 1 year ago

I'm just gonna store this 4chan discussion here so I don't have to bookmark it. Ignore me please.

load more comments (1 replies)

[-] gr522x@lemmy.ml 6 points 1 year ago

If you care so much about avoiding analytics and advertising why on earth are you "googling" your questions on the world's largest advertising and analytics website?

load more comments (1 replies)

[-] cyberhaggis@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 1 year ago

I would recommend Manjaro. Very beginner friendly, has access to the AUR and a great community forum where you can find the answer to any question or problem. I took the leap years back from Windows to Linux and it was one of the best things i ever did.

[-] neoney@lemmy.neoney.dev 20 points 1 year ago

https://github.com/arindas/manjarno

Use EndeavourOS

[-] Stormcrow@lemmy.dbzer0.com 9 points 1 year ago

EOS all the way. I parked my ass there several months after they first released, been happy ever since.

[-] backhdlp 4 points 1 year ago

https://manjarno.pages.dev/

[-] EuroNutellaMan@lemmy.world 9 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Please no. First of all Arch-based distros (or rolling releases in general) shouldn't be recommended to newbies at all, secondly if you really have to use Arch (you almost certainly don't but suit yourself) go for a good distro like Endeavour OS or Garuda Linux, or just install arch itself (there's archinstall if you are afraid of using Arch the way it's supposed to be used).

I say this as someone who uses Arch (btw) or rather Endeavour OS. It is a nice and mostly smooth experience granted but you will eventually run into issues or packages that are not in the official repos and you will need to put up with it. Arch distros should be viewed as tinkerer distros not newbie distros (unless the newbie wants to tinker and put up with it, of course).

load more comments (2 replies)

[-] PipedLinkBot@feddit.rocks 3 points 1 year ago

Here is an alternative Piped link(s):

Ghost Spectre Superlite

its' fixed Win10 1903 version

the youtube guide by the developer

Piped is a privacy-respecting open-source alternative frontend to YouTube.

I'm open-source; check me out at GitHub.

[-] Sygheil@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Slipstreamed windows wim or these super stripped down variants will cause you pain in the arse. The only way is a non-mac and windoze.

[-] Andi@feddit.uk 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Have to disagree as I've tried pretty much all of them. The most popular "tiny10" and "tiny11" by NetDev (not mentioned above) is actually a bit of an arse with stuff broken. Same with the others. You shouldn't need to skim through a Telegram group to figure out how you create a new user account... (Amolierated, I'm looking at you).

However, the one where it all just works is Ghost Spectre Superlite (Windows 11 version, though I'm sure the 10 version is similar). It is proper clever with its app that allows you to add the features you need and install the updates you want, or not if you prefer. They released a tweak to get CoPilot working too which just worked. And all in a tiny image with neat tweaks plus all the bloat gone. And the only one where my laptop instantly resumes and works perfectly with Modern Sleep.

Even has an extended WinPE boot environment with extra apps for hard drive partitioning, data recovery, etc. Worth a look.

load more comments