For an entire weekend, I delved into an innovative operating system called ReactOS—an alternative to Windows that operates Windows applications without utilizing any Microsoft software code. In development since 1998, this project involves volunteers reverse-engineering Windows to craft a fully open-source OS that aims to replicate the Windows experience.
Every element from menus to system calls has been meticulously reconstructed by contributors who analyzed Windows operations. After 26 years of ongoing development, I was eager to explore whether this open-source version could hold its own in a world filled with traditional operating systems.
To my surprise, it performed well, albeit in unexpected ways. While there are numerous free alternatives to Windows, ReactOS distinguishes itself by directly imitating Windows. It’s not necessarily suited for everyone, yet for specific use cases, ReactOS may offer unexpected delights.
Setting Up ReactOS
Patience Is Key for Installation
For this exploration, I opted to run ReactOS in a virtual machine due to persistent errors encountered while attempting to boot from a USB on my Ryzen 5 system. If you’re working with older hardware, particularly an AMD or Intel dual-core processor, you might have better luck.
To begin the installation, you will need to download an ISO image. Head to the ReactOS download page for the ISO file. Once downloaded, you can follow these steps:
- Create a new virtual machine using VirtualBox. Load the ISO image and allocate sufficient memory and disk space. For this 32-bit operating system, assigning 4GB of memory and 10GB of storage should suffice. After this step, click Finish.
- Start the ReactOS VM by double-clicking it. In the Setup screen, select your preferred language and press Enter to initiate the installation process.
- Follow the prompted instructions to configure your device settings, select the installation disk, and decide on formatting options.
- The installation process will take a few minutes. Once completed, the virtual machine will reboot and prompt you to set up your system preferences.
- In the ReactOS setup wizard, click Next and follow the prompts to create a user account, set the correct date and time, and select a theme. You can choose from four themes: Mizu, Classic, Lautus, and Lunar. After making your selections, the installation will finalize.
Upon first startup, allow the system to install drivers automatically. If you’re experiencing blurry display issues in VirtualBox, you may need to install the Guest Additions CD Image to enhance resolution.
Compatible Applications with ReactOS
Running Legacy Applications
ReactOS is capable of running a wide array of older Windows 32-bit applications. It conveniently comes pre-installed with useful legacy software, including a version of Internet Explorer (specifically Wine Internet Explorer), Command Prompt, an Application Manager, and other system tools reminiscent of older Windows versions like XP.
While the browser supports basic web use, it struggles with modern platforms like YouTube or any resource-heavy applications. I attempted to install older versions of Adobe Photoshop, 7-Zip, Chrome, Blender, and Microsoft Office XP apps such as Word and Excel.
In terms of performance, Office apps and 7-Zip functioned smoothly, whereas Photoshop and Blender presented occasional issues. Chrome had significant trouble rendering modern websites. Installing applications mirrors the Windows experience—users can download installers or utilize the built-in Application Manager, which acts as an app repository for ReactOS.
However, many apps available in the Application Manager are outdated. For instance, Chrome and Firefox face challenges in loading contemporary web pages, and YouTube often fails to open due to outdated browser detection.
Why ReactOS Matters
Beyond Nostalgia: A Practical Perspective
After several hours with ReactOS, my initial response was one of skepticism—alternatives with outdated interfaces that run only 32-bit applications seem unnecessary when compared to a full-fledged Windows OS. However, the rationale behind its development is more intricate than mere nostalgia.
For one, ReactOS is an open-source initiative designed to run Windows applications natively. While Linux distributions, such as KDE Plasma, offer Windows-like experiences, they don’t suit everyone, particularly those accustomed to Windows environments.
Moreover, ReactOS serves an essential function in preserving older software and supporting commercial applications—especially those dependent on specific Windows drivers unsupported by Wine in Linux environments.
Another significant aspect of ReactOS is its educational potential. As the predominant desktop OS, Windows offers unique insights into NT architecture. Developers can examine the source code, which provides invaluable context on system operations for those interested in the field of software development.
The fundamental goal of ReactOS developers is to create a fully open-source environment that accommodates a wide range of Windows applications and drivers. However, achieving this ambition requires substantial effort and resources, a challenge that the team is still navigating.
Continuously Evolving
My experience with ReactOS revealed the potential for this open-source alternative to Windows, free from Microsoft’s confines. Yet, given its current iteration, it is still a work in progress, necessitating significant enhancements to become a reliable daily operating system.
Limited developer resources in comparison to larger open-source projects, like Linux, pose additional challenges. Creating and maintaining an operating system comparable to Windows involves complexity that might strain even well-staffed teams.
Nevertheless, there is a growing need for solid alternatives to Windows that do not require a transition to macOS or Linux environments. While ReactOS may not be the perfect solution right now, its existence fosters invaluable contributions to the open-source community, leaving the door open for future innovations that might capture users’ interest.
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