ReactOS Reviews & Product Details

ReactOS is a free and open-source operating system designed to be compatible with Windows applications and drivers. It aims to provide a familiar user experience by replicating the look and feel of Windows, enabling users to run their favorite Windows software in an open-source environment. ReactOS is developed from scratch, ensuring that it is not a derivative of Linux, but a standalone system with its own architecture. Key Features and Functionality: - Windows Compatibility: ReactOS is capable of running a wide range of Windows applications and drivers, offering users the flexibility to use software they are accustomed to. - Familiar Interface: The operating system mirrors the appearance and functionality of Windows, reducing the learning curve for new users. - Open Source: Being open-source, ReactOS allows users and developers to view, modify, and distribute its source code, fostering a collaborative development environment. - Active Community: The project is supported by a global community, providing opportunities for collaboration, skill enhancement, and contribution to the development of the operating system. Primary Value and User Solutions: ReactOS addresses the need for a free and open-source operating system that maintains compatibility with Windows software and drivers. This is particularly beneficial for users and organizations seeking an alternative to proprietary systems without sacrificing the ability to run essential Windows applications. Additionally, ReactOS serves as an educational platform for those interested in learning about operating system development and Windows internals, offering practical experience in a real-world project.

Seller

ReactOS Foundation

Discussions

ReactOS Community

Value at a Glance

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Perceived Cost

$$$$$

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rana n.

Software Engineer

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

9/21/2023

"Very cool and fast"

4/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

It's is great combination of windows and opersource. We can freely access this os. The installation is very easy in just few clicks not need other device. No need any license to use this OS Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

Data integrity is primary concern. The OS is primarily good but it's didn't work on may machines. Crashed so frequently Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Neha S.

Senior Software Engineer

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

9/21/2023

"Very easy and easy to access"

5/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

Easy to integrate.optimized the cost as it's free to use. Easy implementation Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

No comment all good. Happy with product. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Santosh M.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud Developer

Information Technology and Services

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5/23/2022

"ReactOs is free and amezing"

4/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

ReactOS allows us to connect any Windows unit without any special library or program. But the newest thing is the compatibility with Windows 10 and Windows 8 apps, compatibility that did not yet exist and that from this version will allow us to install certain applications and typical Windows 10 apps. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

I mean if you Linux then it's good for you to use ReactOS if you do not know Linux commands then you will not like to use ReactOS ,so basically ReactOS is based on Linux Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is ReactOS solving and how is that benefiting you?

problem-solving like trying to practice Reactos and its command because it's necessary to know,There is currently no other operating system that implements the kernel architecture design of MS Windows NT™ so if you are unhappy with the direction or goal of Windows there is little real alternative. ReactOS was started as a “clone” of Windows NT to alleviate this situation. To demonstrate the concept of o/s cloning, GNU/Linux is the best for comparison here: Linux was started as a “clone” of Minix and Unix, eventually going on to be a Unix replacement. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Aditya K.

Junior Software Engineer

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5/22/2022

"ReactOS lightweight"

4/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

Its installation is very easy its can be installed with a mouse click and no cd are required for the installation and also configuration is very fast and system is also clean from junk and separately programs and easy to find and delete junk files and virus. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

Basically some systems not to capable this os because its suitable new generation system os so its okay and its security issues are faced every time virus are detected and new software instalation not to easy because its showing the warning message. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

JAYARAJ J 1.

Developer

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

6/29/2021

"Best OS to get the taste of Windows + Open source"

2.5/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

ReactOS is all about the porting of Windows applications to a Linux environment which gives the power of open source and freedom to users. Though the OS is not very much user-friendly, it has powerful options for customization, which makes it rather a better option to choose. If you ask me to choose Windows or ReactOS, I will go with ReactOS, since it is extremely developer-friendly, and I like to work in the development of the OS too. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

The UI still looks like decades-old Windows XP. Which is very very bad for a better user experience. We could switch to KDE or GNOME for a better User experience. That would bring the power of Linux + Windows together. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering ReactOS:

Try to engage in the open-source community of ReactOS Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is ReactOS solving and how is that benefiting you?

