The majority of personal computers come pre-installed with Windows and as a result, it has become the default operating system for most. But just because Windows is the most common OS available doesn’t mean that you have to use it (or stick to it). When it comes to alternate operating systems, there are several options that give you the opportunity to explore a different (and possibly cooler) way of working. Most of these alternatives are lighter and faster than Windows and will probably give your PC a new breath of life.
These open operating system alternatives are based on Linux and before you disregard them, read why this is a good thing. Firstly, they offer an experience similar to Windows. Secondly, they’re open source and that means they’re free for anyone to use.
Alternate Operating System #1 — Ubuntu
As an alternate operating system, Ubuntu is a popular Linux distro, mostly due to its extensive range of features, refined looks and out-of-the-box capabilities. Ubuntu is released regularly and a new version is made every 6 months. The latest edition of Ubuntu is 10.10, which was released in October 2010.
It also has separate streamlined versions for running on netbooks and servers.
Ubuntu 10.10 comes pre-loaded with a variety of software (all free, of course). You’re pretty much able to perform any everyday task that you would normally undertake on your Windows PC, making it the perfect alternative to Windows 7.
Alternate Operating System #1 — PinguyOS
Ubuntu is great but for someone who is switching from Windows 7 to Linux or perhaps want to take a user-friendly distro for a spin, PinguyOS is probably where they’ll want to start.
Pinguy OS is based on Ubuntu 10.10 Minimal CD but is built to be easier to use, with lots more applications and integrated extensions (like CoverGloobus, Gloobus Preview, GNOME Do, and Docky) to make the interface more familiar to the Windows user. It’s a great alternative to Windows 7, the switch will be seamless.
Alternate Operating System #1 — Jolicloud
Finally, if you have a netbook and Windows 7 Home is too frigging sluggish to run, you might want to give Jolicloud a go. Why Jolicloud? Well, because it’s an alternate operating system that was optimised just for netbooks. The system’s architecture was designed to make the most out of the less powerful netbook configurations.
It comes with a range of built-in tools like a web browser and social network apps. It also takes advantage of the fact that web apps are quite competent nowadays so Google Docs, Gmail, Flickr and YouTube are integrated into the open operating system and ready to go. You have the option to install hundreds more web apps via its application manager. Since it partially operates in the cloud, you’ll need to create an account and sign in before using the system.
What’s not to like about these open operating system alternatives to Windows? They’re fast, they’re beautiful and most of all, they’re free.
Stian
March 3, 2011
I would have mentioned Linux Mint as an alternative as well; an interface similar to Windows, focus on usability, preinstalled with some proprietary software, such as the Adobe Flash plugin, to make the transition from Windows as painless as possible. Works right out of the box!
Jackson Chung
March 7, 2011
Thanks for the suggestion, Stian!
Bruce
June 21, 2011
Kinda funny; Alternate Operating System #1 (for all 3 listed). Ubuntu entry also needs to be updated since 11.04 was released in April 2011.
marxubuntu
July 25, 2011
my personal choice is ubuntu 10.10, 11.04 is good but not my cup of tea.
Make
September 26, 2011
Why dont try Free Windows? I recently was given a distribution disk, the system is running without problems. I like it so far. http://free-windows.com
Levanr
November 10, 2011
because, it is a not free.
michael
January 17, 2012
uh, look closely, its not windows at all. Its linux! So calling it free windows is a gimmick.
mar
April 3, 2013
i like the name “free” especially that u have to pay for it,u better take that post off,we r talkin about free (which means no payment) oses and that has no place in here
i would love to laugh in their faces bout calling it free
Heyoka
October 18, 2011
My other tips for alternatives to Windows OS:
eeebuntu
Haiku OS
Mint (Linux distribution)
ReactOS
VectorLinux
ZorinOS
Владимир
October 19, 2011
На хрена козе баян когда у нее аккордеон.
Prince
January 28, 2012
I would like say on people who commented on the site as it gives u an alternative to window but it not discouraging u from using it as for the site its best
Pete Davenport
June 29, 2012
With updates to XP coming to an end in 2014, I will need to change my operating system. I have tried Win 7, and hate it with a passion. It is so complicated, and full of ‘pictures’ for commands, instead of those old fashioned things called ‘words’.
If I use one of the Linux OS, what assurance do I have that my Windows programs will work. (AutoCAD 2012, MS Office 97, Photoshop, and many others)
Pete Davenport
June 29, 2012
I should have included my e-mail program, ‘Eudora’ in my previous post, also ‘Sendit’ .
Rainer
July 11, 2012
Yes, Haiku OS obviously take advantage and could be an serious fellow player to Ubuntu. Nothing on its function i think is really replaceable. One year from now i hope it is in a final version which get more and more productive. For some years Ubuntu was a small and green OS i know!
Vincent Ly
August 12, 2012
Great post. I had try several distro in the past. Personally, I think Ubuntu or Mint is great for new user, but they requires much cpu power and memory. So for an old computer, I would suggest crunchbang, puppy linux, or lubuntu.
Fikri
November 6, 2012
Nice info, thanks