Closest version similar to Windows (SOLVED)

Tarq

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good greeting
I want the closest similar version to use Windows Because I intend to go back to Windows and give Linux a chance Later
Code:
tarek@Inspiron-N5110:~$ inxi -Fxxxrz
System:
  Kernel: 5.4.0-70-generic x86_64 bits: 64 compiler: gcc v: 9.3.0
  Desktop: Xfce 4.14.2 tk: Gtk 3.24.13 info: xfce4-panel wm: xfwm4
  dm: LightDM 1.30.0 Distro: Linux Mint 20 Ulyana base: Ubuntu 20.04 focal
Machine:
  Type: Portable System: Dell product: Inspiron N5110 v: N/A
  serial: <filter> Chassis: type: 8 serial: <filter>
  Mobo: Dell model: 0PPW8P v: A09 serial: <filter> BIOS: Dell v: A09
  date: 09/30/2011
CPU:
  Topology: Quad Core model: Intel Core i7-2670QM bits: 64 type: MT MCP
  arch: Sandy Bridge rev: 7 L2 cache: 6144 KiB
  flags: avx lm nx pae sse sse2 sse3 sse4_1 sse4_2 ssse3 vmx bogomips: 35120
  Speed: 798 MHz min/max: 800/3100 MHz Core speeds (MHz): 1: 798 2: 798
  3: 798 4: 798 5: 798 6: 798 7: 798 8: 798
Graphics:
  Device-1: Intel 2nd Generation Core Processor Family Integrated Graphics
  vendor: Dell driver: i915 v: kernel bus ID: 00:02.0 chip ID: 8086:0116
  Display: x11 server: X.Org 1.20.9 driver: modesetting unloaded: fbdev,vesa
  resolution: 1366x768~60Hz
  OpenGL: renderer: Mesa DRI Intel HD Graphics 3000 (SNB GT2)
  v: 3.3 Mesa 20.2.6 compat-v: 3.0 direct render: Yes
Audio:
  Device-1: Intel 6 Series/C200 Series Family High Definition Audio
  vendor: Dell driver: snd_hda_intel v: kernel bus ID: 00:1b.0
  chip ID: 8086:1c20
  Sound Server: ALSA v: k5.4.0-70-generic
Network:
  Device-1: Realtek RTL810xE PCI Express Fast Ethernet vendor: Dell
  driver: N/A port: e000 bus ID: 05:00.0 chip ID: 10ec:8136
  Device-2: Qualcomm Atheros AR9285 Wireless Network Adapter vendor: Dell
  driver: ath9k v: kernel port: e000 bus ID: 09:00.0 chip ID: 168c:002b
  IF: wlp9s0 state: up mac: <filter>
  Device-3: Qualcomm Atheros AR3011 Bluetooth type: USB driver: btusb
  bus ID: 1-1.4:7 chip ID: 0cf3:3005
Drives:
  Local Storage: total: 698.64 GiB used: 30.73 GiB (4.4%)
  ID-1: /dev/sda vendor: Hitachi model: HTS547575A9E384 size: 698.64 GiB
  speed: 3.0 Gb/s rotation: 5400 rpm serial: <filter> rev: A50A scheme: MBR
Partition:
  ID-1: / size: 337.57 GiB used: 30.73 GiB (9.1%) fs: ext4 dev: /dev/sda5
Sensors:
  System Temperatures: cpu: 55.0 C mobo: N/A
  Fan Speeds (RPM): cpu: 0
Repos:
  No active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list
  Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/brave-browser-release.list
  1: deb [arch=amd64] https://brave-browser-apt-release.s3.brave.com/ stable main
  Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list
  1: deb [arch=amd64] http://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main
  Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/official-package-repositories.list
  1: deb http://mirrors.evowise.com/linuxmint/packages ulyana main upstream import backport
  2: deb http://mirrors.isu.net.sa/pub/ubuntu-releases focal main restricted universe multiverse
  3: deb http://mirrors.isu.net.sa/pub/ubuntu-releases focal-updates main restricted universe multiverse
  4: deb http://mirrors.isu.net.sa/pub/ubuntu-releases focal-backports main restricted universe multiverse
  5: deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ focal-security main restricted universe multiverse
  6: deb http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu/ focal partner
Info:
  Processes: 319 Uptime: 7h 01m Memory: 7.68 GiB used: 5.26 GiB (68.4%)
  Init: systemd v: 245 runlevel: 5 Compilers: gcc: 9.3.0 alt: 9 Shell: bash
  v: 5.0.17 running in: xfce4-terminal inxi: 3.0.38
tarek@Inspiron-N5110:~$
 
