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.
[...]
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
-
Manjaro 26.0 Primary Desktop Environments Default to Wayland
If you want to stick with X.Org, you'll be limited to the desktop environments you can choose.
-
Mozilla Plans to AI-ify Firefox
With a new CEO in control, Mozilla is doubling down on a strategy of trust, all the while leaning into AI.
-
Gnome Says No to AI-Generated Extensions
If you're a developer wanting to create a new Gnome extension, you'd best set aside that AI code generator, because the extension team will have none of that.
-
Parrot OS Switches to KDE Plasma Desktop
Yet another distro is making the move to the KDE Plasma desktop.
-
TUXEDO Announces Gemini 17
TUXEDO Computers has released the fourth generation of its Gemini laptop with plenty of updates.
-
Two New Distros Adopt Enlightenment
MX Moksha and AV Linux 25 join ranks with Bodhi Linux and embrace the Enlightenment desktop.
-
Solus Linux 4.8 Removes Python 2
Solus Linux 4.8 has been released with the latest Linux kernel, updated desktops, and a key removal.
-
Zorin OS 18 Hits over a Million Downloads
If you doubt Linux isn't gaining popularity, you only have to look at Zorin OS's download numbers.
-
TUXEDO Computers Scraps Snapdragon X1E-Based Laptop
Due to issues with a Snapdragon CPU, TUXEDO Computers has cancelled its plans to release a laptop based on this elite hardware.
-
Debian Unleashes Debian Libre Live
Debian Libre Live keeps your machine free of proprietary software.

