Windows, Linux and macOS are the most used operating systems worldwide. However, this does not mean that they are the only ones that exist. Rather the complete opposite. Windows and macOS, being proprietary operating systems, do not have other similar systems and derived from them. Linux, on the other hand, does have other systems, called “distributions,” that adapt the system to the needs of users, whether for home users or to work with a supercomputer .
Although there are many Linux-based distributions, the software limit goes much further. Nowadays it is possible to find other alternative operating systems that, without being based on Windows or Linux, allow us to run virtually any computer system we want.
FreeDOS, an interesting modern alternative to MS-DOS
FreeDOS is an operating system based on MS-DOS, the Microsoft operating system of the 80s. It is true that this system has many limitations today, but it is an excellent alternative to be able to use old applications or games without difficulty.
This system is completely free and open source. It also has excellent support thanks to which we can use it on any computer without problems.
We can download FreeDOS from the following link .
BSD, Linux’s tough rival
BSD is a type of Unix based operating system released 41 years ago. Although this operating system is already obsolete, no one would think of using it as it is, there are a large number of alternative operating systems based on BSD that do allow us to enjoy an alternative system to Windows and Linux.
FreeBSD
FreeBSD is an open source operating system based on version 4.4 BSD-Lite. This operating system is free and open source for all users. The user experience is very similar to that of Linux and virtually all the software we can find for this operating system is free and open source too.
We can download FreeBSD from the following link .
Netbsd
NetBSD was born as a free and open source operating system to bring users a free and accessible alternative to Unix. This operating system, today, is compatible with more than 58 different hardware architectures, being one of the most versatile systems we can find.
We can download NetBSD from the following link .
OpenBSD
Another operating system based on BSD totally free and open source. Like FreeBSD, OpenBSD is based on version 4.4 of BSD-Lite. This system seeks to offer the maximum possible compatibility, comply with the norms, regulations and standards, offer proactive security and the most advanced cryptography. In addition, it is capable of emulating binaries of various systems, such as Solaris, FreeBSD and Linux, among many others.
We can download OpenBSD from the following link .
DragonFlyBSD
This operating system is a version derived from FreeBSD. This system starts from FreeBSD 4.8 and mainly seeks to rewrite several elements of the system such as concurrency management, SMP and most of the kernel subsystems. Its main features include BSD Installer, an installer to easily launch the system.
We can download DragonFlyBSD from the following link .
SunOS
This operating system derives from BSD and was developed by Sun Microsystems for workstations and servers in the early 90s. Today it is obsolete, and who took over was Solari and OpenSolaris.
ReactOS: you won’t notice the difference with Windows
ReactOS is an open source operating system whose main feature is that it is binary compatible with Windows. Thanks to this, people accustomed to the Microsoft operating system interface may feel much more comfortable using ReactOS to the point that users do not notice the change of operating system. It is written in C and C ++, and has the functionality of the Windows API.
We can download ReactOS from the following link .
Haiku: for day to day
Haiku is an OpenSource operating system especially focused on personal computing and the reproduction of all types of multimedia content. This operating system wants to be characterized by being a fast, efficient and, above all, easy to use and learn system.
Among its features we can highlight, for example, its advanced core architecture, its allocation of memory space, its numerous APIs and its interface.
We can download Haiku from the following link .
Syllable: an operating system for older computers
This operating system is based on AtheOS and is positioned as a lightweight, stable and easy-to-use system for all users. This operating system uses its own independent core, not based on Linux, and works great on very old computers.
We can download Syllable from the following link .
OS / 2: the IBM and Microsoft DOS alternative
This operating system was born from the hand of Microsoft and IBM, and its main purpose was to succeed DOS. A very robust operating system that achieved great acceptance within the industry. However, Microsoft knew how to separate from IBM at the right time to continue alone with Windows 3.0.
OS / 2 was continued by IBM until, in 2001, its latest version arrived.
eComStation
This operating system is based on OS / 2, but has a graphical interface and implements a lot of improvements and features such as a better file system. In addition, thanks to the “Convenience Pack” users can have a large number of drivers and OpenSource content to give the system greater utility.
We can download eComStation from the following link .
AROS Research Operating System: take AmigaOS anywhere
This is a portable operating system specially designed to implement the AmigaOS 3.1 APIs in other operating systems. It is compatible with a large number of architectures, and can even work over Linux, Windows and FreeBSD.
We can download AROS Research Operating System from the following link .
MenuetOS: an operating system written in assembler
This operating system has been written completely in assembler. It has a real-time kernel with multitasking and a large number of controllers that allow it to run with virtually any hardware. OpenSOurce, comes with several programs and games installed by default and, nevertheless, fits on a 1.44 MB floppy disk.
We can download MenuetOS from the following link .
Solaris: the Oracle Unix operating system
This operating system is based on Unix and was initially developed by Sun Microsystems, although it is currently under the responsibility of Oracle. It has a certification that indicates that it is an official version of Unix and is intended to work on servers and workstations.
We can download Oracle Solaris from the following link .
OpenSolaris
This operating system was born in 2005 as a free operating system developed from Solaris. With the development of this operating system, Sun intended to create a community of users around its operating system and make it closer to users outside companies.
illumos
When Oracle closed the OpenSolaris repositories, a group of former developers joined together to create their own free operating system: illumos. As a goal, the developers intended to replace the original binaries, add new user experiences, create a 100% free operating system and make it compatible with all OS / 2, Solaris and OpenSolaris software.
We can download illumos from the following link .
DexOS: for those who need full access to the hardware
The main purpose of this operating system is to grant direct access to all PC hardware, including the CPU and all graphics. This operating system is written with open source and has a very well commented code and documentation.
It has two modes of operation, one terminal, through commands, and another in graphic mode.
We can download DexOS from the following link .
Visopsys: a great unknown
This operating system is written in C with parts of assembly code. This system has a complete multitasking system, along with a simple user interface.
We can download Visopsys from the following link .
