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6 exciting and niche OS projects that are quietly growing as users leave Windows
Winsage
October 27, 2025

6 exciting and niche OS projects that are quietly growing as users leave Windows

More individuals are dissatisfied with Windows due to updates, telemetry, and restrictive design choices, especially with the end of life for Windows 10 approaching. This has led to a subtle migration towards niche operating systems. Zorin OS is a user-friendly Linux distribution designed for newcomers, featuring a familiar interface that mimics Windows and macOS, and is powered by Ubuntu for stability. It includes Zorin Connect for synchronizing notifications and emphasizes security and privacy. Haiku is a lightweight operating system that serves as a successor to BeOS, focusing on speed and simplicity, built entirely from scratch for a snappy user experience. SerenityOS is an independent project created from the ground up, featuring a nostalgic aesthetic and a complete desktop environment, with a focus on usability and craftsmanship. Ultramarine Linux is a Fedora-based distribution that simplifies open-source software for users, offering multimedia codecs and multiple desktop environments for a comprehensive experience. Vanilla OS introduces a modern approach to Linux with immutability, protecting core system files and allowing independent application management to enhance stability. ReactOS aims to recreate the Windows experience using open-source code, focusing on compatibility with Windows applications and drivers while fostering a community around its development.
The end of Windows 10 has been a boon for one particular Linux distro - and I'm not surprised
Winsage
October 23, 2025

The end of Windows 10 has been a boon for one particular Linux distro – and I’m not surprised

Support for Windows 10 officially ended recently, leaving users with unsupported PCs to consider transitioning to MacOS or Linux. Zorin OS launched its significant upgrade, Zorin OS 18, which received over 100,000 downloads in two days, with 72% coming from Windows machines. Échirolles, France, has transitioned its town hall computers to Free & Open Source software, including Zorin OS, although only 10% of those machines are using it. Microsoft is offering an additional year of security updates for Windows 10 for a fee. The "End of 10" campaign provides guidance for Windows 10 users transitioning to Linux. Linux has a wide range of applications and is considered accessible for those familiar with Windows. Continuing to use Windows 10 without support poses security risks, while Linux offers a seamless upgrade process without new hardware requirements. Zorin OS can mimic the Windows interface and supports running Windows applications through Wine. Users must decide whether to invest in a new Windows 11 computer or explore Linux as a cost-saving alternative.
Commodore needles Microsoft over end of Windows 10, tries to lure disgruntled users to its Linux-based OS Vision 3.0 — 'Microsoft may be leaving you behind. We Won't.'
Winsage
October 15, 2025

Commodore needles Microsoft over end of Windows 10, tries to lure disgruntled users to its Linux-based OS Vision 3.0 — ‘Microsoft may be leaving you behind. We Won’t.’

Commodore has launched a free, Linux-based operating system called Commodore OS Vision 3.0 as an alternative to Windows 10, which will no longer receive updates or support after October 14, 2025. The OS features a unique interface that combines retro aesthetics with modern usability and includes a 35GB download with over 200 free Linux-compatible games, classic Commodore titles, and an enhanced BASIC interpreter supporting 3D graphics. Additionally, Commodore OS Central will serve as a hub for retro resources and plans to develop into a community-driven game store. Users can find installation guides and engage in discussions on the official forums.
This is the Linux distro you should use after Windows 10 support ends today
Winsage
October 15, 2025

This is the Linux distro you should use after Windows 10 support ends today

Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system has reached its end-of-life date, prompting users to migrate to Windows 11 or opt for extended support for an additional year. Users can also consider alternative operating systems like macOS or Linux. Linux Mint, particularly with its Cinnamon desktop environment, is recommended for Windows users due to its user-friendly interface that resembles Windows. Linux Mint is based on Debian, making it easier to find Linux versions of popular applications. While Linux Mint is a strong choice for beginners, users are encouraged to explore other distributions and desktop environments to find the best fit for their needs.
Zed's dead, baby. Zed's dead? No, wait
Winsage
September 30, 2025

Zed’s dead, baby. Zed’s dead? No, wait

Zed Industries has launched a public beta of its code editor for Windows, expanding its reach beyond macOS and Linux. This Rust-based alternative to Visual Studio Code targets the 49.5% of professional developers who prefer Windows. The Windows nightly beta build is available in the Zed community Discord channel, with a general access release planned for October. The current version of Zed is in beta, while Zed 1.0 is expected in Spring 2026, featuring enhanced support for Rust, Python, and web languages, along with notebook support and multi-agent collaboration. Zed's performance shows it uses 142MB of RAM compared to Visual Studio Code's 730MB. It can connect to local WSL instances, allowing developers to edit in Windows while running code in WSL. Some users have reported bugs, but feedback has been largely positive.
Love Windows, hate the rules? Try this Linux distro instead.
Winsage
September 2, 2025

Love Windows, hate the rules? Try this Linux distro instead.

Microsoft's end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025. Windows 11's market share has decreased by 4% to 49.08%, while Windows 10's market share has increased by 2.65% to 45.53%. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for users wishing to continue using Windows 10 after support ends. Users have reported access issues but Microsoft assures enrollment will be available before the end date. Windows 11 has struggled with adoption due to strict system requirements and design flaws, prompting aggressive marketing tactics from Microsoft. An alternative, Windows Theme Over Linux (WINUX), has been updated to mimic Windows 10 and 11, requiring minimal hardware (2GB RAM and a dual-core 64-bit CPU) and offering up to five years of free updates. Advocacy groups are encouraging users to explore Linux alternatives, citing benefits like the absence of intrusive ads and telemetry tracking. Critics view Microsoft's extended support as a temporary solution rather than a sustainable fix.
I found a distro that brings the best of Windows, macOS, and Linux into one system
Winsage
July 31, 2025

I found a distro that brings the best of Windows, macOS, and Linux into one system

Bluestar is an Arch-based Linux distribution that combines elements from macOS, Windows, and traditional Linux environments, featuring a customized KDE Plasma desktop. It includes a top bar similar to many Linux setups, a dock like macOS, and desktop icons reminiscent of Windows. Bluestar is available in both 32- and 64-bit versions, has a dedicated repository, and offers up-to-date packages. It simplifies the installation process while maintaining Arch Linux's speed and rolling releases, with streamlined updates through a notifier icon. The distribution provides a clean design with intuitive customization options, allowing users to easily switch themes and layouts. Bluestar is stable and reliable, performing well across various hardware configurations, and comes preloaded with applications like VLC, Firefox, and Thunderbird. It supports seamless hardware integration and offers a graphical user interface for application management through Octopi.
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