Still, if you’re looking for a free operating system to use as a headless server or as the basis for your own custom operating system, FreeBSD has a lot going for it. This isn’t an operating system that we’d recommend to anyone who wants an alternative to Windows as a desktop operating system. FreeBSDįreeBSD is like Linux, but it’s not a Linux OS! While Linux is only an OS “kernel” with various Linux distros adding the other parts you need for a full OS, FreeBSD is a complete OS release. Not only that, but power consumption and CPU performance are better balanced than ever, so if you’re looking for a Windows alternative for your laptop, Fedora is a prime candidate. Gnome’s developers have added and refined its functionality to make it a proper modern interface. Still, over time the Debian format has become more popular, so expanding software support helps make Fedora viable as a daily-driver operating system.įedora uses the GNOME desktop environment, with Gnome 41 being the latest iteration at the time of writing. Fedora has its own RPM software package format. However, the latest Fedora version makes it easy to use third-party software using Flathub. However, if you’re interested in always having the latest, most cutting-edge features and hardware drivers, Fedora is a prime candidate among Windows alternatives.įedora has its own library of software developed specifically for the OS, and in the past, getting non-Fedora packages working could be a real pain. Fedora Linuxįedora Linux doesn’t get the sort of media coverage or user interest that Ubuntu, Mint, or Manjaro do. These are two aspects that are notoriously user-unfriendly in Linux, but the folks developing Manjaro have tackled this problem with aplomb. Its package and update management system is exceptional, and hardware management and driver installation are similarly straightforward. Manjaro’s “one-click” configuration philosophy is also worth mentioning. So if it’s been a while since you’ve poked your nose into the world of Linux, you may be surprised at the current state of things. There’s no 100% guarantee, of course, but these compatibility layers are far better today than only a few years ago. You can use WINE, PlayOnLinux, Steam Proton, and more to ensure you can still access the software you want to. Like Ubuntu, it’s pretty simple to get many Windows applications and games running on Manjaro. Specifically, it supports XFCE, KDE, and Gnome. Manjaro offers several officially-supported desktop environments. The operating system is becoming more popular with users, especially those who aren’t fond of Ubuntu’s desktop interface. Like Ubuntu, Manjaro Linux was created with a strong focus on being a user-friendly replacement for operating systems such as Windows and Linux. On other operating systems, you either have to purchase something like Microsoft Office or use an open-source package such as Libreoffice. MacOS also comes with some great Apple applications, such as GarageBand and Apple’s office applications. Not to mention, you’re much less likely to run into malware that can affect macOS. In general, macOS can do anything that Windows can. If you’re coming from Windows and considering buying a Mac, rest assured that virtually all non-gaming software has a macOS version. Like Linux, macOS is a Unix-like operating system, but they could not be more different to use, especially when it comes to the macOS desktop environment. That said, if you buy any Mac, even the cheapest MacBook Air or Mac Mini, macOS is included at no additional cost, and it’s a great alternative to Windows, offering excellent stability and supporting Apple creative software such as Final Cut Pro. Also, since Apple is slowly phasing out Intel Macs, Hackintosh computers will become a thing of the past soon, so this isn’t a door that will be open much longer. This violates the macOS license terms, of course, and you need a very particular computer for it to work. Well, that’s not strictly true since it is possible to create a “ Hackintosh” where macOS is installed on a non-Apple computer. Yes, macOS (aka OS X) is technically free, although you need to buy an Apple computer to use it. While Chromium lacks the same functionality as Windows, if all you need is basic productivity, entertainment, and web browsing, then it’s an excellent choice. Installing Chromium OS is a little involved and not for those who shy away from command line scripts, but you can build Chromium OS to your liking if you have the requisite skills.Īlternatively, you can check out a pre-made version of Chromium, such as CloudReady Home Edition, which can turn a PC or Mac into a Chrome device with no fuss.Ĭhromium is a great way to breathe life into an old computer that struggles with the memory and CPU demands of modern operating systems.
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