Want to try Linux but prefer the Windows UI? This distro is for you
Jack Wallen/ZDNETI’ve seen many a Windows-themed Linux distribution come and go. I’ve also seen my fair share of Windows-like Linux distributions that were nothing more than malware, hiding as an operating system.And then there’s FreeXP.FreeXP is a take on Q4OS, which is based on Debian. This desktop OS looks very much like Windows 10, but don’t be fooled, this is Linux.Earlier iterations of FreeXP allowed you to select from layouts that looked like: Windows 2000Windows XP ClassicWindows XP MoonWindows 7Windows 8 (for those who want a nostalgic challenge)Windows 10 LightQ4OS DefaultAfter downloading and installing the latest version, it seems the only Windows theme that’s available is for Windows 10. You can scan through the KDE Plasma global themes (from within Settings > Appearance > Global Themes > Get New Global Themes) and find themes for other Windows releases, but you’ll probably find the default Windows 10 theme to be what you want.Also: You can try Linux without ditching Windows first – here’s howBecause FreeXP is based on Debian > Q4OS, you can be sure that it’s a rock-solid distribution that will serve you well.What FreeXP isFreeXP is a Linux distribution that looks very much like Windows. Don’t be fooled, this is Linux through and through, but for anyone who’d like to switch to Linux but doesn’t want to have to learn their way around a different desktop environment, this is a great path to freedom from Windows.The developers of this distribution have done a remarkable job of theming Linux to look like Windows. You could not tell someone they’re using Linux, and (at first) they will believe you.What FreeXP is notFreeXP is not Windows; it’s Linux, which means you’re not going to be able to install Windows applications without first installing Wine. I would have thought Wine should be installed by default, but it’s not. Also: 7 things every Linux beginner should know before downloading their first distroThere’s also the Q4OS Software Center, where you can install a limited number of applications. My guess is that this tool was added so users can easily find alternatives for the Windows applications they use. You’ll also find the KDE Discover tool, which has a much larger selection of software from which to choose. More
