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elementary OS

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elementary OS

elementary OS Reviews and Details

This page is designed to help you find out whether elementary OS is good and if it is the right choice for you.

Screenshots and images

  • elementary OS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-17

Features & Specs

  1. User-Friendly Interface

    elementary OS boasts a sleek, modern design that is easy to navigate, making it ideal for users transitioning from other operating systems like Windows or macOS.

  2. Security and Privacy

    elementary OS is built on Ubuntu LTS, providing a secure foundation with regular updates and support for security patches. The OS also emphasizes user privacy by minimizing data collection.

  3. Minimalism and Efficiency

    The system is designed to be lightweight, avoiding bloatware and unnecessary applications, which helps in optimizing performance and reducing system resource usage.

  4. Custom AppCenter

    elementary OS features its own curated app store called AppCenter, where users can find high-quality, open-source applications that follow design guidelines and are safe to install.

  5. Active Community and Support

    The distribution has an active community, providing forums, documentation, and third-party resources that can help new users with troubleshooting and customization.

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Videos

elementary OS 5.1 Hera Updates - Linux Distro Reviews

elementary OS 5.1 Hera | Review and Final Thoughts

Distro Review : Elementary OS 5.1 "Hera" : GLAM UP YOUR DESKTOP!

Social recommendations and mentions

We have tracked the following product recommendations or mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you see what people think about elementary OS and what they use it for.
  • Not the Future
    On topic of less user-hostile OS , I wonder how this guys are doing: https://reactos.org/ https://elementary.io/. - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • Windows 10 resists its end: usage share climbs while Windows 11's falls
    What do you mean, there's all kinds of extremely user focused distributions. If you need it to feel like Windows there's KDE - but if you're OK with changing your mind then things like ElemeteryOS (https://elementary.io/) put a huge amount of focus on UX, accessibility, beauty and of course: usability. Aside from Archlinux, the majority of mainstream distributions bend over themselves to offer you GUIs for... - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • Eazel, ex-Apple led Linux startup
    > if a new Eazel emerged tomorrow (another Linux-focused startup led by ex-Apple "rock stars"), how would they best contribute to the Linux desktop? Probably by joining elementary OS: https://elementary.io/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Ask HN: Where are the paid Linux desktop distributions?
    There's Zorin OS Pro: https://zorin.com/os/pro/ And elementaryOS is kinda-sorta paid (you can pay $0 too): https://elementary.io/ Finally, while this is not a proper distro as such, ParterdMagic makes for an excellent rescue option: https://partedmagic.com/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Microsoft Edge ignores user wishes, slurps tabs from Chrome without permission
    I hear you, but they've all moved along in leaps and bounds. Some options if you ever look again - * ElementaryOS(https://elementary.io/). - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Linux distributions for beginners in 2024: Expert tested and reviewed
    Iโ€™ve seen Raycast adjacent apps for Linux, but I donโ€™t know what the current go-to all the kids are using these days. I used Quicksilver on OS X back in the day, which kind of defined the category I think. But these days I try to keep it simple. Elementary OS seems to be trying to solve for the design issue, but itโ€™s not as polished as macOS and there are still all the 3rd party apps to contend with. Iโ€™ve tried... - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Linux Lite: Easy to Use Free Linux Operating System
    I thought ElementaryOS was dead due to infighting between the two cofounders, but it still seems to be going: https://elementary.io/ (I installed it on one box a few years ago and liked it, but moved back to Ubuntu once I learned about its conflict in the team.). - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago
  • Recommend me a distro for my stepdad
    As an alternative to the other (great) suggestions, check out ElementaryOS. Source: about 3 years ago
  • How many of you are still using mullvad?
    But get an old laptop, download and install on it https://elementary.io/, or PopOS or Debian (they all resemble macOS) or whatever distro you like the most. And start tinkering. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Package management
    I would suggest installing elementaryOS inside a VM, and follow their getting started guide. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Old laptop,need help with an os.
    Maybe take a look at https://elementary.io/? It was one of the better "out of the box" linux distros when I was last using linux. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Eggโ›ฉ๏ธ๐Ÿงirl
    It warms my heart seeing all my fellow linux users here! ๐Ÿ˜Š I personally use elementary OS because the desktop is pretty ๐Ÿฅบ. Also, the lead of the project is a trans woman! Source: about 3 years ago
  • MacOS virtual desktop?
    Does it need to me MacOS specifically? You could run a linux OS that looks like Apple such as https://elementary.io. Source: about 3 years ago
  • What OS could I install on an old Mac
    I have a 2017 Mac and the MacOS only gets security updates. Elementary OS is a Linux distro said to have a Mac-like look and feel. Itโ€™s where Iโ€™m going if the security updates stop. Https://elementary.io/. Source: over 3 years ago
  • PearOS - What happened to it?
    If you want a modern Mac-like, check out elementary: https://elementary.io/. Source: over 3 years ago
  • SOOOO many Errors when upgrading
    Fourthly: did the updates on the elementary.io pop shop, had quite the Pop_OS system updates and, brave browser and signal desktop. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Elementary 7.0 startup high contrast issue after installation. But works perfectly fine if I choose safe graphics in live iso or advanced options>recovery mode(resume) in grub
    Download it from elementary.io, it has a liveCD option. It might be on a timer where you have to sit and watch it as it starts up, or it will default to installing. But, I might be misremembering that. I've been doing a lot of distrohopping this last week. Source: over 3 years ago
  • I'm so over windows. Need Linux advice.
    Try elementaryOS. https://elementary.io/. It has a good ui on top of Linux. If your needs are more server based try Debian. Or if you want a Decent ui use Ubuntu. Personally I find Ubuntuโ€™s snaps annoying but ymmv. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Is Steam OS good for a daily OS?
    Gaming mode's universal overlay is a pretty neat innovation that justifies the Deck going full Wayland, but even on my Deck, I'm actively looking into getting Pantheon, Budgie or MATE running in a rootful Xwayland so I don't have to use Plasma give up the ...-managed settings (display refresh rate, TDP cap, etc.) while working from a full desktop environment. Source: over 3 years ago
  • ElementaryOS 7.0 is now officially released to the public
    You are supposed to use a lot of Flatpak apps on elementaryOS. The (at least "many") apps by elementary also come in form of (system-wide) flatpaks from the elementary.io repository, as do the apps built for elementaryOS and distributed through the Software app. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Patience is key when you're new to Linux.
    Hackintoshes are so 2010--the real chads install elementaryOS (or Asahi + Pantheon) on their macbooks. Source: over 3 years ago