The problem of using emulators like WinE for using Windows apps on Linux has been solved up to some extend. Still, the UX is very bad, and it's better to go with other major distros. I like open-source contributions hence I like to stick with the Linux environment rather than switching to Windows to build its apps specifically. Hence this gives a better choice to use rather than using Windows. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

jim p.

Freelance Photographer

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

6/25/2021

"An open source Windows"

3.5/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

If you want to run windows applications, but don't like the close source, privacy issues of windows, this is a good solution.

It is easy to use and install for anyone familiar with windows.

Look and feel similar to older version of windows, which many still prefer.

It's a cool project to check out and even support.

no cost. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

It's not really windows just yet 😀

still in early development stages.

many applications won't run or install properly.

doesn't support all the hardware windows does

old look and feel (pro and a con)

not stable to use as main OS. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering ReactOS:

Do not use it as the main OS, test it in a virtual machine Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is ReactOS solving and how is that benefiting you?

free, open source, private operating system. good option to anyone who refuse to run windows for those reasons.

Can run in a virtual machine under your main OS. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Information Technology and Services

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

1/28/2022

"ReactOS - Open Source Operating System"

4/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

ReactOS is free to use and has flexibility of opensource. So, we can expect great features in the future. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

The user interface looks a bit odd and old. It would be nice if we get a feel of future while working on it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Information Technology and Services

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

7/18/2021

"the operating system is essentially the best free Windows-compatible out in the market"

4/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

1.ReactOS is able to run Windows 2.softwareReactOS is able to run Windows 3.driversReactOS looks-like WindowsReactOS is a free and open-source Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

it has a bit of similarity in installation procedure; cause well, yeah I first tried installing in Virtualbox too so in truth, the guide will work just as well. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering ReactOS:

1. A platform I can bundle and distribute with my own customisations - a ReactOS distro.

2. A platform that I can use multiple instances of for testing.

3. A platform that I can build into any x86/AMD64 computer by default.

4. No licensing restrictions

5. Full DOS gaming under NTVDM.

6. All/most older/current 32bit Windows apps should just function.

7. All/most older/current 32bit Windows drivers should just function.

8. Access to all legacy apps that stopped working under NT6+

9. ReactOS is open source, so we have full access to the source code if required for bug-fixing or even just for analysis. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is ReactOS solving and how is that benefiting you?

1. Safe browsing in a virtual ReactOS sandbox (Firefox)

2. A platform for development using legacy environments (VB6)

3. A platform for widget desktop development and packaging (Yahoo Widget Engine)

4. A platform for graphical design (Photoshop CS ver 8.0 - the oldest and still the best) Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Karan G.

Senior Information Technology Recruitment Consultant

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

7/29/2021

"It allows you to use windows as an open source but at the price of interface."

2.5/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

It lets me use windows as open source. Of course, it's easy to install and as it gives the old look of windows system that is also familiar. If you are a windows user, then you can use it easily. and it's free !! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

The first thing is that it takes you to old-time and it doesn't support a few applications as well. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering ReactOS:

It's effortless to install. You can use it with an ace as it will give you a familiar look. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is ReactOS solving and how is that benefiting you?

The only problem that it solved was the windows privacy issue which if you see from privacy concerns, then is excellent. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Piyush G.

Programmer Analyst

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

7/10/2021

"Best Linux - If switching from windows to Linux."

4.5/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

What I really like the most is that there are many other Linux distributions as well, which try to look like windows, but they are not that compatible like Zorin, Ubuntu-mate, etc. And on the other hand, we have React OS, which is really compatible can be a complete replacement for Windows. It supports most of the applications I was working on my windows machine earlier. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

The interface can be upgraded. It looks I am working on Windows XP with the power of Windows 10 Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.