It's 2025 and Linux is leading the way, but I still have a question!
It's 2025 and Linux is leading the way, but I still have a question!
Based on recent videos, you might prefer "mint" (cinnamon or applepie). Whether you can run the start menu on any current Linux version depends on the distro you're using. I'm not sure about XP or Windows 11 alternatives, but I understand your frustration with outdated systems. If it's possible but not available, figuring it out would likely require significant effort. You're open to paying up to $100 for a fully working tile-based start menu. Let me know if you need more details!
Looking for options that resemble Windows on Linux distributions? It's possible to adapt what you want, though details on effort or cost vary.
Ubuntu features a large icon menu with prominent icons and no background tile colors. This setup is similar to other distributions like KDE when the full-screen start menu is active. A personal preference is Kubuntu, which also offers an overview view that looks quite nice.
Unfortunately, what I'm seeing is this XP-style menu layout... it works in theory, but it's cramped and not ideal. I prefer the original design from my screenshots, which is a W7, 8, or 10 exclusive feature. That's what I've been using for ten years now, and I really appreciate how quickly everything is accessible with just two clicks from the desktop. The XP version feels cluttered because it has so many subcategories, making it messy. Thanks for checking those out—I might explore them. Zorin seems adaptable, so who knows what could be possible...
Absolutely puzzling, right? I'm looking for images or clips showing the full-screen menu design you mentioned.
The Win8 tablet interface received widespread criticism and wasn't a strong target for replication efforts. In contrast, Ubuntu offers a Mac-like full-screen experience that many find appealing.
Well, indeed... I understand... I'm just genuinely let down that everything looks pretty much like the Windows XP start menu—something that worked back then but now feels outdated. I used to appreciate a cleaner, more streamlined desktop with no icons except for the recycle bin, and I was curious if Linux offered more choices. I'm not really familiar with Apple's Launchpad, but I guess it would be larger than the typical XP version.
I'm curious to know if any of these would fit. Mostly talking about XP Style App Launchers that cover smaller Desktop Environments, the KDE FullScreen Launcher, and the GNOME Spin Ubuntu launcher.
This appears to be the most similar option available. It lacks tiles and has minimal clutter. The clever feature is that you won’t scroll horizontally but only vertically, avoiding thousands of subfolders—making navigation quicker and more straightforward. This design choice is unique compared to KDE and differs from Mint in areas like gaming focus and stability.
Linux Mint is a distribution, KDE is a desktop environment. For KDE you might prefer KDE Neon (the latest KDE on Ubuntu LTS) or Kubuntu (the older KDE on Ubuntu). When it comes to gaming, they’re all similar since they’re based on Ubuntu, including Mint. Regarding stability, KDE tends to have more issues with NVIDIA GPUs, which is typical for Linux software—something you’ll likely encounter with other programs too. KDE focuses more on features and functionality, while GNOME emphasizes simplicity and reliability. These are the main desktop environments; everything begins here. In terms of stability, I’d recommend GNOME. For a more Windows-like feel, KDE is better. As for Linux Mint, you can also choose Cinnamon, XFCE, or Mate.