There's also the small issue of Linux dropping 32-bit support going forward. Sure, if one has a 32-bit only CPU, one can run an old distro. But will it still require periodic security updates?
For the last year and pocket change, I've been giving away 32Bit only Laptops with Linux. Mostly to my Venezuelan country-folk and cuban visitors. I settled for Mageia for "Upper end" 32bit machines (think Intel T2080 or similar ilk) and AntiX Linux for lower end Machines (Think P4 or P3).
Both will be supported until 2028 at the very least.
Yes, one could install Win10 IoT on the T2080 types (and the P4 and P3 only get to Win7 POSReady Tops) and get done with it. But it is slower, and the license is a grey area I do not want to get into. If the recipient wants to erase linux and Install Win7 POSReady or Win10 IoT, is their choice, and the will bear the consequences.
But Even on 64 bit capable machines, the linux kernel went from AMD64 V1 to V2, and some linux distros demand V3*. So, some hardware is inevitably left behind, Just like Win11 left behind machines without MBEC**
All OSes leave behind hardware after a while. Is the nature of things.
* Mr. Torvals behemently opposes the V1, V2 and V3 designations.
** The real reason Win11 left behind 7th gen intel and lower was lack of MBEC and/or lack of intel commitment for drivers and microcode updates. For details, see my post here:
https://arstechnica.com/civis/...