elementary OS
Verified working Aug 6, 2026
A polished Linux desktop built around privacy and simpler defaults.
elementary OS is an open source desktop operating system based on GNU/Linux, with its own interface, default apps, and curated AppCenter. It emphasizes privacy controls, accessibility, keyboard-friendly workflows, and a pay-what-you-can funding model rather than advertising or personal-data collection.
Why it stands out
- Combines a full Linux distribution with a tightly designed desktop experience rather than a loose collection of components.
- Funding model is directly tied to user payments for the OS and AppCenter apps, not advertising or personal-data monetization.
- AppCenter is curated for native, permission-aware apps instead of being an unfiltered software directory.
- Includes family and privacy controls at the operating-system level, affecting more than a single browser or app.
- The platform and its source code are positioned as inspectable and reusable for developers and hardware partners.
Good to know
- Some download and interactive parts of the website require JavaScript.
- Installing it means downloading a full 3.3 GB operating-system image and checking hardware compatibility against the recommended specs.
- AppCenter is curated, so it may not expose the same breadth of Linux software as broader package repositories.
- The pay-what-you-can download flow may be unfamiliar if you expect a conventional fixed-price or purely no-cost download page.
Photos
Linux-curious desktop users who want a cohesive, privacy-minded everyday OS without assembling their own app stack. Set up a family computer with screen-time limits, website rules, and per-app access controls. Use built-in apps for email, web browsing, files, photos, calendar, music, video, coding, and terminal work. Develop or package native apps for a curated indie app store with paid and free distribution options. Replace a commercial desktop OS with a more transparent open source alternative.
Open source desktop OS; AppCenter for reviewed free and paid apps; built-in productivity and media apps; multitasking view, workspaces, picture-in-picture, and Do Not Disturb; privacy indicators for microphone and high energy use; app permissions; screen-time, web, and app limits; keyboard shortcuts; automatic cleanup for trash and temporary files.
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Similar sites elsewhere
- Ubuntu — ubuntu.com
- Fedora Workstation — fedoraproject.org/workstation
- Linux Mint — linuxmint.com
- Zorin OS — zorin.com/os
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