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there are a couple of desktops similar to windows, however Linux based operating systems are completely different to windows in both the way they work and the applications used, whichever linux you choose will depend on your equipment, what the intended use is, and will need commitment to go through a learning curve.
If you have a fairly modern box , then I suggest you look at mint with cinnamon desktop

Bwiz
 
I want the closest similar version to use Windows Because I intend to go back to Windows and give Linux a chance Later
Don't know a thing about it.


 
I intend to go back to Windows and give Linux a chance Later
Linux has been a struggle for you, Tarek... and the language barriers. I wish you success on returning to Windows and hope that it will work to your satisfaction. Your computer specs show you should be able to run Windows 10 fairly well. If you install Windows 10, it may already be "activated" as a recognized legitimate copy. If it doesn't activate, you may have to pay a fee to Microsoft to run it legally.

You can buy Windows on a USB or DVD (must be dual-layer DVD because Windows is too big for single-layer). Or Microsoft allows you to get the Windows 10 ISO file directly from the internet, but you must get someone to help you that is already running Windows. The only way to "burn the ISO" for Windows is by using the "Windows Media Creation Tool." Your friend will have to be running Windows already and go to this Microsoft page to begin the process. It is a very large download (over 5 GB) so your friend will also need a good internet connection. He will need a blank 16GB USB (or larger) to store the Windows 10 on so that you can install from it. The whole process may take several hours or more.

Do not download the Windows ISO and try to burn the USB with Rufus, or Unetbootin, or Etcher, or dd, or any other tool that is using for burning ISO files. They won't work with Microsoft Windows, and you will be frustrated yet again. You must use the Media Creation Tool, or else buy Windows on a USB or DVD from a retailer. Or else buy a new computer that already has Windows installed.

Good luck!
 
Linux has been a struggle for you, Tarek... and the language barriers. I wish you success on returning to Windows and hope that it will work to your satisfaction. Your computer specs show you should be able to run Windows 10 fairly well. If you install Windows 10, it may already be "activated" as a recognized legitimate copy. If it doesn't activate, you may have to pay a fee to Microsoft to run it legally.

You can buy Windows on a USB or DVD (must be dual-layer DVD because Windows is too big for single-layer). Or Microsoft allows you to get the Windows 10 ISO file directly from the internet, but you must get someone to help you that is already running Windows. The only way to "burn the ISO" for Windows is by using the "Windows Media Creation Tool." Your friend will have to be running Windows already and go to this Microsoft page to begin the process. It is a very large download (over 5 GB) so your friend will also need a good internet connection. He will need a blank 16GB USB (or larger) to store the Windows 10 on so that you can install from it. The whole process may take several hours or more.

Do not download the Windows ISO and try to burn the USB with Rufus, or Unetbootin, or Etcher, or dd, or any other tool that is using for burning ISO files. They won't work with Microsoft Windows, and you will be frustrated yet again. You must use the Media Creation Tool, or else buy Windows on a USB or DVD from a retailer. Or else buy a new computer that already has Windows installed.

Good luck!
Before I go back to Windows and buy I will finally try to use these distros Currently I am running Linux Mint I didn't see it like using Windows at all and it was hard to get used to
1- Linuxfx
2- Riactos
I am currently running a user experience on this site https://distrotest.net/
 
Linux has been a struggle for you, Tarek... and the language barriers. I wish you success on returning to Windows and hope that it will work to your satisfaction. Your computer specs show you should be able to run Windows 10 fairly well. If you install Windows 10, it may already be "activated" as a recognized legitimate copy. If it doesn't activate, you may have to pay a fee to Microsoft to run it legally.

