Feel peak Windows was 7? You might like Kumander Linux
Debian and Xfce – solid, sensible choices – with a pretty skin
Kumander Linux is a Linux distribution that has been gaining attention for its nostalgic appeal for users who miss the look and feel of Windows 7. Although it is not technologically interesting, its strong point lies in its stability and simplicity. Kumander Linux is built on Debian 13.6 with the lightweight Xfce 4.20 desktop environment, making it easy on system resources.
What sets Kumander apart is its Windows 7-inspired look and feel. While it does not borrow heavily from commercial assets or trademarks like other distributions, it aims to recreate the Windows 7 experience. It achieves this through a mix of free and freeware components, such as LibreOffice 25.2 with a Microsoft-like ribbon interface, GIMP 3.0.4 image editor, and popular tools like Google Chrome, PuTTY, Audacity, and VLC.
Notable modifications include replacing Xfce's Task Manager with a new System Manager tool and including a user-friendly Software Center for easy application installation. Kumander also provides helpful links for downloading and installing additional applications, rather than pre-installing them all, making it smaller than some other distros.
Named after the Filipino way of spelling "Commander," Kumander Linux is likely the first Linux distribution from the Philippines. The distro's customization choices, though sometimes a bit excessive, contribute to its unique Windows 7-like appearance. Its About page explains that the name is an indirect tribute to Commodore computers.
Although the Extended Security Updates scheme for the distro will expire within a year, Kumander Linux 3 offers a compelling alternative for users who prefer the stability of Debian combined with the user-friendly experience reminiscent of the Windows 7 era.
Written by urgent.news from The Register Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
