10 Alternative PC Operating Systems

Exploring Alternatives to Traditional PC Operating Systems

While Linux is widely recognized, it’s not the sole option when seeking alternatives to mainstream PC operating systems. A diverse range of systems exists, originating from both major companies and dedicated individual developers.

A Spectrum of Development

The creation of these alternative operating systems varies considerably. Some benefit from the resources of large corporations, while others are passion projects nurtured by enthusiasts.

Testing Environments

Direct installation of many of these systems onto your primary computer isn't generally advised. To safely explore their functionalities, consider utilizing a virtual machine program.

Software like VirtualBox or VMware Player provides an isolated environment. This allows you to experiment without impacting your existing system’s stability.

By employing a virtual machine, you can effectively “give them a whirl” and assess their capabilities without risk.

Linux, FreeBSD, and Beyond

Linux stands as a prominent alternative to traditional PC operating systems. It’s often considered the go-to choice for those seeking an alternative. Numerous variations of Linux exist, commonly referred to as distributions.

Popular options include Ubuntu and Mint, offering diverse user experiences. For individuals aiming to utilize a non-Windows operating system on their personal computer, Linux is a highly recommended selection.

Understanding Linux and FreeBSD

Linux functions as a Unix-like operating system. Alongside it, other open-source systems like FreeBSD are available.

While FreeBSD employs a distinct kernel, it shares a significant portion of software with typical Linux distributions. Consequently, the desktop experience offered by FreeBSD closely mirrors that of Linux.

The core functionality and available applications are remarkably similar between the two systems.

• Both are open-source, allowing for community contributions.
• They offer a high degree of customization.
• Security is a key strength of both platforms.

Choosing between Linux and FreeBSD often comes down to personal preference and specific hardware compatibility. Both provide robust and versatile computing environments.

Chrome OS

Chrome OS is a Google-developed operating system. It’s closely linked to the Chrome browser and its associated applications.

The foundation of Chrome OS is the Linux kernel. However, traditional desktop environments and user-level software are substituted with a unique desktop environment.

Core Functionality

This specialized desktop is engineered to primarily execute the Chrome browser and Chrome apps. It differs significantly from conventional operating systems.

Rather than being a broadly applicable PC operating system, Chrome OS is specifically intended for pre-installation on dedicated laptops.

Chromebooks and Beyond

These specialized laptops are commonly referred to as Chromebooks. They represent the primary hardware platform for Chrome OS.

Despite its intended use, methods exist to install Chrome OS on standard personal computers. This expands its accessibility beyond Chromebook devices.

While designed for a specific purpose, the operating system offers an alternative computing experience.

The system’s architecture prioritizes web-based applications and cloud storage.

SteamOS

SteamOS is currently undergoing beta testing. It’s fundamentally a Linux distribution, incorporating a wide range of standard Linux software packages.

However, Valve is presenting SteamOS as a dedicated operating system specifically tailored for PC gaming experiences.

Core Functionality

The underlying Linux desktop environment remains accessible, but the system is designed to boot directly into the Steam interface.

This interface is optimized for use in living room settings, providing a streamlined gaming experience.

Steam Machines and Installation

In 2015, pre-built PCs featuring SteamOS installed – known as Steam Machines – became available for purchase.

Valve also provides support for users who wish to install SteamOS on their existing PCs.

It’s important to note that the operating system was not fully polished at the time, and ongoing development continued.

While installation is possible, the system’s completeness and stability were still evolving.

The goal was to create a seamless, gaming-focused experience directly from the boot sequence.

This involved a significant overhaul of the traditional Linux desktop environment.

The Steam interface was designed to be intuitive and user-friendly for gamers.

This approach aimed to simplify the process of accessing and playing games.

The availability of Steam Machines offered a convenient way to experience SteamOS out of the box.

However, the option to install it on existing hardware provided flexibility for users.

The ongoing development ensured that SteamOS continued to improve and refine its features.

Ultimately, Valve’s vision was to establish SteamOS as a leading platform for PC gaming.

Android

Android shares a foundation with Linux, utilizing the Linux kernel as its core. However, beyond this, the operational structure of Android diverges significantly from standard Linux distributions.

Initially conceived for smartphone devices, Android’s reach has expanded to encompass laptops and desktop computers. Consequently, numerous initiatives have emerged to facilitate Android’s operation on conventional PCs.

PC Compatibility

Intel, for instance, actively develops and maintains its own Android port specifically tailored for PC hardware. While not universally considered optimal for PC use, due to limitations in simultaneous application handling, installation remains feasible for those inclined.

Despite these constraints, the possibility of running Android on a PC presents an alternative computing experience.

Related: 4 Ways to Run Android on Your PC and Make Your Own "Dual OS" System

Mac OS X

This article is related to the How-To Geek Guide to Hackintoshing - Part 1: The Basics.