You can buy Windows on a USB or DVD (must be dual-layer DVD because Windows is too big for single-layer). Or Microsoft allows you to get the Windows 10 ISO file directly from the internet, but you must get someone to help you that is already running Windows. The only way to "burn the ISO" for Windows is by using the "Windows Media Creation Tool." Your friend will have to be running Windows already and go to this Microsoft page to begin the process. It is a very large download (over 5 GB) so your friend will also need a good internet connection. He will need a blank 16GB USB (or larger) to store the Windows 10 on so that you can install from it. The whole process may take several hours or more.

Do not download the Windows ISO and try to burn the USB with Rufus, or Unetbootin, or Etcher, or dd, or any other tool that is using for burning ISO files. They won't work with Microsoft Windows, and you will be frustrated yet again. You must use the Media Creation Tool, or else buy Windows on a USB or DVD from a retailer. Or else buy a new computer that already has Windows installed.

Good luck!
Don't worry when I decide to buy Windows it doesn't mean not to go back to Linux, but now I have to go back, I'm working on a project and I'm not free to learn, that's a priority for me
I will not use non-genuine copies of Windows and have options as I see fit to either purchase a key or retail
 
Can't go wrong with Debian Linux.
 
Don't know a thing about it.


I was curious and loaded this in a VM. It does have much of the feel of windows including edge browser and power shell. The underlying OS and applications are definitely Ubuntu. Don't know what you are looking for but I am pretty sure I could load this with something like Oracles Open office or Office 365 subscription and could make the average windows user happy. Alternatively I think loading WSL2 and your favorite linux kernel so you could play with Linux on Winderz might make you happy. When employed I always used either CGWIN or Ubuntu in a VM to run scripts to maintain a large quantity of devices. If I had WSL2 available I would have been a happy camper. I'm more of a linux fan but truthfully I would use the best of what ever is available to accomplish the tasks I need to get done.
 
I tried again, but still no joy. WoeUSB seems to have changed hands since your link was written a year ago. It is now called WoeUSB-ng, and the latest updates are on a different GitHub account. The Ubuntu installation instructions went perfectly in my LM Debian. The "woeusbgui" app seemed to run perfectly... copying the 5.4GB iso file very quickly. But it fails to make the USB bootable. The BIOS Boot Menu also does not boot it. I used a fresh download of Windows 10, and the ISO passed the SHA256 hash using GTKHash.

If anyone wants to make a bootable Windows USB, I really recommend the Media Creation Tool. It's slow, but it works.
 
Do not download the Windows ISO and try to burn the USB with Rufus, or Unetbootin, or Etcher, or dd, or any other tool that is using for burning ISO files. They won't work with Microsoft Windows, and you will be frustrated yet again. You must use the Media Creation Tool, or else buy Windows on a USB or DVD from a retailer. Or else buy a new computer that already has Windows installed.

Good luck!
Thats not true,

I have been using latest Rufus and burned windows 10 iso windows 11 iso file without any issues and able to boot the USB without any problem
 
Thats not true,

I have been using latest Rufus and burned windows 10 iso windows 11 iso file without any issues and able to boot the USB without any problem
Good... I'm glad that others are successful (but Rufus is NOT a Linux app). I have tried MANY Linux apps and have nothing but failure (except exclusively with the Microsoft tool running in Windows). I am not new to this, and if I have this much trouble, I'd guess that other people do too. It is very difficult (or impossible) to make a Windows bootable USB from Linux, at least for me.

Tarek, sorry to hijack your thread. (We don't really do Windows support here.) Good luck to you... whatever you decide to do.

Cheers :)
 
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Before I go back to Windows and buy I will finally try to use these distros Currently I am running Linux Mint I didn't see it like using Windows at all and it was hard to get used to
1- Linuxfx
2- Riactos
I am currently running a user experience on this site https://distrotest.net/
Did you try installing zorin os. There's lots of eye candies on zorin os, looks simillar to Windows. changing layout is very easy too.
 
