Linux for people leaving Windows or Mac
Open alternatives4
elementary OS is a free Linux operating system, a replacement for Windows or macOS on a computer. It is built for people who want an easy, polished desktop and are switching from other systems.
How many people bookmarked its code on GitHub. It shows how popular it is, not how good it is or how well it replaces the app.
How hard it is to start using it. Easy: install it like a normal app, or use it in your browser. Advanced: you run it on your own server, use the command line, or it is a tool for developers.
Its code changed within the last year, so someone is still looking after it.
Does the whole job.
Ordered by how fully it replaces the app, Verified, setup and, when there are enough, people's votes.
Linux Mint is a free desktop operating system for laptops and computers, designed to work out of the box with the apps most people need. It is aimed especially at people switching from Windows or trying Linux for the first time.
Has 1 of 6
Ubuntu with a more Windows-like desktop
How many people bookmarked its code on GitHub. It shows how popular it is, not how good it is or how well it replaces the app.
How hard it is to start using it. Easy: install it like a normal app, or use it in your browser. Advanced: you run it on your own server, use the command line, or it is a tool for developers.
Its code changed within the last year, so someone is still looking after it.
r/TrueOpenSource mods checked it: an open-source license, still looked after, and it really does the job.
Does part of the job.
Ordered by how fully it replaces the app, Verified, setup and, when there are enough, people's votes.
See the whole family
Pop!_OS is a free Linux operating system that runs on computers and aims to be secure and easy to customize. It is made for people who want a productive desktop, including those who buy System76 hardware.
Has 0 of 6
Ubuntu with System76's own setup and COSMIC desktop
How many people bookmarked its code on GitHub. It shows how popular it is, not how good it is or how well it replaces the app.
How hard it is to start using it. Easy: install it like a normal app, or use it in your browser. Advanced: you run it on your own server, use the command line, or it is a tool for developers.
Its code changed within the last year, so someone is still looking after it.
Does part of the job.
Ordered by how fully it replaces the app, Verified, setup and, when there are enough, people's votes.
- DebianActive
- UbuntuUses it underneath
- Linux MintUses it underneath
- Pop!_OSUses it underneath
Ubuntu is a Linux operating system that runs on desktop computers, servers and cloud systems. It is made by Canonical and aimed at developers, businesses and home users who want a free, open alternative to Windows or macOS.
Has 2 of 6
Debian with scheduled releases and company backing from Canonical
How many people bookmarked its code on GitHub. It shows how popular it is, not how good it is or how well it replaces the app.
How hard it is to start using it. Easy: install it like a normal app, or use it in your browser. Advanced: you run it on your own server, use the command line, or it is a tool for developers.
Its code changed within the last year, so someone is still looking after it.
Does part of the job.
Ordered by how fully it replaces the app, Verified, setup and, when there are enough, people's votes.
- DebianActive
- UbuntuUses it underneath
- Linux MintUses it underneath
- Pop!_OSUses it underneath
| Project | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| elementary OS | · | · | · | · | · | · |
| Linux Mint | · | · | · | |||
| Pop!_OS | · | · | · | · | ||
| Ubuntu | · | · | · |
YesPartlyNoNot checked yet