When a long time Windows user plans to switch to Linux, he/she generally wants a Linux like Windows 7 or a Linux like Windows XP.
- Best Linux Distro For Windows 10 Users
- Best Linux Distro For Windows 10 Users
- Which Linux Distro Is Best For Windows Users
- Linux On Windows 10
- Best Linux Distro For Ex Windows Users
This is understandable as switching to Linux from Windows could be overwhelming. If one gets a familiar interface, it becomes a bit easier to navigate. This is not just my opinion, people actually Google for Linux that looks like Windows.
Now the question arises, is there actually any Linux distro like Windows? And the answer is yes, there are Linux OS like Windows and we are going to see the best Windows look alike Linux distros.
Best Linux distributions that look like Windows
Brief: In this article, we will see the best Linux distro for beginners. This will help new Linux users to pick their first distribution. Let’s face it, Linux can pose an overwhelming complexity to new users. But then, it’s not Linux itself that brings this complexity. Rather, it’s the.
While many long time Linux users scorn at the idea of a Linux distribution imitating Windows’ looks.
But making the switch from Windows to Linux is not always easy for everyone. Partially because our computer experience is built on Windows and adapting to Linux sometimes needs a tad bit effort. And if looks could help, why not?
Anyway, Linux is all about sharing and caring. That’s why we at It’s FOSS, had a little team brainstorming session to bring the best and convenient distros for people coming from Windows. Let’s get right into it, shall we?
Chalet OS
If windows 10 made you switch to Linux and you’re a fan of the old Windows 7 looks and feel, Chalet OS is definitely for You.
See what I mean? Chalet OS offers the comfort and homely feel of Windows 7 coupled with the stability, customizability, security and other awesome features of Ubuntu 16.04.
Extensive care has been taken to make Chalet OS a native experience to Windows users. You can see the Window detailing has been customized to make it look exactly like Windows 7.
Chalet OS developers understand it can be a scary experience switching to Linux from Windows after spending our entire life on Windows machines. That’s why they have put in some home grown applications that make this switch so easy.
I know You might have made some heavy changes to the way your Windows PC looked and might want to have the same experience on Linux too.
That’s where the Chalet OS Style Changer comes in. With so many presets, you can set almost all the themes offered on Windows here too. That too with just a click. Want more customization? Hey, It’s Linux. You’re welcome.
Then there’s the Chalet OS “Start Point”. I suggest you have a look at this simple yet useful piece of work even if you’re a seasoned Linux user. For beginners, this software will launch your Linux experience light years ahead (I know, I know it’s a measure of distance and not time. But It just sticks brah ;p).
Want to know what Linux’s got in the gaming department. Check out Start Point. Or need some productivity stuff? Check out Start Point. Start Point is this guide to applications on Linux. It has got hand-picked titles which I can guaranty, will satisfy all your computing needs. It’s really a smart inclusion to Chalet OS.
Chalet OS might be created with the intention of helping out Windows refugees adjust to Linux, But it’s not at all a bridge. It is a complete Home and Business computing solution in itself.
If you are thinking of running a Window like Linux on your PC, Chalet OS would be my first choice to burn you a DVD or a Live USB. Go with it already!
Zorin OS
The thing about changing operating systems is, a lot of habits and muscle memory thingies we formed on our old OS really become a nuisance and become huge hindrances in our adjusting with the new OS. For example, hitting the F5 button repeatedly, checking for virus everytime we plug in a pen drive and… Okay okay, I’ll stop chiding Windows.
But you do agree it’s an issue. Is in not?
Enter Zorin OS. Ask any seasoned Linux user which OS a Windows refugee must get and most of the time it will be Zorin OS. Why ? Let’s see some reasons.
Zorin OS is a Linux distro like Windows in terms of the looks. The Start like application launcher, The bottom, icon indicator area, they’re all made to make the newcomers feel at home. There are lot other tools and applications that make Zorin OS a good choice.
Another thing I want to talk about is applications. Well, when I first had installed Ubuntu, I had tried to install Chrome by running the windows installer for the same (Without Wine too). Go ahead take a moment and have a laugh.
But I bet someone else can relate to me. The package managers can be a puzzle on Linux. That’s why Zorin comes with a very big list of day to day applications pre-installed. A good set of games, Rhythmbox music player, GIMP for image editing, OpenShot video editor, Firefox, LibreOffice and many more applications will allow you to do all the regular stuff without any further issue.
Zorin OS has Software Center and you can use it to get any software you want with just a few clicks. And if you want to install Windows software on Linux, Why the hell not? Zorin’s got Wine and PlayOnLinux up and running and they’ll handle windows software effortlessly.
