Exploring elementary OS
Who Is It For?
Elementary OS calls itself an OS for macOS and Windows users. Blaede believes that elementary OS is targeted at everyday computer users. However, it does target those who care about their privacy. "We develop elementary OS for users who are fed up with the privacy-invasiveness of modern devices running software like Windows, Chrome OS, and Android," said Blaede.
"We also have had a lot of success with users who are fed up with Apple's continued proprietary approach, planned obsolescence of their devices, and refusal to work with other ecosystems," opines Fore.
It may seem that elementary OS is offering a glass of cold water to those stuck in a Windows and macOS desert.
"We're interested in converting those folks over to using an open source operating system on their desktop or notebook. Over the last year, about 75 percent of people downloading elementary OS do so from a non-Linux operating system, so I'd say we're doing pretty good at reaching those users," said Fore.
It's not just availability of major apps; it's also about support for third-party plugins, hardware, and drivers. So, before switching to elementary OS, do some homework and see if the apps that you need for work are available.
Also keep in mind that elementary OS is a very opinionated OS. It has its own idea of where it wants to go, and there is no room for negotiation. It's more or less like macOS. If you agree with their design principles and the direction they have taken with the curated apps, you will find yourself enjoying this distro.
Conclusion
Elementary OS' added value to the Linux world is bringing the iconic industrial design principle to the platform. As someone who cares a lot about the polish of tools, I think elementary OS is among the most beautiful OSs.
Before you head over to download elementary OS, you should know that elementary OS is not a "band-aid" OS. It's not an OS that popped up to exploit the situation and offer a quick fix for Unity or Gnome. It's a horse in a very long race. They take their time to build things. In my discussion with the team, it was made abundantly clear that they are building a platform for the future, a platform that will become an appealing alternative to macOS, Windows, and Chrome OS.
Infos
- elementary OS: https://elementary.io/
- elementary OS HIG: https://elementary.io/docs/human-interface-guidelines#human-interface-guidelines
- Juno release: https://medium.com/elementaryos/elementary-os-5-juno-is-here-471dfdedc7b3
- Developer guidelines: https://developer.elementary.io
« Previous 1 2 3
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.
-
ZorinOS 17.1 Released, Includes Improved Windows App Support
If you need or desire to run Windows applications on Linux, there's one distribution intent on making that easier for you and its new release further improves that feature.
-
Linux Market Share Surpasses 4% for the First Time
Look out Windows and macOS, Linux is on the rise and has even topped ChromeOS to become the fourth most widely used OS around the globe.
-
KDE’s Plasma 6 Officially Available
KDE’s Plasma 6.0 "Megarelease" has happened, and it's brimming with new features, polish, and performance.
-
Latest Version of Tails Unleashed
Tails 6.0 is based on Debian 12 and includes GNOME 43.
-
KDE Announces New Slimbook V with Plenty of Power and KDE’s Plasma 6
If you're a fan of KDE Plasma, you'll be thrilled to hear they've announced a new Slimbook with an AMD CPU and the latest version of KDE Plasma desktop.
-
Monthly Sponsorship Includes Early Access to elementary OS 8
If you want to get a glimpse of what's in the pipeline for elementary OS 8, just set up a monthly sponsorship to help fund its continued existence.