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10 BEST FREE OPERATING SYSTEM FOR LAPTOP
Technology has evolved over time and it has revolutionized human civilizations tremendously. Advanced electronic gadgets like laptops and computers have created much hype among people due to their fast speed and high computing powers. But seldom we talk about and praise operating systems (OS) that make these computers work the way they do.
The OS allows users to perform all the basic functionalities of a computer. Without these operating systems, laptops and computers are just dead machines that do not simply function. It manages computer hardware resources and runs all crucial applications.
Every laptop owner needs the best and free of cost OS to work efficiently. So, here we are going to present a methodically compiled list and details of best free operating systems for laptops to assist you.
TIP: Before deciding your operating system, identify your basic requirements first and then select the appropriate OS.
The best free operating systems for laptops are listed below:
- LINUX
- FreeBSD
- Chrome OS
- FreeDOS
- ReactOS
- illumos
- Haiku
- MorphOS
- AROS
- MenuetOS
1) LINUX:
LINUX is a good choice for people that do not want to spend a penny on their OS. It is absolutely free and easily available with online guidance and tutorials. We have listed it down among the best free operating system for laptop because this laptop is compatible with every machine.
If you are not fond of windows and want to try something new then Linux Mint is a good choice for them. It is also the most popular alternative for windows.
2) FreeBSD:
FreeBSD is a reliable OS and the best free operating system for laptops, serversand computers. It is considered as a relative of LINUX with UNIX like roots. By default, it doesn’t support desktop environment but works well for people who have security and privacy concerns. It is free and its code is easily available.
3) Chrome OS:
Chrome OS is basically from Google and it is also a free OS. This OS is mostly available in laptops commonly known as Chrome-books. This OS is free to download and much easy to use.
If you are working on aging hardware this OS is suitable for you. Also, for web browsing, word processing and social networking it works best. Chrome OS is light weight and the best free operating system for laptops that mainly focuses on cloud computing.
4) FreeDOS:
FreeDOS is the predecessor of windows MS-DOS that is mainly developed to serve to multitask. It is a free OS that supports older applications, games, virus packages and many tools to enhance classic DOS experience. It provides great features like productivity and data recovery. Also, it gets easily connected to networks.
5) ReactOS:
ReactOS is an open-source Windows alternative. This OS is launched as a mirror of Windows 95 that was aiming to replace windows OS. From some time it is in the alpha stage which means that some apps won’t run on this OS. The appealing feature of this OS is that it is light weight that requires less disk space and only 96MB of RAM.
6) illumos:
This OS is based on an abandoned operating system by the Oracle that Open-Solaris. It is UNIX operating system that offers many features like advanced debugging, next generation file system, visualization and networking options so, it is the best free operating system for laptop. Also, for traditional and cloud native deployments illumos is an excellent base.
7) Haiku:
Haiku is least attractive option in the list that was first released in 2001 as an open source operating system. Updates and releases of this Operating system are not so frequent that is the main reason behind its less popularity. From the time of its launch, it is in continuous development that is able to run different applications.
8) MorphOS:
MorphOS is Amiga like OS that is free. Basically, it is based on 80’s and 90’s home computer and works best with PowerPC and other such devices. This OS is light weight that is highly media centric. It also includes open source components. Older Mac PC’s are more compatible with this operating system.
9) AROS:
AROS is a free operating system that will not cost you at all. It is mainly designed for x86 systems. It is able to run on PC with convenience that has the ability to load old and new softwares with ease.
One con of this OS is that it doesn’t read old Amiga disks with ROM limitations as well. But it has an offer for its users with a live CD that provides a good experience of this OS.
10) MenuetOS:
MenuetOS is easily available and can be installed through a single floppy disk. It is available for both x32 and x64 bit architecture. It supports a browser, USB webcam, full user friendly GUI, and media players.
Amazingly this operating system has some interesting built in games, FTP and HTTP servers and email clients. So, on the list, it is one of the best free operating system for laptops.
BONUS TIP:
If you are really finding an alternative to windows then Android OS is the premium option for you. It is widely used OS after windows that is freely available for x32 and x64 systems.
One of the appealing causes to consider this operating system is that apps for android are widely available.
Different Android versions are available for PCs that are free with massive library of apps and games along with other facilities. So, overall it is the best free operating system for laptops.
Also for small business owners and low end users, Syllable OS is available.
COMPARISION OF SOME OPERATING SYSTEMS WITH WINDOWS:
| OS NAME | ARCHITECTURE SUPPORT | DEFAULT TARGET SYSTEM | SPECILITY | SECURITY THREAT |
| Windows | X86, x64 | PC + workstation | Browsing, gaming, user friendly | Huge |
| FreeBSD | X86, x64, PC98 | Workstation, servers, embedded | Networking | Negligible |
| Android | X32, x64 | Workstation, PCs | Browsing, gaming, user friendly | Huge |
| MenuetOS | X32, x64 | PCs, servers | Networking, Browsing, gaming, | Negligible |
| FreeDOS | X86, x64, X32, | PC’s | Browsing, gaming, Multitasking | Negligible |
FINAL WORDS:
All the above mentioned best free operating systems for laptops are good to use. Obviously, not every OS will meet your specific requirements but hopefully, this article will help you out to choose an operating system that is your best fit.