AnduinOS: A Passion Project by Microsoft Engineer
Anduin Xue, a Software Engineer 2 at Microsoft, is cultivating a unique personal venture with AnduinOS—a user-friendly, Ubuntu-based Linux distribution. With minimal alterations aside from an overhauled user interface, his goal has always been to create a comfortable operating system catering to his preferences. Notably, Anduin does not work on Windows at Microsoft, indicating a clear separation from his official duties.
Financial Considerations of AnduinOS
In a recent discussion, Anduin clarified the financial aspects of his project, particularly the common queries regarding donations and monetization:
“Many have asked why I don’t accept donations, how I profit, and if I plan to commercialize AnduinOS. Truthfully, I haven’t thoroughly considered these issues. It’s not my main job, and I don’t plan to rely on it for a living. Each month, I dedicate only a few hours to maintaining it. Perhaps in the future, I might consider providing enterprise solutions based on AnduinOS, but I won’t compromise its original simplicity. It has always been about providing myself with a comfortably themed Ubuntu.”
Addressing Concerns Over Origin
Following the recent AnduinOS 1.3 release, a commenter noted the distribution’s Chinese origins, which could raise concerns about security. Xue promptly responded by emphasizing the transparency of the project. He assured users that the source code is publicly accessible, thereby making it unlikely for any government backdoors to go unnoticed:
“It would be irrational and easily exposed.”
Future of AnduinOS
For those apprehensive about the longevity of AnduinOS, Xue has assured fans that he intends to continue its support. He also hinted at the possibility of dedicating more time to the project, should sponsorships or partnerships arise.
The Shift Towards Linux as Windows 10 Support Ends
As Microsoft prepares to terminate mainstream support for Windows 10, many users will find their machines incompatible with Windows 11. This transitional period highlights Linux distributions as viable alternatives for maintaining functionality, with AnduinOS offering a familiar interface for those accustomed to the Windows environment.
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