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In this article, we will talk about the Best Linux Distros for Users of Windows. We tried our best to review the Best Linux Distros for Users of Windows. I hope you are not disappointed after reading this, and please do share this article Best Linux Distros for Users of Windows with your social network.
The Best Linux Distros for Users of Windows
If you’re new to Linux or moving from Windows to Linux, you’ll want an operating system that’s as GUI-centric as Windows. There are many different Linux distributions, and few intend to replicate the look and feel of Windows. This helps during Windows transition as you don’t have to face an unknown interface. With Linux providing excellent hardware support, long-term stability, and a much broader range of software applications, this is no time to give it a try!
Although Windows is the best and most popular desktop operating system, it is not open source and lacks many options. So, even if you’ve been using Windows for a while, you might want to try Linux. Being open source in nature, Linux is a highly customizable desktop operating system. The problem, however, is that if you’re a Windows user, immediately switching to Linux can be an overwhelming experience.
Deepin Linux
Deepin Linux is a Debian-based distro known for its aesthetically pleasing custom desktop environment called DDE. Along with several manufactured home apps, the distro is designed to make it easy for new users to access the Linux desktop. Deepin uses a first-boot configurator application to help you tweak the appearance of your installation, changing icons, enabling window effects, and more. They are classified into two broad categories and you can use either one depending on the number of features available on your computer.
On low cost machines, you can run the installation in Efficient mode to make the best use of limited resources, while on newer ones you can use Fashion mode to activate up the bling. The amount of customizations in DDE is quite diverse and extends from the main desktop to notification management. There’s a custom Deepin app to perform most common desktop tasks like watching movies, listening to music, viewing pictures, making backups, recording screencasts, and about a dozen others.
The other custom Deepin app that deserves a special mention is the App Store. This makes it very easy to discover and install news apps, which will be appreciated by new users unfamiliar with the Linux app ecosystem. Also, in addition to the usual app categories, the Uninstall section is listed, which can help you get rid of any installed apps using more familiar language.
elementary OS
An Ubuntu distro, the elementary operating system made its name for creating a very usable and aesthetically pleasing desktop distro. Everything from your pre-installed apps to your home The manufactured desktop is designed to provide a comforting experience for users new to Linux. Its custom Pantheon desktop is an aesthetically pleasing take on the classic desktop metaphor. one of your badges features is picture-in-picture mode that lets you select an area of a window or desktop and then pull it out. This pop-out is movable, resizable, always visible, and can be moved between workspaces.
The distro comes with a carefully removed collection of pre-installed applications that have been put together to make the desktop experience more consistent and appealing for new Linux users. In fact, many of your most-used pre-installed apps have functional names like Mail, Music, Photos, and Videos, making them easier to discover.
The distro also has an integration app to help new users define up your installation. elementary OS also uses its own custom package manager to give users the opportunity to develop their installation without being inundated with options. He takes a similar approach to system settings with his custom app that exposes the basics instead of throwing out an endless stream of buttons and switches.
Solus
The best thing about Solus is that, unlike many of its competitors, it is not based on another distro. This gives developers the maneuverability to shape all aspects of the distro according to their vision, including the user experience. The highlight of the distro is its custom desktop called Budgie. It will appeal to users migrating from Windows as it maintains the classic desktop metaphor while offering many of the conveniences of modern Linux desktops. Budgie’s most noticeable feature is the unified notification and control center sidebar called Raven, which also provides quick access to calendar and media player controls.
In addition to the Budgie marquee-based edition, there is one with Gnome (which includes several Gnome extensions), one with MATE (with the modernized Brisk menu) and Plasma (for experienced users). All editions come with the usual bouquet of apps you would normally need on a desktop operating system. Another big highlight of the distro is the Software Center. The application is very user-friendly and intuitive to operate.
The project also has a sensible policy for software updates that will help you gradually get used to the Linux way of things. The distro follows a continuous release model that will receive updates throughout its existence. That said, Solus developers send updates to the stable repository only after going through some testing. This ensures that you won’t block your installation with unstable software, while you won’t be too far away from the latest technology.
Zorin OS
At first glance, Zorin OS looks like just another Ubuntu-based distro. However, what makes it unique is the homeZorin Appearance designed to tweak the desktop environment to make it Windows-like in form and function. Touted as a distro for beginning Linux users, Zorin is designed to appeal to users of popular proprietary operating systems such as Windows and macOS.
