Trying out a Windows knock-off
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Visit squarespace.com and use offer code LTT for 10% off Get 50% off your first 3 months of FreshBooks when you sign up for a paid plan at freshbooks.com Windows has never been open source… But there is a project aimed at fixing that. How close can it come to the real Windows experience? Try it yourself at reactos.org Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Our Affiliates, Referral Programs, and Sponsors: lmg.gg Get Private Internet Access VPN at lmg.gg Get a Displate Metal Print at lmg.gg Get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime at lmg.gg Linus Tech Tips merchandise at lttstore.com Our Test Benches on Amazon: amazon.com Our production gear: geni.us Get your ticket to LTX 2020: ltxexpo.com Twitter - twitter.com Facebook - @LinusTech Instagram - @linustech Twitch - twitch.tv Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com
The video explores ReactOS, an open source operating system that aims to be binary compatible with Windows. The host narrates a hands-on tour, noting its origins as a reverse engineered project that began in the 1990s and has lingered in alpha status through multiple revisions. Early on, the UI is described as a hybrid feel between Windows 2000 and a more modern interface, accompanied by an intentionally quirky design and some rough edges. The hosts attempt to install ReactOS, encounter the alpha limitations, and discuss the architecture such as its own kernel and the ability to use Butter FS, a Linux-based filesystem, to experiment with the OS. They experiment with hardware drivers, the application manager, and bundled software, highlighting the challenges of driver support and system stability. Throughout, the speakers reflect on how close the project may get to a true Windows experience, while clearly noting the gaps and the beta nature of the platform. The segment culminates in a candid assessment that, while impressive as a prototype, ReactOS remains far from ready for everyday use, particularly for gaming or widespread software compatibility. The video closes with a plug for Squarespace and a nod to related Linux- and Windows-oriented topics, inviting viewers to explore further projects in the space.
Topics · technology · software · operating_systems · emulation · open_source · virtualization
Questions answered
- What is ReactOS and what is its goal?
- ReactOS is an open source operating system intended to be binary compatible with Windows NT-based programs and drivers.
- Why is ReactOS considered alpha, and what does that mean for use?
- As an alpha, ReactOS is experimental and not stable for daily use, with incomplete hardware support and potential crashes.
- Can ReactOS run Windows software or drivers?
- ReactOS aims to run Windows software and drivers by reverse engineering the Windows architecture, but compatibility is partial and varies by version and hardware.