{
  "id": 3728085,
  "title": "The 5 best Linux alternatives to Windows in 2026 (that aren't Mint)",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/the-5-best-linux-alternatives-to-windows-in-2026-that-arent-mint",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-27T11:45:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ZDNet",
    "slug": "zdnet",
    "url": "https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-5-best-linux-alternatives-to-windows-in-2026-that-arent-mint/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For Windows users considering a switch to Linux, several alternative operating systems offer intuitive onboarding experiences and a user-friendly environment. Zorin OS, while well-known, stands out for its resemblance to Windows, even including a subsystem that suggests open-source alternatives to Windows applications. MainstreamOS truly excels in simplifying the transition, with an onboarding process that rivals Windows itself, and a desktop layout reminiscent of MacOS. StillOS, a newer option, impresses with its polished design and unique features such as Electron-based web app runtime SWAI, allowing web applications to function as native apps. Kubuntu, a familiar choice, combines Ubuntu's stability with KDE Plasma's flexibility, providing a comfortable and customizable desktop experience. Lastly, VanillaOS emphasizes security with its use of ABRoot for app installations and Smart Updates, ensuring a safe and reliable update process.",
  "summary": "Looking to leave Windows? I've used Linux for years and there's never better a better time to make the leap.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "XDA Developers",
        "title": "Linux was supposed to be temporary, but these things made me forget about Windows entirely",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/linux-was-supposed-to-be-temporary-but-these-things-made-me-forget",
        "published": "2026-08-26T13:00:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}