Exploring the Windows-like Linux distros ChaletOS and Zorin OS
Quick Switch
ChaletOS and Zorin OS are two Ubuntu derivatives designed for users who are migrating from Windows.
Microsoft's massive effort to force Windows 10 on users is causing a whole new round of migration to Linux. If these Windows users decide to make the switch, the first distribution they encounter might be a high-profile desktop system like Ubuntu and Mint. But behind the headlines, the Linux environment is teeming with choice. More than 200 Linux derivatives vie for users' affections, and if you aren't getting what you want, you can always try another Linux.
In an effort to cover the complete Linux experience, we're always ready to explore any inventive Linux alternative. Many Linux distros are created to address a specific need. The question of how to make Linux look like Windows is particularly interesting – and important, if the goal is to attract more Windows users to the open source community. I tested two Ubuntu derivatives, ChaletOS [1] and Zorin OS [2], that are designed to facilitate easy migration from Windows.
ChaletOS
ChaletOS, which was created in Serbia, is now available in its fourth major version. The current version is based on Ubuntu 16.04 and Debian 8, inheriting the 16.04 long-term support that lasts until April, 2021.
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