Linux alternatives Archives

Winsage

December 11, 2025

Zorin OS vs. AnduinOS: How to pick the right Windows-like Linux distro for you

Zorin OS has over one million downloads within a month of Windows 10's discontinuation, with 75% from Windows users. It features an intuitive user interface with four layouts, including two resembling Windows, and offers additional layouts in the Pro edition. Zorin OS supports modern and older hardware through the Hardware Enablement (HWE) kernel and comes pre-installed with software like LibreOffice and Evolution. It includes features such as seamless Android connectivity via Zorin Connect, lightweight design, robust security, full-disk encryption, accessibility in over 100 languages, built-in window tiling, and is available in Core, Pro, and Education versions. Zorin OS suggests Linux alternatives for Windows applications and uses the Flatpak package manager for application installation. AnduinOS closely resembles Windows 11 and is based on Ubuntu, utilizing the GNOME desktop environment. It integrates Flatpak for application installation and has fewer preinstalled applications compared to Zorin OS. AnduinOS supports HDR, is optimized for various hardware, and undergoes active development with monthly updates. It does not collect user data, ensuring privacy and a secure experience. Users can adjust the default dark theme to match the Windows 11 aesthetic.

Winsage

December 10, 2025

Zorin OS vs. AnduinOS: How to pick the right Windows-like Linux distro for you

Zorin OS has over one million downloads in just over a month, with 75% from Windows users. It offers four user interface layouts, two resembling Windows, and supports both modern and older hardware through the Hardware Enablement (HWE) kernel. Zorin OS comes preloaded with software like LibreOffice and Evolution, supports Android connectivity via Zorin Connect, features a lightweight design, includes security measures such as the Uncomplicated Firewall and AppArmor, offers full-disk encryption, is available in over 100 languages, and has built-in window tiling. It supports Windows applications by suggesting Linux alternatives and includes Flatpak for application access. AnduinOS features a single layout resembling Windows 11 and uses the GNOME desktop environment. It employs Flatpak for app installations and has fewer preinstalled applications. AnduinOS also utilizes the HWE kernel, supports HDR, and is designed for a diverse user base. It prioritizes user privacy by not collecting data or displaying ads, and it allows users to switch themes easily. Regular updates are provided with new builds released monthly.

Winsage

December 6, 2025

Linux File Managers Outshine Windows Explorer in Speed and Customization

Windows File Explorer is facing criticism for its speed and features compared to Linux-style file managers like Dolphin, which offers advantages such as dual-pane views, tabbed browsing, and rapid search capabilities. Users have reported that Linux file managers can load directories with thousands of files in under a second, while Windows File Explorer may take several seconds. The growing dissatisfaction with Windows' performance and privacy policies has led to an increase in Linux adoption, with over 3% of the gaming market now using Linux. Additionally, Linux file managers provide high customization options and modularity, appealing particularly to developers. Discussions on social media platforms reflect a preference for Linux alternatives due to their superior performance and user experience.

Winsage

October 15, 2025

Zorin OS 18 Released Just in Time for Windows 10 EOL

Zorin OS is developed by Zorin OS Technologies Limited, founded by brothers Artyom and Kyrill Zorin. The recent launch of Zorin OS 18 features a refreshed interface with rounded corners, a floating panel, and lighter colors, along with enhanced animations for better navigation. It is built on the Linux kernel 6.14, which supports AMD Ryzen AI NPU6 and improves AES encryption performance for Zen 4/5 CPUs. The new window tiling manager allows users to organize windows efficiently by dragging them to screen edges or corners. Zorin OS 18 provides a seamless experience for users transitioning from Windows, suggesting Linux alternatives when launching Windows app installers. Zorin OS 18 Core is available for free, while Zorin OS 18 Pro is priced at .99 and includes additional features. Users can upgrade from Zorin OS 18 Core Beta to the stable release and will soon be able to upgrade from Zorin OS 17 to 18.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Windows 10 support has ended, but Zorin OS 18 is here as the ultimate alternative to Windows 11

Windows 10 support has ended, leaving many users with around 240 million computers unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Zorin OS 18 is a user-friendly Linux distribution designed for those seeking an alternative without new hardware. It features a modern interface, improved compatibility with essential tools, and built-in OneDrive integration for managing cloud files. The OS can detect over 170 Windows installer files to suggest compatible Linux alternatives, easing the transition for new users. Additional enhancements include new theme colors, improved Bluetooth audio, remote desktop login capabilities, and expanded hardware support. Zorin OS 18 promises software and security updates until 2029 and is available in Core, Pro, and Education editions for download from the Zorin website.

Winsage

September 20, 2025

With Windows 10 support ending soon, Zorin OS 18 Beta arrives as a the ultimate alternative to Windows 11

Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025. Zorin OS 18 is currently in beta and designed for users transitioning from Windows, built on Ubuntu. The beta features a refreshed aesthetic with redesigned applications, a new tiling system for workspace management, and enhanced integration with cloud services, including OneDrive support. Zorin OS can detect over 170 Windows installer files to suggest compatible Linux alternatives. It offers improved performance, better Bluetooth audio, remote desktop login capabilities, and long-term support until 2029. Some features are still in development in the beta version.

Winsage

September 19, 2025

Windows 11 responsible as PC gaming hardware sales surge by 35%, research concludes

Recent surveys from Steam indicate that the percentage of users still on Windows 10 has decreased from nearly half in February to 35% today, coinciding with the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14. Jon Peddie Research (JPR) reports a 35% growth in the PC gaming hardware market in 2025, reaching a valuation of .4 billion, driven by consumers upgrading their hardware for Windows 11. Many gamers are purchasing new prebuilt systems due to the need for CPU, motherboard, and RAM upgrades. The DIY gaming community is also building new computers instead of retrofitting existing setups. JPR anticipates a 13% decline in entry-level PC gaming over the next five years. While Windows 10 will still function, the lack of technical support and updates makes upgrading advisable, especially for those with older hardware. Additionally, there has been an increase in Steam users exploring Linux alternatives, with Valve's SteamOS being the leading Linux-based operating system on the platform.

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.

Winsage

August 20, 2025

Forget Windows 11, Windows 12.2 is the ‘next evolution’ of Microsoft’s OS

Microsoft is transitioning users from Windows 10, which is nearing its end of life, to newer operating systems, including Windows 11 and potential alternatives like Linux or Windows 12. Windows 12 has not been officially announced, but speculation exists about its design and AI integration. Concept designer Abdi has created a vision for Windows 12.2, described as the "next evolution" of the OS, featuring a polished design and the ability to switch to a Windows 7 interface through an installable theme. A video presentation of this concept is available for viewers to engage with and provide feedback.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Goverments are ditching Windows and Microsoft Office — new letter reveals the “real costs of switching to Windows 11”

Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11, which has higher hardware requirements that may render many existing PCs obsolete. The Document Foundation criticizes Microsoft's push for Windows 11, suggesting it increases reliance on Microsoft services and raises costs due to subscription models. Users express frustration over the mandatory Microsoft account for Windows 11, and a petition warns that the end of Windows 10 support could lead to many discarded computers. Alternatives like Linux and LibreOffice are presented as viable options, with Linux being compatible with older PCs that ran Windows 10. Users are advised to test Linux on a secondary partition to evaluate compatibility and workflow needs.