Odd that you've had so much trouble with Linux. My experience generally had been that it requires more time on initial config, then it just keeps working unless you change something.
I figure anything important I will either hear about or see on ~reddit~ Lemmy.
I wish I could give you links! I think I heard it on a security focused podcast? It has been quite some time since I tried to stay current on this sort of thing in more than a casual way.
Sure, but Windows Defender is built in and doesn't suck. I have even heard security professionals make the argument that anti viruses may increase attack surface as much or more than they defend you (not necessarily asserting that is the case).
I've thought about it, but I prefer to install things from fdroid so I can get updates without having to check for it on their repository. If no alternatives pop up there soon I may just grab the apk.
Emphasis on "a bit," it truly is a simple task to automate. I don't think that anyone who has need for dynamic DNS should realistically have much trouble tackling that problem.
For anyone who might attempt this and isn't sure how, here's what you need. You need a service controlling your domain with API support for updating your DNS records - some have been mentioned here, I just use gandi.net. You need to enable the API for your account/domain. Figure out how to run the command you need against the API from a scripting language of your choice - there should be documentation for the API, and it should be a single API call. Figure out how to determine your server IP from within the same scripting language. Then, write your simple script that determines the right IP and updates the record if it doesn't match.
All you need to do then is automate running the script - on Linux, a cron job or a systemd service and timer.
It is well established, if niche, software. I think your sketchometer needs calibration.