How to install Linux on a Mac: Which version of Linux to pick The first thing you need to know is that there are different versions of Linux around. These are known as 'distributions' and each. Distros like Ubuntu and Debian have managed to establish themselves as the top picks when it comes to the best Linux distro for developers. Some of the other great choices are openSUSE, Arch Linux.
There are many people out there who purchase Apple’s expensive hardware just to get their hands on macOS. What these people often don’t know is that many Linux distributions look and feel just like macOS but run on any computer. To help you decide if macOS is really the best choice for you, we picked the top 5 best Linux distributions for Mac users in 2020.What Are the Differences Between macOS and Linux?
To start with, Linux is just an operating system kernel, while macOS is a complete operating system that comes bundled with a large number of applications. The kernel at the heart of macOS is called XNU, an acronym for X is Not Unix.
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The Linux kernel was developed by Linus Torvalds, and it’s distributed under GPLv2. XNU was originally developed by the American computer and software company NeXT, which was purchased by Apple in 1997. XNU is developed under the Apple Public Source License 2.0, which allows only limited modification of the code by a licensee.
To create complete operating systems (Linux distributions), developers bundle the Linux kernel with third-party open-source applications. This open and flexible approach is one of the biggest strengths of Linux, and it’s also the reason why it can meet the needs of everyone from data centers to home users.
The Linux community has been working tirelessly to support all kinds of hardware, including devices that have been labeled as obsolete by their manufacturers. On the other hand, Apple is actively preventing users from installing macOS on non-Apple hardware, forcing them to purchase expensive Macs.
Apple wants macOS users to install applications only from the App Store, which is inaccessible without a user account. Most Linux distributions that look like macOS come with their own “app stores” packed with free, open-source applications that can be installed with a simple click and without registration.
Top 5 Best macOS Alternatives
Our selection of Linux distributions that look like macOS includes only active projects with a decent number of users. We ranked the distributions according to their similarity with macOS, general usability, and popularity.
1. Elementary OS
Elementary OS presents itself as a privacy-respecting replacement for macOS. It takes just a few minutes to realize that its developers understand what macOS users like about Apple’s operating system. All parts of the Elementary OS—from the familiar bottom dock to individual applications—are designed with ease of use in mind. As a user, you never feel overwhelmed with options because everything just works.
The Pantheon desktop environment, which the developers created from scratch, is arguably the main reason why Elementary OS is so cohesive. In addition to Pantheon, Elementary OS comes with its own heavily curated app store for free and paid applications, called AppCenter. At the moment, there are only 170 applications in the AppCenter, all of which have been reviewed to ensure a native, privacy-respecting, and secure experience.
You can download, install, and use Elementary OS without paying a single dollar, but users are encouraged to make a small donation to support the development of this beautiful and powerful operating system.
2. Deepin Linux
Deepin Linux is based on Debian, and it features its own desktop environment, called the Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE). This desktop environment is written in Qt and is clearly inspired by Apple’s operating system.
The China-based developers of Deepin Linux, Wuhan Deepin Technology Co., Ltd., don’t limit themselves to open-source software. WPS Office, Skype, Google Chrome, and Steam are just a few examples of proprietary applications included in the distribution.
Most basic applications that you would expect to find in any Linux distribution were created by the Deepin development team, and they include Deepin Installer, Deepin File Manager, Deeping System Monitor, and others.
3. Xubuntu
Xubuntu is a derivative of the Ubuntu operating system, one of the most popular Linux distributions in the world. Instead of Ubuntu’s GNOME desktop, it users the Xfce desktop environment, which shares the same basic layout with macOS.
One of the main goals of Xubuntu is to run well on low-end hardware and older computers. If you have, for example, an aging MacBook with a limited amount of RAM, replacing macOS with Xubuntu will allow you to extend its lifespan by a couple of years.
To work well on older hardware, Xubuntu had to sacrifice some features, and the same can be said about Xfce. Even the included applications can, at times, look a little basic and dated, but they get the job done and don’t consume too much resources.
4. Zorin OS
Designed to be easy to use and feature-complete, Zorin OS is an increasingly popular Linux distribution that directly targets users of macOS who would like to break the chain that binds them to Apple’s expensive hardware.
The distribution is available in over 50 languages and comes with many open-source and proprietary applications. Additional applications can be installed from the built-in app store, and Zorin OS even allows its users to install many Windows apps using the Wine compatibility layer.
Only the most basic version of Zorin OS is free. To unlock a macOS desktop layout, you need to pay €39 for the Ultimate version, which also comes with professional installation support and additional apps and games.
5. Voyager Live
Voyager Live is a French Linux distribution that ships with Voyager-branded computers and tablets. It’s based on Ubuntu and includes excellent support for 2-in-1 convertibles (namely the Voyager PC Tablet).
Linux Distros For Mac Computers
macOS users will appreciate the familiar layout, with a dock at the bottom and a menu bar at the top. Voyager Live makes heavy use of Conky, a popular desktop system monitor capable of displaying all kinds of information directly on the desktop, including network speed, CPU utilization, tasks, and application shortcuts.