Worked for me as well successfully did Win7, 8, and 10 have not tried it with 11 yet I do not have an 11 ISO
Here is how to install on Buntu based OS
Dependencies -
Code:
sudo apt install git p7zip-full python3-pip python3-wxgtk4.0 grub2-common grub-pc-bin
Install Woeusb-ng
Code:
git clone https://github.com/WoeUSB/WoeUSB-ng.git
Code:
cd WoeUSB-ng
Code:
sudo pip3 install .
don't forget the . after pip3 install it will fail if you don't put it there
 
Good... I'm glad that others are successful (but Rufus is NOT a Linux app). I have tried MANY Linux apps and have nothing but failure (except exclusively with the Microsoft tool running in Windows). I am not new to this, and if I have this much trouble, I'd guess that other people do too. It is very difficult (or impossible) to make a Windows bootable USB from Linux, at least for me.

Tarek, sorry to hijack your thread. (We don't really do Windows support here.) Good luck to you... whatever you decide to do.

Cheers :)

I also never had problems with Rufus. It is very annoying that the available Linux alternatives are rubbish, especially as Rufus is FOSS. Balena Etcher doesn't even work with Linux ISOs for me.

This article suggests its mainly about the formatting of the USB stick
 
Did you try installing zorin os. There's lots of eye candies on zorin os, looks simillar to Windows. changing layout is very easy too.
I will be running a user experiment on the following distros
1- zorin os
2- Linuxfx
3- Riactos
Everyone please see my device specifications and recommend the optimal system as it may not be compatible with my laptop
 
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I will be running a user experiment on the following distros
1- zorin os
2- Linuxfx
3- Riactos
Everyone please see my device specifications and recommend the optimal system as it may not be compatible with my laptop
You have an Intel i7 CPU and 8GB of RAM... so you should be able to run any Linux distro. You have a 5400 RPM spinning hard disk (HDD) that could make things a little slow or sluggish, but it's usable. A 7200 RPM HDD would only gain a little speed, but a SSD would be much faster. But they would not make any Linux distro more or less usable, just faster.

1. Zorin OS (standard edition) looks about as much like Windows as the Linux Mint you use now. There is a new Zorin Pro edition that has "premium desktops" that may be more Windows-like, but it is not free. The Pro edition costs $39 USD.

2. Linuxfx, I think, is now called Windowsfx and it looks very much like Windows 11. But they also separate their product into a free edition and a paid edition ($25). The free edition gives full Pro features for 30 days, so you will know if it is worth paying money for the Pro edition or not. But while it looks a lot like Windows, it is still Linux, and Windows software may or may not run (in Wine) on this distro.

3. ReactOS may or may not be a good choice for you, but it may be worth trying. Wikipedia says this:
ReactOS has been in development since 1996. As of October 2020, it is still considered feature-incomplete alpha software, and is therefore recommended by the developers only for evaluation and testing purposes. However, many Windows applications are currently working, such as Adobe Reader 6.0 and LibreOffice.
 
You have an Intel i7 CPU and 8GB of RAM... so you should be able to run any Linux distro. You have a 5400 RPM spinning hard disk (HDD) that could make things a little slow or sluggish, but it's usable. A 7200 RPM HDD would only gain a little speed, but a SSD would be much faster. But they would not make any Linux distro more or less usable, just faster.

1. Zorin OS (standard edition) looks about as much like Windows as the Linux Mint you use now. There is a new Zorin Pro edition that has "premium desktops" that may be more Windows-like, but it is not free. The Pro edition costs $39 USD.

2. Linuxfx, I think, is now called Windowsfx and it looks very much like Windows 11. But they also separate their product into a free edition and a paid edition ($25). The free edition gives full Pro features for 30 days, so you will know if it is worth paying money for the Pro edition or not. But while it looks a lot like Windows, it is still Linux, and Windows software may or may not run (in Wine) on this distro.

3. ReactOS may or may not be a good choice for you, but it may be worth trying. Wikipedia says this:
After researching, investigating, and listening to recommendations, I tried this set of distros and saw which one is closest to Windows in the next sequence and I might have missed something
1- Linuxfx
2- Riactos
3- zorin os
4- KDE Neon
5- Ubuntu
6- Manjaro
7- Linux Mint
The question that helps me decide which distributions to use
Which of these distributions enables me to use Windows software?
The answer helps me make decisions and try to stabilize
Some of the programs you use
1- Figma
2- Adobe software
 
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