Windows 11 is a great operating system. It hasn’t even left beta status yet, but it’s absolutely the best desktop operating system Microsoft has ever made. Seriously, folks, this is exceptional. If your computer is compatible with it and you love Windows 10, you’ll probably enjoy Windows 11 even more – if you keep an open mind.
You see, the next Windows 11 is likely to be quite polarizing. It features some drastic changes in the user interface (like a centered taskbar) that I love, but other users definitely won’t. Not to mention that the system requirements will prevent many computers that are still able to upgrade. Worse yet, you might find yourself without updates! Those unfortunate computer owners will have to decide whether to keep using Windows 10 or buy a new Windows 11 compatible PC.
Fortunately, there is arguably a better option – just switch to Linux! Yes, modern Linux based operating systems are very well supported and most will work fine on aging hardware (unlike Windows 11). Linux Lite, which uses the Xfce desktop environment, is one of the best Linux distros for Windows switches because it is light, modern, and familiar.
Today, Linux Lite 5.6 FINAL is released and is based on Ubuntu 20.04.3. The operating system uses Linux kernel 5.4.0-81, but other kernels are also available, ranging from 3.13 to 5.14. This new version of Linux Lite also comes with great software packages, such as Firefox 91.0.1, Thunderbird 78.11.0, LibreOffice 6.4.7.2, VLC 3.0.9.2, and GIMP 2.10.18.
This release includes updates to the Help Manual – our comprehensive and easy-to-follow Linux Lite guide, you can now install Linux Lite directly from Lite Welcome, an updated Papirus icon theme, 2 new features added to Lite Tweaks, the introduction of the ‘Pay What You Want’ Digital Download Template, 7 new wallpapers, the default version of Python now set to Python3, and a host of bug fixes and improvements for our target audience If you are coming from Windows, you will find that this is a solid and stable release that will help you make your transition to a Linux-based, user-friendly operating system, â€the developers explain.
The developers share the known issues below.
- No prompt to eject media at the end of the legacy installation, a prompt is available at the end of the UEFI installation.
- Release Notes – does not work on first slide of installer.
- Desktop Icons – English support only.
- Grub – press ESC key while booting in UEFI mode after releasing your BIOS. Use the SHIFT key if you are running Linux Lite in Legacy mode.
- The Grub menu displays Linux Lite as “Ubuntu”.
If you are ready to try Linux Lite 5.6, you can download it here now. Should you replace Windows with Linux Lite today? No, not right away – you should obviously try it first and make sure it fully meets your needs. Having said that, you will probably be very impressed with the capability of Linux-based desktop operating systems these days. Microsoft should be very worried.
Image credit: Inside the Creative House / Shutterstock
