I, being a die-hard fan of the Windows OS, have seldom opted for any other operating system so far. However, this is my choice. In reality, there are several other alternative operating systems to the Windows OS which you can try. Some are well-known and developed by large corporations, while some are small projects by hobbyists.
Alternative Operating Systems for PC
We have listed some of the alternative operating systems for PC if you wish to go for any OS other than Windows. If you don’t wish to install these alternative operating systems directly on your machine, you can use them on a virtual machine. There are several virtual machine programs available such as VMware Player and VirtualBox.
Here is a list of 5 alternative operating systems for PCs.
1. Chrome OS
If you want to try something completely different, then try Chrome OS. Chrome OS by Google is built on the Linux kernel. However, Chrome OS can replace the desktop and user-level software with a specialized desktop that can only run the Chrome browser and Chrome apps. As a result, Chrome OS can be termed as a ‘general-purpose’ operating system. Chrome OS was designed exclusively for Google’s pocket-friendly laptops, Chromebooks. However, there are ways, you can install it on your PC as well.
2. Mac OS
How can we forget Mac OS X? One of the finest computers created by Apple. These laptops and desktops have a rare combination of style and simplicity. Once again, Mac OS X was designed specifically for and pre-installed on Mac, an Apple device. Hence, people often think that it is not possible to install Apple’s Mac OS X on their PCs. However, you can install Mac OS X with some restrictions on its usage – there are some hacks that allow you to do so. If you are looking for some alternative operating systems for Windows and want to try them; then you can install Mac OS X. It runs just fine on typical PCs, but you have to deal with the restrictions.
3. Android
So you thought that Android is available for smartphones only? Well, now the Android OS is available for laptops and even for desktops. The Android OS is one of the rarely used alternative operating systems of Windows OS. In fact, we suggest that you download it only for trial purposes. The Android OS is designed using the Linux kernel. However, the operating system is different from the typical Linux OS. For PC, it is not much of use and not convenient as the OS doesn’t let multiple apps run at the same time. You can download the OS for trial.
4. eComStation
eComStation OS is nothing but the OS/2 operating system that was originally created by Microsoft and IBM. After a while, Microsoft left the collaboration; but IBM continued to develop the OS. OS/2 also competed with MS-DOS and some initial versions of the Windows operating system. This OS is often seen in old ATMs and PCs. IBM also tried marketing this operating system as OS/2 Warp. Currently, IBM is also not developing the operating system. OS/2 now belongs to Serenity Systems and the company has the right to distribute the operating system with the name eComStation. To try this operating system, you will need to download the demo CD.
5. SkyOS
SkyOS is an operating system developed by hobbyists. As a result, SkyOS is not an open-source operating system; but a proprietary one. The initial version of SkyOS was available as paid version. However, the last beta version that was released in 2013 was made available as a free download.
Have I missed any? Do post in the comments below.
You might want also to read these posts:
