A new version of Windows XP lookalike Q4OS is out

Sep 29, 2014 14:34 GMT  ·  By

Q4OS, a Linux distribution built to offer a similar desktop experience as Windows XP, has been updated by its developer and it should be considered stable, despite the version number.

There are many ways to make a Linux distro look like Windows XP, Windows 7, and even Windows 8, but Q4OS provides an uncanny experience. It could make users forget that they are not actually in a Windows system, although the similarities are only skin deep.

In fact, we can even take this resemblance to absurd levels. Microsoft should adopt this project and say, "Hey, you want Windows XP so much, but don't want to get infected, buy this one." And they should point towards Q4OS. Regular users won't really feel the difference, although they might have to adapt a little.

Why does this look like Windows XP?

Glad you asked. Q4OS 0.5.19 uses a desktop environment called Trinity DE, which is derived from an old KDE 3.x release. Older Linux users will remember that making KDE look like Windows XP was an interesting activity a while back. A few developers forked KDE and the new Trinity DE was born.

"We are pleased to announce release of Q4OS 0.5.19 version. An alternative 'Kickoff' menu has been significantly improved and more GUI translations has been made. There is new 'ipcodecs' installer script for super-easy installation of all kinds of proprietary multimedia codecs that you might need."

"This release has arrived with several important security fixes, especially all up to now 'Shellshock' patches. The automatic update process is enough for preceding installations and users will not have to restart their computers. With this mind, it's likely that more Bash patches will arrive in the days to come," reads the announcement from the developers.

Unfortunately, there is no Live CD version or option, so you will need to install this operating system in order to test it. This Linux distro seems to work like a charm in VirtualBox, as long as you let it download all the packages it needs.

Another interesting addition to Q4OS is a tool called Look Switcher, which isn't provided by default. The installation is automated and all you have to do is click on the link in the Control Panel. This utility allows users to change to an even more basic version of the system that looks even more like Windows XP Classic.

You can download Q4OS 0.5.19 right now from Softpedia. Enjoy the screenshots!

Q4OS (5 Images)

Main desktop of Q4OS
Launcher in Q4OSFile manager in Q4OS
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