Windows 8: Top 5 Alternatives

By Vamien McKalin | May 10, 2012 07:06 PM EDT

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Microsoft is playing the devil's advocate here by blocking third party browsers from Windows 8 on ARM devices, a move that doesn't sit very well with Firefox developer Mozilla, and Chrome developer Google. If this is the route Microsoft is truly planning to follow, then things might not bode well for the company in the future as hardcore Windows users might consider jumping ship to a platform more open to choices.

For those of you who do not find this move by Microsoft compelling, we took the time out to formulate the top 5 alternatives to Windows 8 where you are not restricted to a single browser, or browsers with lack of features.

5. Linux Mint

Linux Mint is an easy to use elegant Linux distribution for the desktop. It offers a ton of features that include browser plugins, media codecs, support for DVD playback, Java and other components. There's also a neat custom desktop and menus which set it apart from other Linux based operating systems.

4. Ubuntu

Wonder why Linux Mint is a growing popularity? That's because it is based on the most popular Linux desktop distribution, Ubuntu. Ubuntu is well known for its weird version names such as Warty Warthog to the current version Quantal Quetzal. Ubuntu runs great on both Laptops and Desktops, and there is also a server version that is slowly picking up pace.

3. Windows 8 (x86)

That's right, Windows 8 x86 version. The browser problem lies with the ARM version of Windows 8, which means you could easily escape this problem by not giving ARM based Windows devices the light of day. Not only would all browsers work, but every application you have come to love over the years will not fail you. Legacy application will not work on Windows ARM because it is an all new architecture, which is sad for all those who have grown close to ARM over the years.

2. OS X

Said to be the best desktop operating system in the world, OSX is Apple's baby, the great one that only controls a fraction of the market mainly due to the high premium for an Apple system running the operating system. The newest version to the family is OS X Mountain Lion, which brings to the table such features as multitouch gestures, air drop, iCloud, facetime, app resume, mission control, and a few features from iOS that makes this a great alternative to Windows 8.

1. Windows 7

Our number one alternative to Windows 8 is what many of you would have expected, Windows 7. Currently it is the most popular desktop operating system with over 400 million copies sold so far, making it one tough cookie to beat. If you are afraid to make the jump to Windows 8, then Windows 7 is your best bet, this bad boy never fails.

That's it folks, the top 5 alternatives to Windows 8. With these browsers you will never have a problem with third party browsers being blocked or not having the same amount of features as the stock browser, enjoy.

(reported by Vamien McKalin, edited by Dave Clark)