14 DAY TRIAL // Many users fear the switch to a Linux system because the new interface might seem a little too alien to their taste. This problem can be fixed if the Linux operating system uses a design similar to that of the Windows counterpart and it looks like Ubuntu MATE can do this without a problem.
One of the Ubuntu MATE developers has modified the system to look a little bit more like Windows XP, in an effort to provide a better switching experience for his mother.
"I have just finished installing and configuring Ubuntu MATE 14.04 (yes, 14.04) on my Mum's laptop which was previously running Windows XP. Here is Ubuntu MATE configured with a panel arrangement that I hope my Mum (and other Windows XP switchers) will find familiar," said Martin Wimpress, one of the Ubuntu MATE developers.
As you can see from the screenshot, the OS is just imitating the launcher style of the system from Microsoft, but it's close enough.
You can download Ubuntu MATE 14.10 Beta 1 right now from Softpedia, if you want to give it a go. Remember that this is a development version and it should NOT be installed on production machines. It is intended for testing purposes only.