Mac OS X, developed by Apple, is typically pre-loaded onto Macintosh computers. However, modern Macs utilize standard PC hardware components.

The primary obstacles to installing Mac OS X on a non-Apple PC are Apple’s software licensing terms and the restrictions they impose.

Hackintosh Community

Despite these limitations, Mac OS X is capable of functioning effectively on conventional PCs, provided these restrictions can be circumvented.

A dedicated community actively builds PCs specifically designed to run Mac OS X; these systems are commonly referred to as hackintoshes.

This demonstrates a significant interest in extending the usability of Apple’s operating system beyond its native hardware.

Haiku: A Reimagining of BeOS

Originally, BeOS was a streamlined operating system for personal computers, adapted for the Intel x86 architecture in 1998.

However, it faced significant challenges competing with the dominance of Microsoft Windows in the market.

Be Inc., the company behind BeOS, initiated legal action against Microsoft.

The lawsuit alleged that Microsoft exerted undue influence on Hitachi and Compaq, discouraging them from supporting BeOS with hardware releases.

Ultimately, the dispute was resolved through an out-of-court settlement.

Microsoft paid Be Inc. $23.5 million, though no acknowledgement of wrongdoing was made.

Later, Be Inc. was acquired by Palm Inc., marking the end of an era for the original operating system.

The Birth of Haiku

Haiku represents an open-source effort to recreate BeOS.

Currently in its alpha stage of development, it aims to recapture the spirit and functionality of its predecessor.

It serves as a compelling illustration of what BeOS could have become without the competitive pressures it encountered.

Many believe that different business strategies employed during the 1990s by Microsoft could have allowed BeOS to flourish.

• Open-Source Foundation: Haiku is built upon a completely open-source codebase.
• Reimplementation: It's not an emulation, but a fresh implementation inspired by BeOS.
• Alpha Status: While functional, it's still under active development and refinement.

The project offers a glimpse into an alternative history of personal computing.

eComStation

Initially conceived as a collaborative effort between Microsoft and IBM, OS/2 represented a significant operating system development. Following Microsoft’s departure, IBM maintained its evolution, positioning OS/2 as a competitor to MS-DOS and the early iterations of Windows.

Despite Microsoft’s eventual dominance, OS/2 persists in operation within legacy systems such as ATMs, personal computers, and various other specialized devices.

The operating system was once promoted by IBM under the name OS/2 Warp, a branding that may be familiar to some users.

A Continued Legacy

Although IBM has ceased active development of OS/2, the rights to its distribution have been acquired by Serenity Systems.

Serenity Systems markets its version as eComStation, built upon the foundation of IBM’s OS/2 code base.

Enhancements incorporated into eComStation include supplementary applications, updated drivers, and a range of other improvements.

Availability and Cost

eComStation distinguishes itself as the sole paid operating system featured on this list, excluding Mac OS X.

Potential users can evaluate the system by downloading a complimentary demo CD for testing purposes.

ReactOS

ReactOS is an open-source project focused on recreating the Windows NT operating system architecture. Essentially, it aims to provide a fully open-source alternative to Windows, maintaining compatibility with existing Windows applications and device drivers.

While it shares some codebase with Wine – a compatibility layer for running Windows software on other platforms like Linux and macOS – ReactOS is fundamentally different.

Unlike Linux-based systems, ReactOS is designed to be a standalone operating system constructed with the same internal structure as Windows NT. This architecture has underpinned modern Windows versions since the release of Windows XP.

Development Status

Currently, ReactOS is classified as an alpha-stage project. The primary objective of its development team is to achieve full compatibility with the functionality found in Windows Server 2003.

Significant work remains to be completed before this goal is realized, indicating a considerable roadmap ahead for the project.

Syllable

Syllable represents an open-source operating system developed as a fork of AtheOS. Its initial design goal was to replicate the functionality of AmigaOS.

This operating system is characterized by its lightweight nature and aims to embody the spirit of both Amiga and BeOS. It achieves this by integrating components sourced from the GNU project and Linux.

Development & Community

Similar to other niche operating systems, Syllable is maintained by a relatively small team of developers. This focused approach allows for agile development and a close-knit community.

The project leverages existing open-source tools and libraries to provide a functional and efficient computing experience.

It's designed to offer a familiar environment for users accustomed to AmigaOS or BeOS, while benefiting from the stability and extensive resources of the GNU/Linux ecosystem.

SkyOS

SkyOS distinguishes itself from numerous other operating systems created by enthusiasts through its proprietary nature; it is not an open-source project. Initially, access required a purchase, granting users the ability to utilize development builds of SkyOS on their personal computers.

Although active development ceased in 2009, the final beta release was provided as a complimentary download in 2013.

Consider exploring FreeDOS as an alternative – an open-source implementation of DOS – to experience computing as it was in the past.

Image credits are attributed to Travis Isaacs on Flickr and Theis Kofoed Hjorth on Flickr.