Zorin OS has a tool called the “Zorin Look Changer” which is basically a theme changer and customizer on steroids. It lets You change basic looks, then chose presets like Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Ubuntu, Mac and more. See for yourself.
Zorin OS has a lot more such customizations and useful tools, like the Zorin Web Browser Manger which will help inexperienced Linux freshers install their favorite browser quickly and easily.
Zorin OS developers have done quite a brainy work here. Even my teammates here at It’s FOSS suggest Zorin to all the Windows users who want to check Linux out. It is great.
Best Linux Distro For Windows 10 Users
Kubuntu
If you looked up the web or discussed about moving to Linux, you probably already came across Ubuntu. I do agree Ubuntu is a good place to start your Linux journey. But I’d suggest you try Kubuntu instead of the default Ubuntu that has Unity desktop environment.
Confused about various types of Ubuntu? Kubuntu is a flavor (a variant featuring some changes in per-installed software list as well as the default desktop environment) of Ubuntu. It runs the KDE which is polished and elegant.
Ubuntu has very different desktop layout than that of Windows. This combined with other differences can be a lot to take in. If you are running Kubuntu, at least the menu and indicators won’t be new and you’ll be more comfortable with the desktop.
The application launcher is very accessible and finding applications by navigating the sub menus is absolutely handy. Once you know what applications you will be using, you can invoke the search by pressing alt+spacebar. Start to type in the application name and the matching cases will drop down. You can easily pick the application you want.
You know, although not my favorite, I think KDE is the best desktop environment for Linux.
You’ll find Kubuntu a superior quality environment and although a learning curve is involved, I still suggest Kubuntu to newcomers as the curve is not really steep and it won’t be long before you get a hang of things.
If I was to suggest a flavor of Ubuntu to a Windows user, it’ll be Kubuntu hands down. A Linux OS like Windows and an official flavor of Ubuntu, there is nothing more to ask for.
Linux Mint
Linux Mint, as many of you might know, is one of the heavyweights of Desktop Linux world. You will find Linux Mint in almost all the top Linux Distros list.
You might be wondering what it’s doing in this article. Well, It’s here because of its simplicity. Its desktop environment, Cinnamon is similar to Windows 7 and is one of the most adored desktop environments. That style just rocks whether on Windows or on Linux.
If you are terribly addicted to working on a Windows machine (nobody said that was a bad thing), your productivity will not hamper at all on Linux Mint.
Best Linux Distro For Windows 10 Users
Why, you ask? The Linux Mint menu is located in the same position as the Windows start so when you move the cursor to the bottom right just like you did on Windows, You won’t be disappointed. LM has “activate on hover” for Menu. So that’s a bonus. The applications are arranged under categories so finding applications in a new OS won’t be an issue.
The Software Manager is a minimalistic and simple tool for finding and downloading additional software on Linux Mint. Since Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, you’ll find a very large number of applications for all your computing needs. A simple browse and click will get you anything you need.
Gaming on Linux is a major factor that prevents ‘the switch’. I agree gaming is not the same on Linux as it is on Windows. But we are definitely not in the stone age of gaming. Check out this list of Top 10 games for Linux.
Steam also supports Linux. It more than supports Linux. Steam recommends Linux. Steam brings the latest and the greatest of gaming titles to Linux. FYI Deus Ex: Mankind Divided will soon be available on Linux. Yay!
One thing about Linux Mint though. If you install it as a beginner, you can still continue to use it even after you feel you’ve gotten more acquainted with Linux. A lot of advanced Linux users use Linux Mint too. It’s the number One Linux distro on Distrowatch. It’s just that good.
Well, there you have it, people. These Windows like Linux distros will help you make the switch from Windows to Linux easier, especially if you are a new to Linux world. If you liked this, I recommend reading about the best Linux distributions for beginners.
Tell us which was Your “transition distro” and also some tips beginners might find useful. Do share this article and help someone find love with Linux.
Which Linux Distro Is Best For Windows Users
Ah, the age-old question…one that holds far more importance than simply pointing out which Linux distribution is a fan-favorite. Why is that?
Let me set the stage: You have a user—one who has, most likely, spent the majority of their time in front of either a Windows or Mac machine—and they’ve come to you for an alternative. You want to point them in a direction that will bring about the least amount of hiccups along the way and highlight the power and flexibility of Linux.
But, remember, the single most important aspect is that they must get it, out of the box.
That’s why we often take the time to point out which distributions are best designed for new users — because bringing new users into the mix is the best way to spread the word and grow the base.
