The 3 best alternative operating systems to Windows
In this article, we present the three best alternative operating systems to Windows. The world's most widespread operating system already offers a lot, but in some places it can still see something from its competitors. Windows competitors lure with better security, more privacy, preinstalled software and much more.
The 3 best alternative operating systems to Windows: Ubuntu
Ubuntu is probably the most well-known Linux distribution. You get extensive support, a large selection of programs and the very good user interface with this Windows alternative.
- Operation: Ubuntu is one of the most entry-level Linux distributions available. The user interface is kept simple and you will find your way around quickly. This makes the switch easy. The menu navigation in particular can be used very intuitively and brings you to the desired setting or the correct directory with just a few mouse clicks.
- Software: Most programs are often published in parallel for Ubuntu. Many Windows programs that you may already be familiar with can still be used on Ubuntu. For everything else, there are usually very good alternatives. Support is very good and updates can be downloaded from the central source of Ubuntu.
- Pros: Compared to Windows, Ubuntu is more secure than Windows because Linux doesn't have as many vulnerabilities as Windows. All important programs are installed with Ubuntu during installation. LibreOffice, for example, is already included as a free office package. But software such as an extensive video player or image processing programs are also installed ex works.
- Cons: Although Ubuntu uses a lot less resources than Windows, it is much slower in games, for example. This is because Ubuntu uses a different graphical interface, for which most games have not been programmed and optimized. Native games that were developed directly for Linux, of course, run with comparable performance.
- Download: Ubuntu is completely free. So you can first test without obligation whether you like Ubuntu and then install it afterwards. You can find Ubuntu as 64-bit and as 32-bit version in our download portal.
The 3 best alternative operating systems to Windows: Linux Mint
Linux Mint is an alternative to Ubuntu and Windows. This operating system is based on Ubuntu, but offers a different graphical user interface. This is a little more based on the structure of Windows and thus ensures an easy transition.
- Operation: The graphical user interface of Linux Mint is simple and very clear. The structure is strongly reminiscent of Windows. For example, at the bottom left you will find the equivalent of the popular Windows start icon. If switching from Windows is to be as quick and easy as possible, you should take a closer look at Linux Mint.
- Software: Since Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, there is also good compatibility here. You can use all programs that run on Ubuntu on Linux Mint. The updates can also be downloaded here centrally from the Linux source.
- Advantages: Linux Mint also offers improved security and conserves resources. During installation you can choose between the user interfaces Cinnamon and Mate. Cinnamon offers many optical effects and therefore requires more resources, looks very modern and chic. Mate, on the other hand, dispenses with elaborate graphic elements and thus runs smoothly on old PCs.
- Disadvantages: The same technical limitations of Ubuntu apply to Linux Mint. In general, the performance is very good, except for Windows games. Linux Mint comes with even more programs to install than Ubuntu. After installation, you can start right away without having to set up a lot.
- Download: Just like Ubuntu, Linux Mint is also offered free of charge. Therefore, we advise you to simply try Linux Mint and then install it at will. The versions with Cinnamon are available as 64-bit and 32-bit versions for download. Linux Mint with Mate can also be found as 64-bit and 32-bit versions in our download area.
The 3 best alternative operating systems to Windows: Mac OS X
Mac OS X is one of the 3 best alternative operating systems for Windows. A lot of branded software paired with good security and long-term support characterize the operating system. However, the graphical user interface requires getting used to, which may take longer.
- Operation: OS X is developed by Apple and you will quickly notice the "Apple look" here. Nevertheless, OS X is not as clearly structured as, for example, Ubuntu or Linux Mint. The structure of the user interface is very similar to that of Linux distributions, but has many elements of its own. For example, an information center, widgets and other functions are included. Ubuntu and Linux Mint are more minimalistic.
- Software. Many brand programs are also programmed for OS X. Therefore, the compatibility is generally very good. You can easily install software via Apple's AppStore. Some programs are developed exclusively for OS X. These include user-friendly image editing programs, development environments and many apps for productivity.
- Advantages: Compared to Windows, OS X offers the typical advantages of Linux such as security and stability. Then there is the good cooperation of Apple devices. If you have an iPhone or an iPad, you can easily connect your devices to each other and have all files on your devices available at any time.
- Disadvantages: OS X is the slowest of the 3 best alternative operating systems to Windows. Nevertheless, you will always have a smooth experience, as Apple OS X has adapted very well to the built-in hardware. But OS X also has to make deductions for games: The performance cannot keep up with Windows either. Since Apple's OS X was tied to its own hardware, you need to buy a Mac. This is often very expensive and limits the selection. But that doesn't just have negative aspects, because the battery life of Macbooks, for example, is excellent.
- Download: Since OS X is not simply available as a download, you should go to an electronics store and test Apple devices yourself. This gives you the best overview and you can get a good picture of OS X. But take your time, because familiarization with OS X is difficult for many Windows users at the beginning. Tip: We compared the latest Mac OS X with Windows 10 for you.