loss32: let's build a Win32/Linux
loss32.org

A dream of a Linux distribution where the entire desktop environment is Win32 software running under WINE. A completely free and open-source OS where you can just download .exe files and run them, for the power user who isn't necessarily a Unixhead, or just for someone who thinks this sounds fun.

I like the layout and looks of windows 2000 but I think running actual exe files from the old OS is not viable from security standpoint.

  • vortexal@lemmy.ml
    1·
    1 hour ago

    I currently don’t have a use/need for a 32bit Linux distro but I do believe that one with support should always exist. I normally recommend Q4OS to people who need a 32bit Linux distro but they’re only going to be supporting the 32bit version for 2 more years. There was some discussion about 32bit distros a while back and it seems like all or at least most distros are doing something similar. While loss32 is just a proof of concept, I would support it if it actually did release because for as long as old 32bit computers exist, there will be a need for 32bit operating systems.

    Edit: I realize that I missed the actual point of loss32 but I’m not deleting my comment.

    • randy@lemmy.ca
      0·
      7 hours ago

      Follow the link and go down to the third point:

      Isn’t this just ReactOS?

      ReactOS tries to reimplement the Windows NT kernel, and that has always been its Achilles heel, holding it back from a hardware compatibility and stability standpoint. The loss32 concept is to achieve a similar-feeling end result to ReactOS, but built on a more usable foundation, using components known to work well (the Linux kernel, WINE, everything that glues those together, and a sprinkling of ReactOS userland niceties). As a bonus, the OS would still technically be a Linux distro, so it would be possible to run Linux software when necessary, something ReactOS can’t do.