Going Beyond Linux
Going Beyond Linux
We all love Linux, but there are many other free software operating systems out there that are worth exploring.
How many open source operating systems (OSs) can you name? GNU/Linux is obviously the first thing that comes to mind, and if you've been around in the FOSS world for a while you've probably come across (or even tried) one of the BSD flavors as well: FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and NetBSD. These are all Unix-like OSs, each with their own sets of strengths and benefits, but there's a whole world of other OSs out there. Many of them aren't well known right now and have smaller communities compared with Linux, but some hold plenty of potential and could become big names in a few years.
So over the next few pages, we'll look at what's going on in the "alternative OS" scene. Best of all, because these OSs are all free software and open source, you can try them out after you've read about them. If you have an old PC sitting around doing nothing useful, you can try running these OSs on real hardware – or you can simply install a PC emulator such as VirtualBox or Qemu on your main machine and take them for a spin.
ReactOS
Thanks to Wine, it's possible to run many Windows applications on Linux – at least, predominantly older applications, and often with a few glitches here and there. Wine does an impressive job of intercepting Windows system calls and rewiring them for their Linux equivalents; as a compatibility layer; however, it can only do so much. Instead of using this layer on top of an unrelated OS like Linux, wouldn't it make more sense to basically write a Windows clone from the ground up?
[...]
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
-
California May Exempt Linux from Its Age-Verification Law
After backlash from the Linux community, California may be backing off on its promise to force all operating systems to verify age, but one platform may still have to comply.
-
Another Logic Bug Found in Linux Kernel
Qualys has discovered a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can be used to elevate standard user privileges.
-
Ubuntu Core 26 Offers Game-Changing Enterprise Features
Ubuntu Core 26 could be a game-changer for organizations looking for increased security and reliability.
-
AI Flooding the Linux Kernel Security Mailing List
AI is giving Linus Torvalds a headache, but not in the way you might think.
-
Top Priorities for Open Source Pros Seeking a New Job
Professional fulfillment tops the list, according to LPI report.
-
Container-Based Fedora Hummingbird Designed for Agent-First Builders
Fedora Hummingbird brings the same approach to the host OS as it does to containers to level up security.
-
Linux kernel Developers Considering a Kill Switch
With the rise of Linux vulnerabilities, the kernel developers are now considering adding a component that could help temporarily mitigate against them… in the form of a kill switch.
-
Fedora 44 Now Gaming Ready
The latest version of Fedora has been released with gaming support.
-
Manjaro 26.1 Preview Unveils New Features
The latest Manjaro 26.1 preview has been released with new desktop versions, a new kernel, and more.
-
Microsoft Issues Warning About Linux Vulnerability
The company behind Windows has released information about a flaw that affects millions of Linux systems.