Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Haiku VS GNU+Linux

Compare Haiku VS GNU+Linux and see what are their differences

Haiku logo Haiku

Haiku is an open source OS catered specifically to the needs of personal computing.

GNU+Linux logo GNU+Linux

All Linux distributions with a GNU userland
  • Haiku Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-30
  • GNU+Linux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-11

Haiku features and specs

  • Speed
    Haiku is optimized for speed and efficiency, providing a responsive user experience with quick boot times and fast application launches.
  • Simplicity
    The operating system offers a clean and straightforward user interface, making it user-friendly and accessible for both beginners and experienced users.
  • Lightweight
    Haiku has low hardware requirements, making it suitable for older computers and devices with limited resources.
  • Unique Architecture
    Haiku is inspired by BeOS and maintains its unique architecture, which is attractive to developers and users with an interest in alternative operating systems.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source project, Haiku invites contributions from the community, promoting collaborative development and transparency.

Possible disadvantages of Haiku

  • Limited Software Availability
    Haiku has a smaller software repository compared to more popular operating systems, which can limit the availability of applications and tools.
  • Driver Support
    The operating system has limited driver support, which can result in compatibility issues with certain hardware components.
  • Niche User Base
    Haiku caters to a niche audience, which can result in a smaller community and less comprehensive support compared to mainstream operating systems.
  • Incomplete Features
    Some features of Haiku are still under development, and the operating system may lack certain functionalities that users expect from modern OSes.
  • Business Adoption
    Haiku is less likely to be adopted in professional and business environments due to its incomplete features and limited software support.

GNU+Linux features and specs

  • Open Source
    GNU+Linux is an open-source operating system, which means its source code is freely available for anyone to inspect, modify, and distribute. This fosters a collaborative development environment and enhances security through transparency.
  • Customizability
    Linux offers extensive customizability, allowing users to modify the system to meet their specific needs. This includes choosing from a variety of desktop environments, window managers, and software packages.
  • Security
    Linux is known for its strong security features. Its permissions-based structure, along with a strong community of developers and frequent updates, helps in quickly patching vulnerabilities.
  • Stability and Performance
    Many Linux distributions are lauded for their stability and efficiency, making them ideal for servers and systems that require high uptime and performance.
  • Wide Range of Distributions
    There is a large variety of Linux distributions available, each tailored for different needs, from user-friendly options like Ubuntu to lightweight versions like Puppy Linux.
  • Cost
    Linux is free to use, which makes it an attractive option for individuals and organizations looking to reduce software costs.
  • Community Support
    Linux has a vast and active community of users and developers who provide support through forums, mailing lists, and documentation.

Possible disadvantages of GNU+Linux

  • Learning Curve
    For users accustomed to Windows or macOS, the transition to Linux can involve a steep learning curve, especially when dealing with command-line interfaces and different file system structures.
  • Software Compatibility
    Some proprietary software and games are not natively supported on Linux, requiring alternatives or compatibility layers like Wine to run them.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    While Linux support for hardware has improved significantly, there can still be issues with drivers for certain proprietary hardware, particularly with newer or niche devices.
  • Fragmentation
    The large number of distributions and desktop environments can lead to fragmentation, making it challenging for developers to ensure compatibility across all versions and for users to choose the right distribution.
  • Limited Professional Support
    While community support is extensive, professional support options can be limited compared to those available for other operating systems like Windows and macOS, although companies like Red Hat and Canonical do offer professional support.

Analysis of Haiku

Overall verdict

  • Haiku is a solid operating system for users interested in a minimalist, efficient, and alternative computing experience. While it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those reliant on software created for more mainstream operating systems, it excels in its niche. Its active community and ongoing development make it a project worth watching and potentially using for specific needs.

Why this product is good

  • Haiku is an open-source operating system that is designed to be fast, simple, and efficient, offering a unique user experience. It draws inspiration from the BeOS, focusing on personal computing with a clean and straightforward interface. The system is lightweight, boots quickly, and is responsive, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate simplicity and performance. Additionally, Haiku's open-source nature allows for community-driven development and customization.

Recommended for

  • Tech enthusiasts interested in alternative operating systems.
  • Developers looking for a platform focused on simplicity and efficiency.
  • Users nostalgic for the BeOS experience.

Haiku videos

Haiku OS - What Is It?

