Are you looking for an open-source operating system that is similar to Windows? When the owners and copyright holders allow other users and third parties to read, use, and edit the source code of their software or application is referred to as open source. Open source operating systems are available and customizable to the general population. As a user, you can also modify the source code and create applications that meet your specific needs. Further, the source code of a closed operating system is not open to the public and is safeguarded by the owner. An organization and an individual programmer can only modify closed source software’s source code. If you want to work on an open source operating system then you must have the necessary technical skills to customize and improve the source code’s performance. Below you will see the ten best open source operating systems currently available in the market:

1. Linux Lite

The free open source operating system that can run on low-end hardware is Linux Lite. It is a lite operating system designed to help users who are unfamiliar with Linux. The operating system includes all the necessary programs, capabilities, tools, and desktops so that you can use it in an easy way.

If you want a lightweight open source operating system on your PC, you can go with Linux Lite. Linux Lite has a basic interface based solely on the Ubuntu operating system. The operating system is reliable and has received frequent updates for the past five years. Soon after installation, Linux Lite is fully functional. After installation, as a user, you are not required to install any further drivers.

2. Fedora

Fedora is a popular Linux-based operating system that, after Ubuntu, is often regarded as the best open-source operating system available. It is a general-purpose operating system built by the Fedora Project community and backed by Red Hat. Its mission is to free up cutting-edge open-source technology by developing and sharing it. As a result, Fedora developers prefer to make upstream changes rather than writing Fedora-specific solutions. All Linux distributions can benefit from Fedora developers’ updates.

Fedora has a GNOME-based desktop that may be customized. It comes with a customizable GNOME desktop. Fedora Spins is a tool that lets you modify and run a variety of user interfaces and desktop environments.

Features

  • On the Gnome 3 environment, a sleek new user interface allows developers to focus on their code.
  • It provides a complete open-source toolkit, with languages, tools, and utilities available with only a few mouse clicks and keyboard instructions.
  • Allows you to set up and run virtual PCs using advanced virtualization tools.
  • With OCI (Open Container Initiative) image support, you can containerize your apps and deploy them out of the box.

3. Ubuntu OS

Ubuntu is a Linux-based operating system. This is regarded as one of the world’s most efficient open supply operational structures. It took a team of talented developers from around the world to produce this full-fledged operating system that is both fast and feature-rich. Ubuntu comes with a package of essential software that includes an instant messenger, office suite, web browser, media maps, and much more. It is the most widely used Linux-based operating system, making it an excellent alternative to Windows or Mac.

Features

  • Ubuntu is a free, open-source operating system that allows users to download, use, and share.
  • Its built-in firewall and virus protection software makes it the most secure operating system.
  • You will access security patches and updates for the next five years.
  • Ubuntu has been fully translated into 50 languages.
  • It works and is compatible with the most recent laptops, desktop computers, and touch screen devices.

4. Chrome OS

Google’s Chrome OS is another Linux-kernel-based operating system. This operating system is primarily designed for use with online applications. It uses the Google Chrome web browser as its primary user interface based on the free chromium OS.

Features

  • An offline media player allows users to listen to MP3s, view JPEGs, and manage other multimedia files.
  • Access to remote applications and virtual desktops.
  • Chrome OS has been built to work with all Android applications.
  • It is feasible to run Linux software on Chrome OS.

5. MS-Windows

Windows is the most popular and well-known operating system on this list. It has been the go-to operating program for computing systems globally since Windows 95 and continues to be so now with Windows 10. It is simple to use and quick starts and resumes operations. The latest versions include improved security features to protect you and your data.

Features

  • A strong User Interface with a start menu on the left side lists options and represents software, allowing for faster navigation.
  • By displaying all open Windows, the Task View functionality allows users to transition between many workspaces at once.
  • There are two different user interfaces, one for mouse and keyboard and the other for touch screens called ‘Tablet Mode.’
  • Multifactor authentication technology, such as BIN, PIN, and fingerprint recognition, is used to increase security.
  • Reduce the size of system files by compressing them automatically.

6. CentOS

CentOS are a community-driven open source free software that enables reliable platform management. It is ideal for programmers looking for an operating system that simply helps people in their coding tasks. That is not to suggest that it has not got something to offer individuals who want to use it for everyday tasks.

Features

  • Coders looking to create, test, and release their code will find a number of resources here.
  • Many operating systems today lack advanced networking, compatibility, and security features.
  • It solves hundreds of hardware and software issues, allowing for smooth interchange.
  • It has some of the world’s most advanced security capabilities, such as process and user rights management, allowing you to protect mission-critical data.

7. Debian

Debian is a free, open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel. It includes over 59000 packages and is pre-compiled software packaged in a user-friendly way. It is easy to set up and operate and offers a user-friendly interface.

Features

  • Irrespective of processor performance, it is faster and lighter than the other OS.
  • It has built-in security firewalls to protect sensitive data.
  • It is simple to set up using any medium.
  • Many operating systems today lack advanced networking, compatibility, and security features.

8. Solaris

Solaris is a UNIX-based operating system created by Sun Microsystems in the mid-nineties. It is notable for its scalability, as well as other technologies that help to make it possible. It was renamed Oracle Solaris after Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems.

Features

  • Provides the world’s most comprehensive security capabilities, including process and user rights management, allowing you to protect mission-critical data.
  • It provides clear performance benefits for web, database, and java-based services.
  • Provides high-performance networking without requiring any changes.
  • There is no limit to how much capacity you can use to manage your file system and databases.
  • Allows for smooth interoperability, which can be used to solve hundreds of hardware and software issues.

9. Linux Mint

Linux Mint is a stunning Linux-based operating system that exudes modernity and power. It is simple to use and has complete multimedia capabilities, making it a user-friendly open source operating system. Linux Mint is an Ubuntu-based distribution that offers to both beginners and experts. Linux Mint is based on the Debian operating system and has one of the most powerful software managers available. It is more stable and has better looks than Ubuntu. In addition, it is a modern and powerful appearance. It is a user-friendly, open-source operating system that is simple to use and contains full multimedia features. 

10. FreeDOS

FreeDOS is a free and open-source operating system. It is completely free to download and use FreeDOS. Because all FreeDOS software is published under the GNU General Public Agreement or a comparable open-source software license, you can see and alter our source code. You can also distribute FreeDOS to others for their enjoyment.

 You can play your favorite DOS games on FreeDOS operating system. There are several wonderful old games to play, like Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, Commander Keen, Rise of the Triad, Jill of the Jungle, Duke Nukem, and many more.

Do you need to get data out of an old business program? Or maybe you require a report from your old accounting system? Simply install your old program on FreeDOS, and you are ready to go. This operating system provides a good layer of backward compatibility.

Bottom Line

An operating system is a power that allows you to use your computer whenever you want. There are a number of operating systems that make this possible. Choose the operating system that best meets your demands and provides the most comfort. If you are looking for a personal computer for things like gaming and browsing, Windows is the way to go. If you own an Apple device, you have no choice but to use the MAC OS. Linux and UNIX-based operating systems are available for businesses. Whatever option you choose, the above list will help you remove any confusion and make the best decision possible.