Operating System Management

Customers using DW Blackjack products will often ask about upgrading the operating system on their servers. Customers are allowed to make whatever alterations that they want to their servers, however such changes are often only superficial and play no role in improving the quality of the DW Spectrum System itself. Often, field upgrades are discouraged and can lead to more issues than successes for customers.

This article will outline the operating systems deployed in DW Blackjack Server products and the reasoning for why Digital Watchdog chooses to use LTSC versions of software.

**NOTE: By default, the Automatic Windows Updates features is disabled on most DW Blackjack products. This is done to prevent unexpected operating issues that may occur with DW Spectrum caused by auto-updates pushed by Microsoft. For more information on re-enabling automatic updates, you may refer to the article “Re-enabling Automatic Windows Updates for Windows Servers”.

Deployed Windows Operating Systems

Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021H2
Microsoft Windows Server 2019, 2022
Linux – Ubuntu Desktop 16.04 LTS, 18.04 LTS, 20.04 LTS

Main Points

Microsoft specifically designed Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for OEMs like DW.
- This version works for companies (e.g. Digital Watchdog) that provide specialized applications and devices that need a relatively long lifecycle. It is not a normal version that most IT organizations outside OEMs are typically using.
- With LTSC, DW applications and DW Spectrum software will work for the life of warranty for the product.
Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC has a 10-year Operating System (O/S) support guarantee to for compatibility with our hardware.
- The O/S only needs security patches and no major upgrades for 10 years. This exceeds our own DW 5-year warranty.
With LTSC our customers have less risk and administration.
- Customers do not need to upgrade to newer versions of Windows.
  In most cases there is no reason to upgrade to newer versions of Windows.
Ubuntu Linux LTS is supported for 5 years.
- Similar reasons to Windows LTSC for why we have chosen Ubuntu LTS for deployment in DW Blackjack Servers.

Semi-Annual Channel vs Long-Term Servicing Channel

When Should an OS Upgrade Be Considered?

Despite the objections of some customers, Digital Watchdog maintains that upgrading the OS is often unnecessary and can pose more risks than benefits.

The only time that an OS upgrade be considered is if there is an expressed discontinuation of support from DW’s software or hardware developers. For example, the major release of DW Spectrum IPVMS Version 6.0 does not support Windows operating systems older than Windows 10. Advanced notice was given in several iterations of DW Spectrum Release Notes and customers were given ample time to prepare.

In such cases, upgrading the OS is necessary. However, it is worth noting that operating system support is not universal. Rather, it is often dependent upon certain hardware specifications to work correctly. When a customer has outdated hardware with an OS coming to the end of support, they are recommended to contact their DW product sales dealer to purchase upgraded hardware that support the demands of a new OS and updated software.

Example History of Automatic Update Complications

Digital Watchdog recommends against applying OS updates to systems without the clearly expressed advisement from its product management and developer teams. Changes to primary system components, such as the operating system, must be painstakingly tested and confirmed by DW to ensure system stability and to mitigate the occurrence of software bugs, compatibility issues, etc.

By default, Automatic OS updates are disabled in DW Blackjack Servers. The hardware may download recommended updates, but customers will take on the responsibility themselves to manually approve and apply such changes to their system. Doing so is at their own risk as there is a record of OS updates inadvertently causing system crashes and other unforeseen issues. Such incidents go beyond DW products alone.

For example, DW learned first-hand when customers reported irreparable damage to their systems when Windows Update KB4512506 was installed on their hardware. This avoidable situation completely crashed some customers’ systems and required a full rebuild of their system from recovery drives, leading to the loss of data and a return to factory defaults.

Windows Operating System

What is Windows Enterprise LTSC?

Windows 10 IoT (Internet of Things) Enterprise Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) is a version of the Windows 10 operating system that is specifically designed for use on devices that run on embedded systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, point-of-sale terminals, and industrial automation systems. This version of Windows 10 is built on the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) of Windows 10 and it has the same characteristics, it also has additional features that are optimized for these specialized devices.

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC is focused on stability and long-term support for 10 years, it's also designed for devices that don't require new features and updates. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC also includes support for industry-specific features such as enhanced security, device management, and support for specialized hardware.

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC is available through the Microsoft OEM Partner Program, and it requires a separate license. OEMs can pre-install Windows 10 IoT LTSC on their devices before selling them to customers, making it easy for customers to get started with their new IoT devices.

Linux Operating System

What is Ubuntu Desktop LTS?

LTS or “Long Term Support” releases are published every two years in the month of April. LTS releases are the “enterprise grade” releases of Ubuntu and are used the most. An estimated 95% of all Ubuntu installations are LTS releases.

For each Ubuntu LTS release, Canonical Ltd. Maintains the Base Packages and provides security updates, including kernal live patching for a period of 10 years. The lifecycle consists of an initial five-year maintenance period, during which maintenance updates are publicly available without an Ubuntu Advantage subscription, and 5 years of Expanded Security Maintenance (ESM). The full lifecycle is available with an Ubuntu Advantage subscription or a free personal subscription.

**NOTE: Ubuntu Server does not work with DW Spectrum. Ubuntu has a short lifespan and is always releasing new versions. Software developers cannot keep up with the release of every latest version and must pick and choose when to include new versions of Ubuntu.

Article Summary

Digital Watchdog has chosen to implement the use of LTSC and LTS operating systems in its DW Blackjack Server hardware due to its longevity of software support and security. There is less need for maintenance and administrator intervention as there is no need to apply as many patches or OS updates in comparison to semi-annual channel deployments.

While some customers may be under the impression that upgrading their OS for various reasons, the hardware specifications of their server(s) and their reasoning for the upgrade should be carefully considered.

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For More Information or Technical Support

DW Technical Support: https://www.digital-watchdog.com/contact-tech-support/

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