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ReactOS VS KDE

Compare ReactOS VS KDE and see what are their differences

ReactOS

ReactOS is a free, modern operating system in alpha stage, based on the design of Windows XP/2003.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
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KDE

The KDE® Community is a free software community dedicated to creating an open and user-friendly computing experience, offering an advanced graphical desktop, a wide variety of applications for communication, work, education and entertainment and …

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0 reviews
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LibHunt
LibHunt tracks mentions of software libraries on relevant social networks. Based on that data, you can find the most popular projects and their alternatives. sponsored

Which is more popular?

KDE might be a bit more popular than ReactOS. We know about 81 links to it since March 2021 and only 79 links to ReactOS.

social mentions
79 vs 81
Linux popularity
45% vs 55%
alternatives listed
81 vs 93

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

ReactOS
KDE
Website reactos.org kde.org
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in
Linux Operating Systems Linux Distribution Open Source +1
Linux Operating Systems Desktop Environments Linux Distribution +1

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

ReactOS 4 features
KDE 5 features
  • Open Source
    ReactOS is an open-source operating system, which means its source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This allows developers and contributors to participate in its development and enhancement.
  • Windows Compatibility
    ReactOS aims to be binary-compatible with Windows, especially Windows Server 2003, meaning it can run many Windows applications and drivers without modification. This could be beneficial for users who rely on legacy Windows software.
  • Lightweight
    ReactOS is designed to be lightweight, requiring fewer system resources compared to modern Windows operating systems. This makes it suitable for older hardware that may not support contemporary operating systems efficiently.
  • Freedom from Licensing Costs
    Being free and open source, ReactOS eliminates the cost associated with purchasing Windows licenses, providing an alternative for users who wish to avoid these costs.

Possible disadvantages

  • Incomplete Development
    ReactOS is still in the alpha stage of development, which means it is not yet stable or feature-complete. This can lead to various issues such as system crashes, incomplete features, and compatibility problems.
  • Limited Application Support
    Despite its goal of Windows compatibility, ReactOS does not support all Windows applications and drivers, particularly newer ones that require features not yet implemented in ReactOS.
  • Lack of Commercial Support
    Unlike Windows, which has extensive commercial support from Microsoft and third-party service providers, ReactOS lacks official commercial support, which may be a concern for enterprise environments.
  • Security Concerns
    As ReactOS is still under development, it may not have implemented all necessary security features and updates that a more mature operating system might have, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities.
  • Customizability
    KDE offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor the desktop environment to their preferences. You can change everything from themes and icons to window behavior and desktop effects.
  • Feature-Rich
    KDE is packed with features, including a wide range of pre-installed applications such as Dolphin file manager, Konsole terminal emulator, and Kontact personal information manager.
  • Performance
    KDE has made significant strides in optimizing performance, making it suitable for both high-end and older hardware. The environment is faster and more responsive compared to its previous iterations.
  • Active Development
    KDE enjoys robust community support and frequent updates. This continuous development ensures the environment remains up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
  • Integration
    KDE applications are well-integrated, providing a cohesive user experience. Apps like the KDE Connect seamlessly connect your desktop with your mobile device.

Possible disadvantages

  • Complexity
    The abundant customization options can be overwhelming for new users, making KDE harder to configure and navigate compared to simpler environments.
  • Resource Usage
    Despite improvements in performance, KDE can still be resource-intensive, requiring more RAM and CPU compared to lighter desktop environments like XFCE or LXQt.
  • Inconsistency
    While KDE applications integrate well with each other, third-party applications might not blend as seamlessly, leading to occasional inconsistencies in the user experience.
  • Learning Curve
    New users may face a steep learning curve due to the vast number of configuration options and features available in KDE.
  • Dependency Overhead
    Installing KDE applications on non-KDE systems can introduce a large number of dependencies, which might bloat the system and lead to potential conflicts.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

ReactOS
KDE

Overall verdict

  • ReactOS is a promising project with potential, but it is still in the alpha stage of development. This means it may not be stable enough for everyday use and might lack support for some hardware and software. While it offers an interesting alternative to Windows, users seeking stability and complete compatibility may find it falls short.

Why this product is good

  • ReactOS is an open-source operating system intended to be binary-compatible with applications and device drivers made for Microsoft Windows. The project aims to provide users with a free alternative to Windows, which can run Windows applications natively without the need for emulation or virtualization.

Recommended for

  • Technology enthusiasts who enjoy testing and contributing to open-source projects.
  • Developers interested in operating system design and contributing to an open-source effort.
  • Users looking to experiment with a Windows-compatible OS alternative for non-critical tasks.

Overall verdict

  • KDE is generally considered to be a strong choice for users looking for a feature-rich and customizable desktop environment. Its performance, coupled with a comprehensive suite of applications, makes it a preferred option among Linux users.

Why this product is good

  • KDE is known for its highly customizable desktop environment and a wide array of powerful applications that offer flexibility and efficiency. It is open source, which means it is regularly updated by a dedicated community, providing robust support for users. Its aesthetics and versatility make it appealing to those who appreciate a visually appealing and personalized computing experience.

Recommended for

  • Users who prioritize customization and aesthetic flexibility.
  • Linux enthusiasts looking for a feature-rich desktop environment.
  • Those who need a robust suite of productivity applications.
  • Users interested in an open-source software ecosystem.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

ReactOS 3 videos + Add
KDE 3 videos + Add

ReactOS Demo

More videos

  • - ReactOS 0.4.12 Review - Window Snapping, New Fonts, New Looks!
  • - ReactOS Is An Open Source Windows-Inspired Operating System

KDE Plasma 5 Deep Dive (Late 2019) | Linux Desktop Reviews

More videos

  • - Review - Manjaro KDE
  • - Debian 10 KDE review

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
ReactOS
KDE
45% 45%
Linux
55% 55%
43% 43%
Operating Systems
57% 57%
62% 62%
Linux Distribution
38% 38%
0% 0%
Desktop Environments
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using ReactOS and KDE. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

ReactOS no reviews yet
KDE no reviews yet

We have no reviews of ReactOS yet. Be the first one to post

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

ReactOS 79 mentions
KDE 81 mentions
  • Ask HN: How long before someone reverse-engineers Windows?
    Most of the work has already been done: https://reactos.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 24 days ago
  • Microsoft Needs Windows Lite
    There is already a "Windows Lite", and it's called ReactOS [0]. Except, the last thing we need is for Microsoft to own / embrace-extend-exterminate this. It's best that it's kept as an independent project, enabling developers to target... - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • Microsoft's "Fix" for Windows 11: Flowers After the Beating
    Kinda off-topic, but I wonder if a hypothetical OS that reimplements the Windows APIs (like ReactOS[0], but with perfect modern hardware support) would be better for end users than a Linux distro with a modern DE. In the past, this... - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago

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  • YouTube is taking down videos on performing nonstandard Windows 11 installs
    The solution is to run Linux. KDE is a good desktop environment: https://kde.org/ 90% of Windows games run on Linux: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45736925. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • KDE is now my favorite desktop
    I'm not a fan of Liquid Glass at all, but I just tried KDE again and it's certainly not there yet. Breeze has a ton of weird design decisions, and basic understanding for padding and fonts still seems lacking in KDE. It feels exactly... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Learn OCaml – Exercises
    > If I learned OCaml, what type of prospects would I have? At one point, I believe KDE[0] had OCaml integrations and/or community support. 0 - https://kde.org/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago

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Alternatives to ReactOS and KDE

When comparing ReactOS and KDE, you can also consider the following products.

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