It's time to remind people again that "Linux" isn't one OS. At best it's kernel source that you get to compile for different architectures. There are distributi

It's time to remind people again that "Linux" isn't one OS. At best it's kernel source that you get to compile for different architectures. There are distributions ("distros") that package up different sets of kernel, kernel parameters, modules, libraries, utilities, config and glue-scripts, though none of them actually claim backwards or cross-binary compatibility, unless for their own (ie. within major RHELS versions). It could be nice to not have to worry about all that compatibility and even some upgrade-issues that inevitably ensue. Though the costs can quickly outweigh the benefits, ie. as in the awfulness of "snap" and similar. Windows do have compatibility and emulation layers, though some older software may still have some issues, it often works. Security-wise it's a good idea to keep patches and upgrades fresh.