The Best Windows Linux And Other OS Clones

According to Wikipedia's usage share of operating systems, almost 10% of computers accessing the internet are still running Windows XP and a staggering 53% are running Windows 7.

Windows Vista never really gained momentum and has just under 2% of the market whilst Windows 8 is the second most popular operating system with 18% of the market. Windows 10 was released recently and has already gained 5% of the overall share.

Average users seem to like the simple interface of a panel, menu, and icons on the desktop that Windows XP and Windows 7 offer.

Microsoft has somewhat acknowledged this fact by making Windows 10 appear a little bit more like Windows 7. Maybe Windows 8 was a step too far too quickly.

Windows 10 is the future of computing for the foreseeable future and if Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 users don't like it they have the choice to stick with what they have, learn to accept Windows 10 or move to another operating system such as Linux.

There are many Linux distributions out there which are designed to look like Windows and this guide lists the best ones. Why stop there, though? Why not list Linux distributions that look like OSX, ChromeOS, and Android as well.

01

of 08

Zorin 9 - Windows 7 Clone

Zorin OS is a great replacement for Windows 7 users.

The general look and feel is the same as Windows 7 but it brings the security of Linux and it includes desktop effects and virtual workspaces.

Zorin OS comes with all of the applications that desktop users generally use including a web browser, audio player, email client, messenger app, remote desktop client, video editor, graphics editor and office suite.

If you want to try a different look then you can always go for the Windows XP layout by using the Zorin Look Changer.

02

of 08

Zorin OS Lite

Zorin OS Lite is a 32-bit version of the Zorin Linux distribution built for older computers.

The default layout is like Windows 2000 but you can switch to a Mac-style interface if you prefer it.

Zorin OS Lite comes with a suite of applications similar to the main Zorin OS but they are more lightweight.

Click here to download Zorin OS Lite.

03

of 08

Q4OS

Q4OS is the perfect desktop replacement for Windows XP users.

It gives you an incredibly close experience to the Windows XP you are used to but is obviously built on top of the more powerful Linux operating system.

The operating system will run on all hardware, old or new and there is full support for printers and other devices.

You can choose to install a common set of software applications such as Google's Chrome browser, the LibreOffice suite, and Thunderbird or you can simply install the applications you require one by one.

Click here to download Q4OS

04

of 08

Elementary OS

If you would like to try a Mac style interface but you don't want to spend all of your hard-earned money on a new MacBook then try Elementary OS.

It has an easy to follow website, is incredibly easy to install and a desktop experience that has been very carefully crafted to look simplistic yet elegant.

The software is lightweight in nature and will run on most hardware.

Click here to download Elementary OS

05

of 08

MacPUP

MacPUP has been built using Puppy Linux as a base distribution.

From a user's point of view, however, all you need to know is that the look and feel have been crafted so that you get a very similar interface to that of a MacBook.

It isn't quite as clean as Elementary OS but it will work on much older hardware and as it is built on Puppy Linux you can carry it around on a USB drive and boot it as required.

Click here to download MacPUP

06

of 08

Peppermint OS

If you are looking for a Linux distribution to turn your laptop into a Chromebook then Peppermint OS is quite close.

It will take some customizing to make it look exactly like ChromeOS but the ICE application lets you add web applications to your computer as if they are standard desktop applications.

Click here to download Peppermint OS

07

of 08

Chromixium

If you really want your laptop to function like a Chromebook then consider installing Chromixium.

The look and feel are almost a perfect copy of ChromeOS and it has benefits over the Chromebook in that you can install standard desktop applications as well as web applications.

Click here to download Chromixium.

08

of 08