Ask HN: Alternatives to Windows?

Linux Linux Distribution Operating Systems

ReactOS Landing Page
1

ReactOS

ReactOS is a free, modern operating system in alpha stage, based on the design of Windows XP/2003.
Pricing:
- Open Source
If usability is what you're looking for, your alternatives are MacOS, or some form of Linux. From my perspective, the Linux distro called ElementaryOS[1] is the best blend of beautiful out of the box, accessible and usable, and not littered with ads, spyware, or other user-hostile antifeatures. For other options, many many people do well with MacOS, and so it may be a fine choice. A higher end Chromebook running ChomeOS might possibly be a choice, if the software you need will run there. Aside from that your options are few. HaikuOS[2] might someday be a viable option but realistically is not there yet. ReactOS[3] might be something to consider if Windows familiarity would be a plus. [1]: https://elementary.io [2]: https://haiku-os.org [3]: https://reactos.org.

#Linux #Operating Systems #Linux Distribution 65 social mentions
Haiku Landing Page
2

Haiku

Haiku is an open source OS catered specifically to the needs of personal computing.
Pricing:
- Open Source
If usability is what you're looking for, your alternatives are MacOS, or some form of Linux. From my perspective, the Linux distro called ElementaryOS[1] is the best blend of beautiful out of the box, accessible and usable, and not littered with ads, spyware, or other user-hostile antifeatures. For other options, many many people do well with MacOS, and so it may be a fine choice. A higher end Chromebook running ChomeOS might possibly be a choice, if the software you need will run there. Aside from that your options are few. HaikuOS[2] might someday be a viable option but realistically is not there yet. ReactOS[3] might be something to consider if Windows familiarity would be a plus. [1]: https://elementary.io [2]: https://haiku-os.org [3]: https://reactos.org.

#Linux #Linux Distribution #Operating Systems 10 social mentions
elementary OS Landing Page
3

elementary OS

A fast and open replacement for Windows and macOS. Pay what you want or download for free.
Pricing:
- Open Source
If usability is what you're looking for, your alternatives are MacOS, or some form of Linux. From my perspective, the Linux distro called ElementaryOS[1] is the best blend of beautiful out of the box, accessible and usable, and not littered with ads, spyware, or other user-hostile antifeatures. For other options, many many people do well with MacOS, and so it may be a fine choice. A higher end Chromebook running ChomeOS might possibly be a choice, if the software you need will run there. Aside from that your options are few. HaikuOS[2] might someday be a viable option but realistically is not there yet. ReactOS[3] might be something to consider if Windows familiarity would be a plus. [1]: https://elementary.io [2]: https://haiku-os.org [3]: https://reactos.org.

#Linux #Operating Systems #Linux Distribution 143 social mentions
Zorin OS Landing Page

4

Zorin OS

A powerful operating system designed to make your computer faster, more secure and easier to use. DownloadDownload Lite - Install Zorin OS - Education - .

Zorin is a very polished Ubuntu based distro with a layout option that is comfortable for windows users. https://zorinos.com/.

#Linux #Operating Systems #Linux Distribution 151 social mentions
Atril Landing Page
5

Atril

Atril is a simple multi-page document viewer. Atril is a fork of Evince.
Pricing:
- Open Source
When you say "easy to use" are you talking mostly about the UX? Because there are lot of desktops to choose from for Linux. Have you tried MATE[1] or Budgie from Solus[2]? They're both quite nice in different ways [1]: https://mate-desktop.org/.

#PDF Tools #PDF Editor #Office & Productivity 21 social mentions