KDE Archives

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Your Windows 10 PC is reaching its end in 30 days. Here are your options

Windows 10 version 22H2 will reach end of servicing on October 14, 2025, which includes all editions such as Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise. This date also marks the end of support for Windows 10 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015. After this deadline, users will no longer receive monthly security updates or previews. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for home users to extend support for an additional year through various methods: activating Windows Backup for free, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards Points, or paying to extend support in non-US countries. An unofficial method involves using UpDownTool to switch to Windows 10 LTSC 2021, which will receive updates until 2032. Users can also consider switching to Linux distributions or Chromebooks as alternatives to Windows 11.

Winsage

September 7, 2025

It’s Windows 11, but actually Linux? Believe it.

Many users are exploring alternatives to Windows 10 as it approaches its end-of-life, particularly those hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11. One notable option is WINUX, a Linux distribution designed for users transitioning from Windows. WINUX closely mimics the aesthetics and functionality of Windows 11, featuring a familiar interface with a taskbar, Windows logo, and application icons that resemble their Windows counterparts. It uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment and includes stock wallpapers and themes from Windows 11, making the transition smoother for users. WINUX replaces familiar Windows applications with KDE equivalents that maintain a similar appearance, such as a terminal icon resembling Windows Terminal and Dolphin as the file explorer. The distribution allows for easy app installations and system management through a graphical user interface, making it less intimidating for new Linux users. Although Microsoft Office is not available, WINUX provides shortcuts to web versions in the Start Menu and sets Microsoft Edge as the default browser, with Google Chrome also available. For gamers, WINUX includes pre-installed access to Steam and Heroic Game Launcher, facilitating gaming on AMD graphics, while NVIDIA or Intel Arc users may need to install drivers. Overall, WINUX offers a user-friendly experience that prioritizes familiarity for those considering a switch from Windows to Linux.

Winsage

September 3, 2025

Ready to ditch Windows 10? Don’t let these 7 Linux myths stop you

Linux has evolved into a user-friendly and visually appealing operating system, dispelling several myths that have hindered its adoption. 1. The market share for Linux on Steam has tripled in the past three years, indicating its growing viability as a gaming platform. 2. Linux desktop environments like KDE Plasma, Cinnamon, and MATE resemble familiar interfaces, easing the transition for new users. 3. The interaction model in Linux is similar to Windows, with graphical interfaces, file managers, task managers, and app stores available. 4. Linux is known for its stability, with some systems running for over 2,000 days without a reboot. 5. While the variety of Linux distributions can be overwhelming, major distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora offer sensible defaults for newcomers. 6. Linux is increasingly user-friendly for everyday consumers, with a vibrant community of desktop users alongside its traditional server and developer presence. 7. Many Linux distributions feature attractive designs and customizable interfaces, rivaling those of MacOS and Windows.

Winsage

August 30, 2025

This updated Windows 11 clone is Linux underneath and makes your old PC run faster – get it now

Linuxfx has released version 11.25.09 “NOBLE,” a Windows-style Linux distribution aimed at revitalizing older laptops and desktops. It replicates the look and functionality of Windows 10 and 11, built on Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS, and offers five years of free updates. The operating system uses KDE Plasma as its desktop environment and includes a new Redsand theme, kernel 6.14.0-29 for improved hardware compatibility, and over 1GB of package updates. It supports Wine Stable for running Windows applications and includes pre-installed applications like Microsoft Teams and Oracle Java 24. PowerTools version 1.8 is available without a license key, with additional features accessible through donations. Linuxfx requires only 2GB of RAM and a dual-core 64-bit CPU, making it less demanding than Windows 11, which has higher hardware requirements.

Winsage

August 29, 2025

You don’t need to wait for SteamOS to ditch Windows: I’ve been running Linux for the past 2 months and the revolution is already here

Many users are seeking alternatives to Microsoft due to the upselling of Office 365 and the prevalence of AI features in Windows, with Linux emerging as a popular option. Bazzite is a user-friendly Linux distribution designed for gamers, offering a choice between a KDE variant with a Windows-like interface and a GNOME variant similar to macOS. It aims to replicate the SteamOS experience and has shown commendable performance for gaming, allowing many titles from the Steam library to run smoothly, including System Shock 2 remaster, Pillars of Eternity, The Witcher 3, Hunt: Showdown, Baldur's Gate 3, and Stonks-9800. However, online multiplayer games with strict anti-cheat systems, like Fortnite and Valorant, may not perform well on Linux. HDR support can be inconsistent, but Linux generally manages multi-monitor setups better than Windows.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Sorry, Bill Gates: I haven’t used Windows for years, and I don’t miss it one bit

The author transitioned from Windows to Linux nearly two decades ago, prompted by frustrations with Windows Vista. They appreciate Linux for its diverse distributions catering to various user needs, with user-friendly options like Ubuntu and Linux Mint for beginners and more customizable options like Arch Linux for experienced users. The author enjoys experimenting with different distros, particularly Fedora and Arch Linux. Gaming on Linux has improved significantly, with Valve's Proton enabling seamless play of Windows games, including titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and X4: Foundations. The installation process for Linux is simpler and less intrusive than Windows, which requires a Microsoft account and involves privacy-related choices. Linux also supports older hardware better than Windows and Apple, promoting sustainability. The author does not miss Windows and views Linux as the superior operating system.

Winsage

August 22, 2025

Ditching Windows 10 is the only route for people who want privacy

Users of Windows 10 face a decision as the end-of-support date approaches, with options to continue using Windows 10, upgrade to Windows 11, or switch to alternative operating systems. Remaining on Windows 10 without support is not viable due to security risks, especially for online devices. Opting for extended support may compromise privacy, as it often requires a Microsoft account. The Windows 10 LTSC edition offers longer support but may lead to compatibility issues with third-party applications. Transitioning to alternative operating systems, like Fedora KDE, may provide smoother experiences for users.

Winsage

August 22, 2025

Linux Fu: Windows Virtualization The Hard(ware) Way

The Linux community faces challenges when certain applications are only available on Windows, despite solutions like Wine and virtual machines. A new approach using hardware instead of virtualization has emerged. The author received a Surface Laptop 2 that was non-functional until the keyboard was removed, revealing it was operational. While transitioning Windows installations from VirtualBox to KVM, the author discovered WinApps, a script that allows Windows applications to run on a Linux desktop via a virtual machine. However, this setup caused performance issues due to constant disk activity. The author experimented with connecting WinApps to a physical Windows machine on the network, successfully running Windows software directly on their desktop. The setup required executing an installation script on the Windows machine and making registry changes to enable RDP applications. Minor hurdles included compatibility issues with a dual-monitor setup and user permission bugs. Ultimately, Microsoft Word ran smoothly on the author's KDE desktop, demonstrating the potential for utilizing older computers for occasional tasks.

Winsage

August 20, 2025

4 features in KDE Plasma that Windows 11 users are sorely missing out on

Many users transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 have expressed dissatisfaction due to the removal of beloved features. Some have turned to alternatives like Linux, specifically Fedora KDE. KDE offers significant customization options, including the ability to place taskbars on any edge of the screen and create multiple taskbars for different purposes. Its file explorer, Dolphin, allows users to split the window into two views for easier file management. The Krunner search bar provides a quick way to launch applications, and KDE's Application Launcher can be resized and customized extensively, unlike Windows 11's Start menu. Overall, KDE is seen as a more flexible and feature-rich alternative to Windows 11.

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.