If you’re not afraid to try a less popular Linux distribution (whose website hasn’t even been translated into English), then you might be pleasantly surprised by Voyager Live and its polished version of the Xfce desktop environment.
Linux distribution, also known as distro in short. It is an operating system that is built using the Linux kernel. You can picture it as having a desktop environment that can be installed in any computer terminal. If you think about it, most operating systems like Windows and Mac are licensed while Linux is free software that is widely distributed. It is comprised of an assortment of software, tools, and libraries that are packaged together to meet user capabilities.
We all know that the macOS is an elegant operating system. However, in the later years, it seems to feel challenged to keep up with the latest needs. Linux distros have leveraged this opportunity to be able to become an alternative to macOS, delivering a more sharp, polished, and clean desktop experience.
PureOS
PureOS is an operating system developed by Purism. It is one of the latest technologies that carry a modern, user-friendly feel without compromising performance or consumer rights. It is more focused on delivering better privacy and security among users, making it attractive to use. It takes an aggressive stance by eliminating vulnerabilities on the hardware level that adds on to user confidence with the software.
PureOS is also adherent to the open-source policy that is more inclined to integrating applications that are also open-source and not proprietary owned. It also has a bootable feature that can be run from a USB or a removable device while carrying the same capabilities from the original desktop environment.
Solus
Solus is a stable Linux operating system that offers a wide selection of software applications. One of the key features of the product is the Budgie desktop environment that is simple and highly customizable for advanced users. It is a fast operating system that uses Gnome technologies and is simply well-built. With the Solus OS, you can infer that it brings the harmony of the Chrome OS and macOS – having a sleek, good-looking, and clean interface.
The Solus Budgie OS comes with a bundle of software applications that should already get you started. It is more for home computing where you can utilize innovative features such as the Notification Panel and Dark Mode. It is also a lightweight platform that should be quick to install and reliable to use. Although the Solus Linux Distribution is composed of a small support team, there is a fair amount of documentation available on the web to guide advanced users for a custom setup.
Elementary OS
The Elementary OS is probably one of the best-looking Linux distro available. It is very easy to use and excellent for beginners that wish to delve into the Linux world. It carries a style that is a tribute to Apple’s macOS with a genius desktop environment called Pantheon. The Pantheon is based on Gnome technology. With the latest versions of the operating system, you can expect that it has improved core applications and a better login interface.
Although it seems to have limited apps available, it still comes with the basic productivity apps such as a web browser and email app. If you would need to install more programs, you can do this with the AppCenter. Please be aware though that in the AppCenter, there are paid apps that will be offered that are designed particularly for the operating system.
Despite looking much like a macOS, the Elementary OS has done some more serious work on top of it apart from the look n’ feel. They are protective of their ecosystem, imposing strict guidelines to design apps for the environment. This helps ensure that consumers will continue getting high-quality updates and features that mix well with Elementary OS.
Zorin OS
Best Linux For Mac Mini
The Zorin OS is a Linux distro that is based on Ubuntu. Its prime objective is to offer an alternative for users for Windows and Mac. Zorin OS is a powerful, secure, and fast software that respects one’s privacy. It does not log activities that can usually be tracked with Windows. One nice thing about this operating system is that it can support a classic Windows layout or the macOS depending on user preference. This reduces the learning curve to navigate around the environment.
When it comes to the software center, you can install commonly used proprietary applications and any other open-source applications. Apart from this, Zorin OS delivers a reliable performance that is even compatible with old hardware technologies. It has been a candidate for development, gaming, simulations, and media production because of its overall flexibility and capability.
Ubuntu Budgie
Teamviewer 12 keygen. The Ubuntu Budgie is a branched-out version of the Ubuntu OS. It offers the same stability as the Ubuntu software but with an added improvement. It is a lightweight operating system comes with a streamlined interface and various features. It has raised the bar for rivals in delivering quality software that genuinely integrates usability in all its forms. From introduction, navigation, and performance, the Ubuntu Budgie consistently exudes elegance.
Linux Distros For Mac Catalina
The basic features are in place to easily get you up to speed in using the platform. It is simple, advanced, and safe for getting things done. With a strong foundation, the Ubuntu Budgie has easily earned approval from experts in terms of reliability and community support.
Conclusion
The Linux Distros that we have discussed are those that closely resemble the macOS. You can use Rufus to install all of these operating systems. But beyond this Top 5 list, there are a few more operating systems that deserve some recognition too. Although they have not made it through the list, it is worth mentioning:
Backslash
The Backslash operating system is relatively a new OS with a macOS feel. It is built with KDE technologies with a comprehensive set of documentation to guide novice and experts in customization.
Pearl OS
The Pearl OS has Xfce as a desktop platform with an envisioned goal of establishing a development environment called PearlIDE. It offers a promising outlook for innovation and collaboration between a community that is engaged in improving the software.
Last Updated on April 26, 2020 by Etcher