With that said, what are the best distributions for new users? I’m going to take a bit of a different approach this time and point out which distributions would be best for users coming from different environments. You can also check out my list of best distros for 2017.
From Windows 7 to Linux: ZorinOS
When Windows 8 rolled out, there was a reason so many wanted to stick with Windows 7—familiarity. Users had been working with the same desktop metaphor for decades and they had no desire to migrate to the more touchscreen-centric platform of Windows 8. So, what distribution do you turn to for that? You first must consider desktop environment. Why? Because that is where you immediately hook those Windows 7 users. And what better distribution for such a task than ZorinOS?
ZorinOS was designed specifically as a replacement for Windows (and Mac) computers, so it goes a very long way to replicate the look and feel of those desktops. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a Linux distribution that does as good a job of making the transition from Windows 7 to Linux—while still retaining that which makes Linux such a powerful, flexible platform.
Linux On Windows 10
Beyond the desktop environment (Figure 1), ZorinOS is based on Ubuntu, so under the hood, everything is going to just work (so there’s little need to worry their hardware won’t be detected). Couple that with the readily available software and you have the perfect distribution for new users coming from Windows 7.
Do note, however, there are two versions of ZorinOS: Zorin Ultimate and Zorin Core. While Core is free, it doesn’t include nearly the amount of software that you’ll find in Ultimate. If you want an out of the box distribution that will please anyone coming from Windows 7, I highly recommend purchasing Zorin Ultimate (for approximately $20.00 USD). Of course, if you don’t want to splurge for the Ultimate edition, you can always install nearly everything you need from the included Software package management tool.
From Windows 8 to Linux: Ubuntu GNOME
The shift to Windows 8, brought about a very touchscreen-centric environment that changed the way users interact with their machines. The old metaphor of Star Menu/Panel/System tray was replaced with an interface that shined in a touchscreen environment. If you’re looking for the best environment to give a new-to-Linux user something different, yet still function as a best-in-breed should, look no further than Ubuntu GNOME.
Ubuntu GNOME is a best of two worlds amalgamation between Ubuntu and GNOME (Figure 2). Replacing the Unity interface with a desktop that is equal parts modern elegance and user-friendly simplicity, Ubuntu GNOME shouldn’t cause much in the way of issues for any user coming from Windows 8. Not only does this distribution lay its foundation on the latest LTS release of Ubuntu (so support will last), it makes use of the latest stable release of the GNOME desktop—which means the user will enjoy an incredibly solid experience.
From Mac to Linux: Elementary OS
Without a doubt, the hands-down winner for this category is Elementary OS. Although Elementary does an incredible job of looking and feeling like an OS X desktop, it is much more than that. Elementary OS is, at its very heart, Linux—it just happens to have taken a cue from OS X for many of the design elements.
Any Mac user would feel immediately at home on the desktop environment (Figure 3). With an all-too familiar doc and the inclusion of an applications menu, Elementary OS always stands at the top of my best-of distribution list. And, if we’re talking about Mac users, there is no better drop-in replacement than Elementary OS.
Best Linux Distro For Ex Windows Users
One thing that Mac users will greatly appreciate is how great a job the Elementary OS developers have done keeping design consistency throughout the desktop. From the dock, panel, menus, and included applications, you will not find a single element that doesn’t look and feel like it belongs.
There is one caveat that I would add to Elementary OS. You’ll need to install a sufficient browser (as it “ships” with Epiphany—a browser not widely supported by many necessary sites) and you’ll want to install LibreOffice from the downloadable package from the official LibreOffice site (as the package found in the Elementary OS AppCenter is a bit out of date).
From Android to Linux: Ubuntu
This may seem like a bit of a stretch, but considering how dominant Android is within the global market, you will come across users who might need a Linux desktop that would make them feel instantly at home, after coming from a more mobile-centric interface. For me, there is no clearer winner than Ubuntu. Why? Ubuntu Unity does an outstanding job of making the desktop feel more like an all-encompassing interface than any other. If you want, you can include online search results (now disabled by default), which is something found in nearly every mobile environment. Also, the Unity HUD menu system (Figure 4) is one of the most unique menu systems found in any interface. With this, users can depend less on the mouse (as they would on a mobile device powered by Android).
Of course, Ubuntu also offers one of the most stable desktop platforms on the market, so the user experience will be nearly flawless.
There’s a distribution for everyone
One of the important things to remember is that there is a distribution of Linux that is sure to please everyone. But for those coming from specific environments, I highly recommend finding a flavor of Linux that will help make the transition seamless. Give one of these a try and see if you find yourself humming along smoothly with the power of Linux and open source at your fingertips.