Beautiful, slim and fast: This is how an operating system should ideally be. Neither of these points apply to Windows 11 or macOS. But there is a free alternative that comes closer to this ideal.
“Linux is complicated and old-fashioned” is no longer true. Most Linux distributions no longer scare off the average Joe. The software equipment is great, there are many automated helpers and only those who really want to use the terminal can switch to the command line.
elementary OS is a particularly impressive example of how elegant Linux can be these days. With its own desktop, the chic distribution is reminiscent of macOS and is primarily aimed at anyone who wants to use Linux without having to rely on terminal inputs.
The current version elementary OS 6 “Odin” has set itself the following goals:
- Control: Not the provider of the operating system should have control, but the users. You should be able to achieve your goals with powerful tools.
- New hits: elementary OS wants to be innovative as a Linux distribution.
- Simplicity: The system should be even easier to use and more inclusive.
elementary OS 6 “Odin”: This is new
elementary OS is regularly updated and gets the latest security patches and small improvements every month, sometimes new features as well. But a completely different house number is elementary OS 6 “Odin”, according to the makers, the biggest update that has ever been for the platform:
- Colours: Dark style and accent colors are new to elementary OS. The Linux desktop can also be immersed in a noble dark look. There are also ten new accent colors that users can set automatically depending on the wallpaper used.
- Sandboxing and Permissions: To protect user data, elementary OS relies on sandboxing. All programs that are distributed via the App Center use the Flatpak format. Permissions can be set specifically for individual programs.
- Multi-touch: Mac users in particular are spoiled when it comes to multi-touch gestures, and Windows can also do them at least to a limited extent. With the update to elementary OS 6, three-finger gestures are now available. A nice side effect: multi-touch gestures are not only used on the desktop, but also in the programs.
- Notifications: Notifications have been around for a while, but the new version offers a lot more options. In addition to visual polish, the notifications also provide more information, such as which apps they come from and there is the option of immediately offering actions that users can carry out with a mouse click.
- Tasks: A new todo app helps users manage tasks and complete them on time.
- Firmware updates: elementary OS makes it easy to install firmware updates for the hardware you are using. Updates from manufacturers such as Star Labs, Dell, Lenovo, HP, Intel, Logitech, Wacom or 8bitdo can be imported via the settings.
- browsers: The web browser now also appears in a dark mode if desired and bears the simple name “Web”. Tracking protection and ad blockers are built in, and there is also a read mode.
- Built-in programs: The built-in programs Mail, Calendar and Camera have also been updated.
- Installation: elementary OS 6 comes with a completely redesigned installer.
All changes in detail can be found in the extremely detailed blog post from the developers.
elementary OS: Desktop is very reminiscent of macOS
The desktop environment was developed exclusively for elementary OS and the references to the Apple operating system cannot be denied: There is a discreet bar at the top of the screen where you can find the date, time, a search function for apps and icons for find the control of system functions such as WLAN, Bluetooth and the power button. There is a dock at the bottom center of the screen.
The icons of the pre-installed apps and folders are also reminiscent of macOS in their design and are perfectly integrated into the overall concept. Applications can be found either using the search function, a grid or sorted by category. A practical picture-in-picture mode also lets you turn any window into a smaller preview window, which can be useful if you want to watch a video, for example. All keyboard shortcuts can also be viewed and assigned in the settings.
The Linux version Ubuntu 20.04.2 serves as the substructure for elementary OS. Version 5.11 is used as the Linux kernel.
elementary OS: Free software and open source
The programs pre-installed under elementary OS cover all the basic functions that you need in an operating system without exhausting the capacities of your hard disk. You can access the Internet via the Web browser, and separate applications are already installed for playing videos, photos and music, as well as for checking e-mails.
elementary OS relies entirely on the open source model. This applies to both the operating system itself and the app store, where you can find and install software developed specifically for the OS, as well as Ubuntu programs.
You can buy any program for the price suggested by the developer, or you can specify your own price, which of course can also be zero, in accordance with the open source maxim.