More videos:

  • Review - Haiku L Series Smart Fan Review: "Alexa, turn on the fan"
  • Review - Haiku Smart Ceiling Fan Review

GNU+Linux videos

No GNU+Linux videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Haiku and GNU+Linux)
Linux
78 78%
22% 22
Operating Systems
78 78%
22% 22
Linux Distribution
67 67%
33% 33
Design Tools
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

GNU+Linux might be a bit more popular than Haiku. We know about 16 links to it since March 2021 and only 11 links to Haiku. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Haiku mentions (11)

  • Launching the BeOS on Hitachi Flora Prius Systems (1999)
    And Haiku lives on. If you haven't you should check it out. https://haiku-os.org It without all the X and Wayland mess it's a good alternative for an operating system. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • What do People here Think of QNX?
    If you go to osnews.com and do a search for QNX, you will find many articles that were written over the past 20 years that describe the features, and pros and cons of running QNX. I believe there was also an article that compared BeOS (reborn as Haiku OS, haiku-os.org) and QNX. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Eli5 How come LCARS never became a real operating system?
    I assume you know of https://haiku-os.org. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Ask HN: What are great resources to catch up C++?
    I am in a similar position. I'm not using the very latest C++ features, but maybe this will be of use to you anyway? I decided to get started writing a native app for Haiku (http://haiku-os.org/), which you have to write in C++. So I loaded it up in a VM and started plugging away. I have always avoided CMake, but it's so popular these days that I decided to give in and get comfortable with it. Haiku is really... - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Ask HN: What Linux Distro to Install?
    {Yes - I know what I'm about to post is NOT "Linux" ...but if you're wanting to learn something new and/or have some nostalgia for the late-90s/early-00s, read on} I absolutely LOVED BeOS back in the day Though I understand why Apple chose to buy NeXT instead of Be in the 90s, I wish they'd bought both - NeXT to get Steve Jobs and NeXT's way of managing apps (where they're all self-contained... - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago
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GNU+Linux mentions (16)

  • Newbie advice 1
    Familiarize yourself with the search page and the many categories you cans search by. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Installing Debian bookworm without systemd
    Distrowatch's Advanced Search page: https://distrowatch.com/search.php#advanced Note that under the "Init Software" section (scroll down on page), the following two choices (amongst numerous others, perhaps too many!) are included: [ ] systemd [ ] Not systemd In other words, here, the User, regardless of their opinion, regardless of their political ideology (or lack thereof!) -- has a happy choice! They can choose... - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
  • Debian 12 โ€œBookwormโ€ Released
    Do it, and tell the world how I mistreated all kinds of interesting (but small) projects, if it makes you feel better. :-D Here a list of almost all the OS distris I've left out: https://distrowatch.com/search.php?ostype=All&category=All&origin=All&basedon=Independentยฌbasedon=None&desktop=All&architecture=All&package=All&rolling=All&isosize=All&netinstall=All&language=All&defaultinit=All&status=Active#simple... - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Trying to figure out which Linux all ideas are welcome. Distro hopping.
    Distrowatch can help you search for distros based on another distro (eg: Debian derivatives if you really like Debian), or a particular version of a package or desktop (eg: latest XFCE 4.18): https://distrowatch.com/search.php. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Linux mint isn't working for me. What distribution can I use for a pretty bad laptop. (Specs below)
    You can search for more ideas on DistroWatch: https://distrowatch.com/search.php. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Haiku and GNU+Linux, you can also consider the following products

KolibriOS - KolibriOS is a tiny yet incredibly powerful and fast operating system.

DistroWatch - 9 hours ago - It does include a proprietary software set optimized for business users, students, researchers and developers." A list of features and further details can be found in the company's release announcement.

DeLicate Linux - DeLicate Linux is a free and lightweight Linux Kernel-based operating system that is intended for computers comprising of very Low RAM.

Ubuntu - Ubuntu is a Debian Linux-based open source operating system for desktop computers.

Xubuntu - Xubuntu โ€“ Xubuntu is an elegant and easy-to-use operating system. Download XubuntuXubuntu โ€“ Xubuntu is an elegant and easy-to-use operating system. Feature Tour.

Twister OS - A Debian based OS with a ton of useful apps like Box86 and Steam, and theme switching to look like Windows, MacOS, and many more.