Kumander Linux is a stimulating mix of Debian 11.3 that runs the redesigned Xfce desktop with the Windows 7 look and feel.
Many popular Linux distributions already present themselves as Windows-centric saviors wrapped in a version of the Linux operating system. These include circulations such as Zorin OS, Linux FX, Kubuntu, Solus, and Linux Mint.
Most attempt to mimic the look of Windows 7. Some attempt to replicate the feel of Windows 10 or 11. Surprisingly, few go so far as to include the Wine app to allow Windows crossovers to run Microsoft programs on the Linux operating system.
Kumander Linux does it even better. Bottles come with one of the latest environments for running Windows software on Linux.
I think it’s wrong to introduce new Linux users to the idea that they will have familiar Windows-like interfaces. Linux’s performance is much higher than that of Microsoft Windows. Some Linux distributions use the same approach with Mac-like skins by revamping the desktop with similar features.
Today’s best developments in the Linux distribution have eliminated the interchangeability between the appearance and performance of productivity applications, including graphics and business, compared to their Windows counterparts.
Kumander solves this missing link very well with its Bottles iteration. The distribution allows users to run their favorite Windows apps and games as if running in their native environment. This capability increases the appeal of this new Linux operating system.
For example, the image below shows the latest version of LibreOffice Impress, a Microsoft PowerPoint clone, running in full screen in the native Kumander OS environment.
Kumander Linux comes with other top-rated open-source submissions that are as good or better than their branded counterparts.
These comprise Blender, Inkscape, and Gimp for graphics and media editing, as well as creation tools like Ardor, Audacity, Kdenlive, and the VLC media player.
Making an Early Good Reputation
I was pretty impressed with the performance of Kumander Linux when it debuted in version 1.0. Roy Hoejgaard, based in the Philippines, has developed a unique distribution that stays true to the look and feel of Windows 7 and the Linux kernel.
Hoejgaard’s modifications to the Xfce office make the computing environment pleasant and comfortable. Newcomers to Linux will find it easy to use, and experienced Linux fans will be amazed at how well they can configure and adjust dozens of usage settings.
Over the past three decades, my love affair with Linux, Cinnamon, and Xfce desktops has served my needs admirably. What a desktop option may have lacked, it had features that made up for it.
Kumander’s Xfce solution is, for me, a combination of both options. I like that it has reliable applets to add to the taskbar and pin favorite apps to the desktop favorites list to the main menu or taskbar.
Right-clicking anywhere on the desktop that isn’t covered by an open window still brings up a Start menu and other tools without activating the main menu.
Switching from a workspace to a virtual desktop is a breeze, and adding a desktop switching tool to the taskbar is simple. With Kumander, I didn’t need to understand or watch the included quick start video.
Windows Philosophy Infused With Linux
As Hoejgaard recounts, he named his distribution the English equivalent of “Commander” after rejecting “Komodoro,” derived from the name of his primary computer, the Commodore VIC-20.
He added the link to Windows 7 because he considers Microsoft’s version the culmination of developing that proprietary operating system. So, he picked up where Microsoft left off.
Its development strategy includes colorful icons, eye-catching background images of scenes in the Philippines, and software “with real soul.”
In addition, the low system requirements allow Kumander OS to run on any new or old hardware. The aura of Windows 7 will enable users to focus on usability, openness, and simplicity to give them the feeling of always being in control.
Minimum system requirements are a 1 GHz 64-bit single-core processor or a 1 GHz 64-bit dual-core processor. It runs on at least 2 GB of RAM and 20 GB of storage. But 4 GB of RAM doesn’t hurt either.
I say this with a sense of authority.
I dusted off two early models of Dell laptops that shared these meager memory specs and boasted very usable performance. It works with 8GB of RAM on a Dell laptop with the Core I5 inside.
Engaging User Interface
After many years of testing a wide range of Linux distributions, I generally trust two essential things about a distribution. I base my final approval on the user interface (UI) and the beautification of the powerful features built into the desktop design.
The user interface is essential. If it takes a long time to figure out how to navigate menus and configure how things work, it won’t work for most users, especially those new to Linux.
Likewise, if the desktop layout makes using the operating system difficult, clunky, or unproductive, my thumb points down. Indeed, not all Linux users seek robust features and the latest browsing technology. They want the desktop to be easy to use and functional for their needs.
What I like about the Kumander Linux user interface is the fluidity between its three key elements. Soft blue tones, high-contrast text fonts, and a lack of distracting visuals contribute to a pleasant computing experience.
These are all results of how the developer brought the look of Windows 7 to a modern-looking Linux design. Add to that the fast and responsive performance of the Xfce desktop.
Stellar Look and Feel
In addition to its nostalgic side, Kumander Linux offers much more than memories of Windows 7. Its user interface is beautiful.
For example, it has many integral shortcuts. You can press the Windows key to expose the chief menu and hold your mouse over the menu button at the left end of the bottom panel bar to open the menu.
I especially like tapping the menu icon and then tapping a letter to see a list of apps that start with that letter without having to scroll through individual menu categories.
Additionally, by typing letters in the search bar at the lowest of the main menu, you can launch the application by pressing the Enter key before filling in the name.
The operating system comes with a collection of the best Debian Linux software. Hover over a title while scrolling to see a description of what that app does.
Installation Downside
Download Kumander Linux by following this link: Kumander Download.
However, be aware of an annoying problem when installing the 4.7 GB ISO file.
This size is only a tiny difference from the storage capacity of the DVD, which you need to burn the installation files for. Two solutions offer a solution, but each requires more steps than Linux beginners would like.
Without burning the installation documents to a DVD drive, you cannot run the live session to test the distribution or install it directly to your computer.
However, you can configure Virtual Box to load the protected ISO from the hard drive to run the live meeting or install Kumander OS on the virtual machine. However, this does not allow you to install Kumander on a hard drive.
To solve this problem, you must use an application like Rufus or balenaEtcher to install the files to a bootable USB instead of a DVD. Once done, you can run the live meeting version of Kumander OS.
Wait, there’s still a problem!
Most Linux ISOs have a connection routine you can boot from the live session. This is not the case with Kumander Linux.
You must exit the live session and manually start the installation routine from the USB drive.
Bottom Line
Kumander OS is an innovative and lightweight operating system based on Debian. The Debian branch of Linux is one of the most stable options available.
Even in its beginning, Kumander OS 1.0, released in July, is a stable, fun, and easy-to-use computing environment with all the software you need to be productive. If you don’t see what you need, use the apps in the Software Store to add more.
This new version has a standard inventory of installed Linux games. It also comes with the Steam gaming platform in the menu so that you can click the install button.
If your characteristic computing workload involves creating video footage, mixing your audio scores in a home studio, and making or editing printed content, Kumander Linux tools have you covered.
As a new and innovative version of the Linux experience, Kumander Linux syndicates the familiarity of Windows 7 with the massiveness and flexibility of Debian.
Its easy-to-use boundary, compatibility with a wide range of hardware, and inclusion of applications such as Bottles and LibreOffice make it an attractive option for newcomers and experienced Linux users.
This new Linux entry could quickly gain popularity. To take a look at. This is one of the most intriguing new varieties in the Linux world.
