Want To Try Linux But Prefer The Windows Ui? This Distro Is For You

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

I've seen galore a Windows-themed Linux distribution travel and go. I've besides seen my adjacent stock of Windows-like Linux distributions that were thing much than malware, hiding arsenic an operating system.

And past there's FreeXP.

FreeXP is simply a return connected Q4OS, which is based connected Debian. This desktop OS looks very overmuch for illustration Windows 10, but don't beryllium fooled, this is Linux.

Earlier iterations of FreeXP allowed you to prime from layouts that looked like: 

• Windows 2000
• Windows XP Classic
• Windows XP Moon
• Windows 7
• Windows 8 (for those who want a nostalgic challenge)
• Windows 10 Light
• Q4OS Default

After downloading and installing nan latest version, it seems nan only Windows taxable that's disposable is for Windows 10. You tin scan done nan KDE Plasma world themes (from wrong Settings > Appearance > Global Themes > Get New Global Themes) and find themes for different Windows releases, but you'll astir apt find nan default Windows 10 taxable to beryllium what you want.

Also: You tin effort Linux without ditching Windows first - here's how

Because FreeXP is based connected Debian > Q4OS, you tin beryllium judge that it's a rock-solid distribution that will service you well.

What FreeXP is

FreeXP is simply a Linux distribution that looks very overmuch for illustration Windows. Don't beryllium fooled, this is Linux done and through, but for anyone who'd for illustration to move to Linux but doesn't want to person to study their measurement astir a different desktop environment, this is simply a awesome way to state from Windows.

The developers of this distribution person done a singular occupation of theming Linux to look for illustration Windows. You could not show personification they're utilizing Linux, and (at first) they will judge you.

What FreeXP is not

FreeXP is not Windows; it's Linux, which intends you're not going to beryllium capable to instal Windows applications without first installing Wine. I would person thought Wine should beryllium installed by default, but it's not. 

Also: 7 things each Linux beginner should cognize earlier downloading their first distro

There's besides nan Q4OS Software Center, wherever you tin instal a constricted number of applications. My conjecture is that this instrumentality was added truthful users tin easy find alternatives for nan Windows applications they use. You'll besides find nan KDE Discover tool, which has a overmuch larger action of package from which to choose.

The FreeXP app shop is connected nan correct and KDE Discover is connected nan left.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

Between those 2 tools, you'll find each of nan package you request to create a highly functional, user-friendly, Linux-based desktop operating system.

Why I deliberation you'll for illustration FreeXP

Obviously, nan superior tie to FreeXP is that it looks for illustration Windows 10. Beyond that, FreeXP ships pinch a ton of preinstalled software, specified arsenic LibreOffice (including Base), Chromium, Clementine (music player), Firewall Configuration, KDE Connect,  Sweeper (system cleaner), Thunderbird, VLC media player, and overmuch more.

Another logic to for illustration FreeXP is its return connected nan Start Menu. With this, you tin resistance and driblet apps from nan near paper to nan correct pane to create a grid of favorites for easy access.

I emotion nan thought of this drag-and-drop paper feature.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

On a akin note, you'll find nan System Tray to beryllium amazingly familiar. Here you tin unfastened notifications, spot if location are updates available, negociate your clipboard, and more.

The FreeXP System Tray should look beautiful familiar.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

You'll besides bask nan stableness of Debian. If you're coming from a Windows OS, you'll beryllium amazed astatine really reliable this operating strategy is. Debian is renowned for being 1 of nan astir unchangeable operating systems connected nan planet, truthful you tin opportunity b'bye to those random crashes and unusual behaviors.

Also: Want to prevention your aged computer? Try 1 of these 8 Linux distros for free

Ultimately, however, FreeXP is conscionable easy to use. Whether you're coming from Windows aliases you've dabbled pinch Linux, this desktop distribution is simple. Everything conscionable makes sense, which is thing Windows struggles with.

What I deliberation you won't for illustration FreeXP

This 1 is very simple: if you travel to FreeXP from Windows, and presume it will beryllium a 1:1 transcript of nan Microsoft operating system, you'll beryllium disappointed. As I've said, FreeXP is Linux, and there's nary escaping that. 

Like Windows, Linux is an operating system, a measurement for you to interact pinch your hardware and installed software. Although they spell astir these things differently, they are some a intends to an end, and nan intends isn't astir arsenic difficult arsenic you mightiness think. Consider these points:

• You get a Windows-like desktop.
• It includes each nan preinstalled package you request to get going correct away.
• You tin instal applications from wrong a user-friendly GUI.
• You'll find each nan acquainted features, specified arsenic clickable icons, a commencement menu, a strategy tray, a sheet pinch launchers, and a GUI app store.
• Right-click nan desktop and you'll spot a familiar-looking pop-up.

On apical of that, you don't person to interest truthful overmuch astir antivirus software, you won't beryllium disappointment by slow and unsteady updates, and you tin customize nan desktop nevertheless you like.

Also: 8 ways each Linux distro could make things a batch easier for newbies

If those pros outweigh nan very minimal cons for you, past I judge FreeXP is conscionable nan distribution you request to thief you jump done nan Window(s) and onshore connected much coagulated ground.