They may have even heard of that Linuxthing.
Heres a list of some of the best free operating systems for your PC.
Multiple derivative distributions with different graphical desktops.
Common proprietary applications arent available natively.
Methods such as WINE to install and run Windows programs are dicey.
Troubleshooting sometimes requires digging deep into the OS.
But Ubuntu itself also derives from Debian.
It incorporates newer changes and faster releases than the more conservative business version.
In either case, Linux is your best bet for productivity and entertainment among alternate OSes.
FreeBSD (along with others) also include a Linux emulation layer.
Many security features and relatively lower popularity make *BSDs a safe choice.
Do it yourself systems are time consuming for both install and troubleshooting.
Hardware compatibility is noticeably less than Linux systems.
Not cross-compatible to the extent Linux is.
Best for Phone Junkies: Android-x86
Lightweight operating system for modern PC hardware.
Access to all the same apps you use on your phone.
Offers to copy apps and other data from your Google account to mirror your mobile machine.
Full-fledged desktop apps not available.
Lags a version or two behind mobile phones.
iOS users are out of luck here.
Best for Light Workloads: CloudReady Home
Chromebook users will feel right at home.
Lower resource requirements make it a good choice for older machines.
Supports Linux apps, just like Chrome OS
As with Chrome OS, the focus is on web apps.
No longer supports 32-bit machines.
Updates can be inconsistent.
CloudReady from Neverware is a version of Chromium OS thats packaged for easy booting and installation on a PC.
System comes with many of the same utilities as Windows.
Installation for compatible programs is point-and-click.
List of programs that work correctly with ReactOS is quite small.
The OS is a work-in-progress, so there are still bugs.
Hardware support is not as expansive as Windows.
Best for Old Games: FreeDOS
High degree of compatibility with older DOS programs and games.
Improvements on older DOS systems such as an included graphical desktop and package manager.
Addition of other applications from the open source community.
Older, text-based installer.
Software limited to existing DOS programs.
Features such as basic networking or GUI desktops need to be installed manually.
If your tastes run a little more retro, you may be interested in the FreeDOS project.
The project has been around for over 25 years, and is still active today.
FreeDOS is an especially great choice forrunning your old games.
Multimedia focus is great for creative types.
Comes with a very robust set of tools.
Add-on applications selection is minimal.
Options running Windows programs even slimmer than Linux.
Hardware compatibility can be an issue.
Many consider BeOS the operating system that should have been.
It’s a slick OS that provides a view into what your computing life might have become.
Best for Nostalgic Enthusiasts: Icaros Desktop
Boots up insanely fast.
Existing Amiga fans should be able to use your favorite programs.
The whole thing can actually be installed on existing Linux systems.
Getting old/compatible software can be a challenge.
Some of the desktop conventions will be confusing to todays users.
The aesthetic is decidedly retro."
Best for Hard-Core Admins: OpenIndiana
Provides a rock-solid server infrastructure for server hosting.
Available with modern conveniences like a Live CD and installer.
Uses the modern MATE desktop over its traditional UNIX base.
Onlythe MATE desktop is available as a standard package.
Overall software selection is decidedly server/programming based.
List of compatible laptop systems is very short.