Zorin is available in four different versions: the Core, Lite and Education editions are free, while the Ultimate flavor is $39. The Core edition is the standard edition that includes all the applications you would find in a regular desktop Linux distribution, while the Lite edition is designed for older machines. The Ultimate paid version comes with support and some extras features, like the option to use interfaces that mimic macOS and are full of all kinds of apps and games.
The distro is complemented by a helpful selection of documentation, rewritten for users moving from proprietary desktops and not used to the Linux way of doing things. All things considered, we recommend that you use the Core edition to take a look at Zorin and then switch to the Ultimate edition to experience the distro’s full potential.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is one of the most popular flavors of Linux and is highly recommended for Linux beginners as it is extremely affordable. That’s why already featured two Ubuntu variations on this guide, but it’s worth considering the main Ubuntu release itself. New versions of Ubuntu are released every six months, and every two years the developer Canonical releases an LTS (Long Term Support) version of Ubuntu.
This guarantees five years of security updates and general maintenance, so you can keep using your machine without the hassle of doing a full update every few months. Standard versions are only supported for one year. The current LTS version of Ubuntu uses the Gnome desktop environment, which may be less unfamiliar to Windows and macOS users. Ubuntu has also become increasingly integrated with cloud computing services, making it not only a good distro to facilitate Linux for beginners, but also for those looking to develop their long-term business IT skills.
Kubuntu
We have to admit that we like Ubuntu, but we understand that your default Gnome desktop can look pretty weird if you’re switching from Windows. Unlike other Linux variants, Ubuntu prioritizes simplicity and this approach is not restricted to your desktop. It infiltrates every piece.
Kubuntu is the same operating system as Ubuntu, but with a KDE Desktop Environment. It offers a more classic experience, much closer to what you know from Windows. Combine this familiar desktop with one of the friendliest operating systems on the planet, and Kubuntu wins the cake.
Linux Mint
Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, but it differs because its developers have not included – and even undid – some of Canonical’s choices. You can choose from three official versions, each built around a different desktop environment: Cinnamon, MATE and XFCE.
Cinnamon is the main flavor and offers a modern desktop based on classic paradigms. While it takes advantage of the GPU and features effects (such as transparency and shadows), it also doesn’t deviate from what most desktop users would expect. It’s familiar, but it looks elegant and it’s also very user-friendly.
MATE offers a more classic desktop experience compared to Cinnamon. Both desktop environments provide similar functionality and come with equivalent software options. The difference between them is mainly in their structure and design. It’s easier to explain if we use Windows again for reference. MATE looks like a modern, polished Windows XP desktop, straight to the point. Cinnamon is closer to the Windows Vista experience, with a higher priority on visuals.
Robolinux
Robolinux is an interesting distro that is projecting itself to Windows users in a big way. Most people are aware that Linux users can run Windows programs in WINE. If you’re migrating from Windows to Linux and want to bring all of your programs, files, and settings with you, Robolinux can help.
Robolinux includes Stealth VM, a virtual machine that claims to be able to run any Windows program without delay. Furthermore, Robolinux has a tool that allows you to clone the entire C drive of Windows. This means you can migrate all your preexisting programs and data. Although Robolinux is free, the developer is asking for donations for the cloning tool.
Solus
Solus is another excellent Linux distro that is best for Windows beginners and users. This features a beautiful intuitive user interface for beginners and kids. It also carries most of the Windows DNA, making it a perfect replacement for Windows. For example, it has a Software Center that lets you manage all your installed applications and it’s a bit like the Windows control panel.
It also comes with a number of pre-installed apps, including Mozilla Firefox; Files, which resembles Windows 10’s Files Explorer for document management; and GNOME MPV to control media playback. Solus is also highly customizable, with each tweak designed to deliver a cohesive computing experience.
Zorin OS
If you love Windows 7, Zorin OS will replicate that Windows experience for you. it’s not just features a desktop interface that looks familiar but is also beautiful and easy to use. However, that doesn’t limit you to that interface. If you would like something different but with the same feeling, Zorin OS offers several options to choose from.
You can choose a GNOME 3 layout or go for a Windows XP-like interface if you want to keep it closer to Windows. Zorin OS was built from the ground up to provide a seamless migration experience for Windows users. In fact, it’s the only distribution on our list that includes Wine. This compatibility layer allows users to install Windows applications on Linux.
Final note
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