Summary of the public mentions of elementary OS

Elementary OS, a distinguished player in the realm of Linux distributions, consistently garners attention for its user-centered design and aesthetic akin to macOS. As an open-source project, it aims to offer an intuitive and visually appealing alternative to prevalent operating systems like macOS and Windows while maintaining the core benefits of Linux.

User Interface and Design: A dominant aspect frequently highlighted by users and comparisons with other distributions is the visual and user interface design of Elementary OS. The Pantheon desktop environment, consolidated with custom-developed applications, provides a cohesive, polished experience that is said to emulate the usability and aesthetic design principles of Apple's macOS. This makes elementary OS an ideal choice for former Mac users seeking a familiar environment within the open-source Linux ecosystem.

Usability and Applications: Elementary OS is commended for its straightforward operation, targeting both beginners transitioning from other platforms and more experienced users desiring a simplified, functional desktop experience. The operating system comes with a set of pre-installed programs and access to an app store, designed to facilitate easy software installation and management. Such attention to usability implies a learning curve that's generally less steep than some other Linux distributions, thus fostering a more inclusive ecosystem for new adopters.

Community and Ethical Development: Highlighting its commitment to ethical computing, Elementary OS is described as both thoughtful and capable. It thrives on community-driven development, with a significant focus on user feedback and community engagement, contributing to its status as a favored distribution for ethical and open-source computing enthusiasts. Elementary, Inc., the organization developing and maintaining the distribution, provides not only the operating system but also the desktop environment and various applications tailored for maximum compatibility and integration.

Perceived Challenges: Despite its user-focused design, some users perceive limitations in integration and application availability, especially when juxtaposed with the seamless synchronization features of macOS. While elementary OS supports software installation through Flatpak, providing a wide range of applications, challenges remain regarding third-party app availability and synchronization across devices, often cited as areas needing improvement to compete directly with other operating systems.

Community Sentiment and Recent Developments: Recent discussions in various technical communities reveal a mix of admiration and concern. Elementary OS's visual appeal and functionality receive widespread appreciation; however, concerns regarding development direction and team conflicts have surfaced, somewhat affecting its reputation. Despite these hurdles, elementary OS continues to be actively developed, as evidenced by the release of version 7.0, which included enhancements driven by community feedback.

Conclusion: Elementary OS positions itself distinctively within the Linux ecosystem, primarily appealing to users drawn to its Mac-like aesthetics and ease of use, while maintaining the benefits of an open-source ethos. For individuals seeking an OS that bridges familiar aesthetics with the flexibility of Linux, elementary OS offers a compelling option amidst its competitors. However, potential adopters should consider their specific needs regarding integration and application breadth, balanced against elementary OS's design-centric approach.

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Is elementary OS good? This is an informative page that will help you find out. Moreover, you can review and discuss elementary OS here. The primary details have not been verified within the last quarter, and they might be outdated. If you think we are missing something, please use the means on this page to comment or suggest changes. All reviews and comments are highly encouranged and appreciated as they help everyone in the community to make an informed choice. Please always be kind and objective when evaluating a product and sharing your opinion.