What Linux distribution most resembles Microsoft Windows?

6 Comments

1. Rulls says:

   31. August 2011 at 02:49

   The question is not so much what Linux distribution, but which desktop environment. With Linux, the desktop environment – the user’s interface to the operating system which includes the "windowing" system – is an independent component from the operating system itself. Many Linux distributions allow you to select which desktop environment you wish to use at download or install time (though many "distros" also have a default desktop environment). In fact, you can have multiple DE’s installed on your system, allowing you to select which environment you wish to run at boot time.

   Though there are many different options for the desktop environment, the two that represent the majority of installed systems in use are KDE and Gnome. Between these two, KDE is generally regarded as having more of a resemblance to MS Windows, with Gnome considered to be more similar to MacOS. Most DE’s also provide the ability to customize appearance and behaviors; and KDE in particular allows extensive customizability.

   It is fair to say that some Linux distributions provide a better integration with KDE in terms of the "out-of-the-box" user experience than others. By my research and personal experience, openSUSE is the leading distro for a seamless KDE integration that also tends to incorporate the latest KDE features in their releases. For a Windows user wishing to minimize their Linux learning curve, I recommend openSUSE an an excellent option.

   I have provided a list of sites for additional research in my site sources list.
2. Satan Claws says:

   31. August 2011 at 02:49

   Lindows and/or its variants.

   Please note that Lindows has been discontinued due to claimed copyright violation (the name sounds too similar to Windows(R)(TM) ). You’re better off trying something less encumbered by possible copyrights, but in this day and age where every major technological label sue each other, you may end up just using pencil and paper.
3. brisray says:

   31. August 2011 at 02:49

   Superficially you can make almost any OS look like any other. This is especially true of Linux and utilities such as XPGnome – http://ubuntu.online02.com/node/14 – and Longhorn Linux – http://www.instantfundas.com/2010/02/windows-vista-look-alike-longhorn-linux.html

   Apart from the visual aspects though you’ll never get a Linux that resembles MS Windows as the architecture is completely different.
4. J says:

   31. August 2011 at 02:49

   Zorin is remarkably similar to Microsoft Windows.
5. Steve N says:

   31. August 2011 at 02:49

   By default Zorin, but that’s a theme nothing else. Any distro can do that. The way a distro LOOKS is no way to pick.
6. Nathan says:

   31. August 2011 at 02:49

   have a look at Ylmf.
   it is designed to resemble Windoze XP.