The end of the official Windows 10 support is getting closer. As of October 14, 2025, millions of users must make a decision: update to Windows 11 – if the hardware allows it -, change to Windows 10 LTSC – if you are able to get a license, Microsoft does not make it easy for domestic users – or explore New alternatives.
For those who are willing to the latter, the Linux universe offers more and better answers than ever to the many users who ask about communities such as Reddit.
Linux and Gnu: Linux: What is and how works
What is Linux and why is a good alternative?
Linux is an open source operating system, free and developed by communities around the world. Although traditionally it has been known as the “hacker and programmers system”, in recent years it has greatly evolved in terms of Ease of use, hardware compatibility, interface design and software offer.
Advantages against Windows:
- Free and without licenses.
- Higher performance in old teams.
- Constant updates without programmed obsolescence.
- High security and resistance to malware.
- Great variety of customizable graphic environments.
- Compatible with most daily software and free alternatives.
Recommended distros
Linux Mint (Cinnamon)
Linux Mint is one of the most popular and recommended distributions for users who come from Windows, especially in its desktop version Cinnamondesigned to resemble the classic style of Windows 7-10. This makes the learning curve very low. The system is Light and stablewhich makes it an ideal option for equipment with modest hardware or a few years ago.
In addition, Mint comes with A large amount of pre -installed software And recognizable, such as LibreOffice, Firefox, VLC and more, so you can start using immediately. Its software center is very intuitive, it allows to install applications easily and its active community offers constant help. As is based on Ubuntu, it benefits from a large ecosystem and compatibility with most controllers.
MINT also stands out for its policy of stability and prudent updateswhich means fewer surprises and greater confidence for those who do not want to deal with drastic errors or changes.
In addition to Cinnamon, MINT is offered in two other main editions, differentiated by their desktop environment: MATE (light and classic), and XFCE (ultralight, ideal for very old PCs).
OS sourin
Zorin was specifically designed for users who migrate from Windows. However, its graphic interface You can configure not only Windows, but also macos OA the traditional Linuxero Gnome desktop, which allows the user to choose the visual style with which he feels more comfortable. Your performance is excellent, Even in old teams Thanks to the availability of the Zorin Os Lite edition, which uses the XFCE desktop.
The standard version of Zorin is based on Ubuntu, which provides access to a vast collection of software and hardware compatibility. Zorin too It stands out for its design and attention to small detailsproviding a polished experience from the first moment. It is a distribution thought not only for domestic use, but also for educational and office environments.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is possibly The best known Linux distribution globally and one of the first names that arise when talking about Linux for beginners. It is backed by Canonical Ltd., which gives it business support and stability for desk users and servers. Ubuntu uses by default the Gnome desktop environment, modern, efficient and highly accessible, although it can Be confusing first for those who come from Windows.
Ubuntu installation is very simple, and the system includes essential software from the beginning. In addition, it has one of the best package management systems (APT) and a software center that allows you to add programs with a couple of clicks.
Ubuntu is ideal not only for domestic users, but also for developers, students and small businesses. Thanks to its wide user base, there is A lot of documentation and forumswhich facilitates solving any questions or problem.
Fedora Workstation
Variant kde from fedora workstationFedora Workstation is a modern distribution that is committed to offering the latest in software technologies. Backed by Red Hat, it is an excellent option for those who want a professional and updated environment.
Use the GNOME desktop environment in its default configuration, which gives it a polished and coherent appearance (however, many users They recommend installing the version with the pre -installed KDE Plasma desktopfor its greatest Similutd with the Windows aesthetics).
One of its key characteristics is that Fedora It always integrates the most recent software versionswhich is ideal for developers, software engineers and users who want early access to new functions.
On the other hand, this approach implies a Quick release cycle (approximately every six months), which may require more frequent updates. Even so, its stability and performance make it a reliable choice.
-Pop! _Os
Pop! _Os is a distribution developed by the American hardware manufacturer System76. It is based on Ubuntu, but includes notable improvements in design, graphic performance and productivity. Use a modified GNome environment with an approach to the organization of work space, floating windows and automatic mosaic (such as A hypervitaminada version of the Windows 11 ‘Snap Layout’), which makes it especially attractive to those who manage multiple applications or screens.
Pop! _Os stands out for its excellent support for NVIDIA AND AMD DEDICATED GRAPHICSwhich makes it a powerful option for both content creators and players. In addition, they have implemented their own tools such as Pop!_Shop (for software management) and a very intuitive installer.
Kbuntu / KDE Neon
Where neonKubuntu and Kde Neon share a common base: the KDE Plasma deskone of the most advanced and customizable of the Linux ecosystem. KDE Plasma offers a modern aesthetic and many configuration options without sacrificing lightness or performance.
Do not turn It is an official Ubuntu derivative, which ensures compatibility and periodic updates, in addition to having access to all Ubuntu packages. It is ideal for those who want an attractive, flexible and stable visual environment.
Where neonon the other hand, it is maintained by Kde’s own team. Use as a stable version of Ubuntu, but always includes The latest versions of the KDE environment and its application suitewhich allows to have the newest of the KDE ecosystem without compromising the basis of the system.
Are these distributions compatible with your current workflow on Windows?
One of the main concerns of those who consider migrating to Linux is Compatibility with the applications and tasks they perform daily in Windows. The good news is that, in most cases, it is possible to continue working without interruptions, thanks to the maturity of free software and the support of compatibility technologies.
Alternatives to popular programs:
- Microsoft Office → LibreOffice / OnlyOffice / WPS Office
- Photoshop → Gimp / fell
- Illustrator → Inkscape
- Outlook → Thunderbird / Evolution
- Notepad++ → Gedit / Kate
If you are wondering about browsers, well … it turns out that The main market browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Vivaldi, Brave … Yes, and even Edge) are available interchangeably for both operating system.
On the other hand, at this point a large part of modern software is used through browsers or offers as a web service (Google Drive, Canva, Trello, Slack, etc.), which makes the base platform almost irrelevant.
In short, most office workflows, education, basic design, navigation and multimedia They have viable and mature solutions in Linux.
And to play in Linux?
Good news! He Gaming and Linux has improved markedly thanks to tools such as Steam Proton, Lutris y Winewhich allow to execute thousands of titles originally designed for Windows. Steam Proton, in particular, is a compatibility layer developed by Valve that is integrated directly into Steam and allows many games to be launched with a single click, without the need for additional configuration.
For its part, Luter It is an open platform that unifies game libraries from different sources (Steam, GOG, Epic Games, etc.) and facilitates its installation and configuration. Winewhich has long been the basis for running Windows applications in Linux, remains a fundamental tool, especially for older games or releases without official support in Proton.
In addition, the improvements in the graphic drivers of AMD and NVIDIA, together with the work of the community and projects such as DXVK (Directx on Vulkan), have allowed the performance of the Linux games to be competitive and even superior in some cases. The rise of devices such as Steam Deckbased on Linux, has shown that the operating system is perfectly capable of sustaining a fluid and modern game experience.
While there are still some titles with ‘incompatible’ anticheat ‘protections, the Linux functional games library keep growingconsolidating the system as a real option for gamers.
But can I try Linux without erasing Windows?
Yes you can:
- To use A USB Start Memory (Live USB) To try Linux without installing it.
- Install it in dual bootchoosing the operating system when turning on your equipment.
- Use one virtual machine (as virtualbox the gnome boxes).
Image | Marcos Merino through AI
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