For those users, there is one Linux distribution named Feren OS that goes above and beyond the call of duty to make switching as simple and painless as possible. Here’s everything you need to know about it, from key features to the installation process.
What Is Feren OS?
Feren OS is a beautiful Linux distribution based on Ubuntu that has minimal hardware requirements allowing you to run it on all types of hardware, even that old laptop in the closet that you haven’t touched in a couple of years. The developers promise, “Set up once, enjoy for the rest of your device’s lifetime.”
In addition to providing a desktop that closely emulates the look and feel that longtime Windows users are accustomed to, Feren OS also comes with a unique data transfer tool and other applications designed to get new converts up and running quickly.
To run Feren OS, you’ll need a PC or Mac with at least:
1024x768 video resolution Legacy BIOS or UEFI system with “Secure Boot” disabled 2GB RAM (4GB or more recommended) 20GB hard drive space (50GB or more recommended) 64-bit processor Internet connection is recommended but not required
Get the Feren OS Live ISO Image
To get started with Feren OS, you’ll need to download the latest ISO image from the official site and create a bootable live USB or DVD.
Download: Feren OS
From there, you’ll be able to boot into Feren OS and explore the live system, as well as install it. Following is a walkthrough of the installation process for those interested in trying out this amazingly powerful and easy-to-use Linux distribution.
The Feren OS Transfer Tool
When the live image boots, you’ll be greeted by a welcome app offering to give you a quick tour of the system. There are plenty of reasons to run through this tour, but one of the biggest is the Feren OS Transfer Tool.
If you’re moving to Feren from Windows or even another Linux distribution, you can use this tool to make a backup copy of your current data and then restore it to your new system after the installation completes. It’s an incredibly easy and convenient way to move all of your important files and data.
Installing Feren OS From the Live System
On the top left of the live system desktop, you will see an icon to start the installation process. The system will ask you two quick questions about how you want the system set up, and then the installer will take over.
After selecting the language that you’d like to use, it’ll ask you how you want your hard drive partitioned for the installation. If you intend to set up a dual boot system with Windows on the same drive, the installer should detect your Windows installation and give you the option to set up a dual-boot system.
If you don’t want to keep (or don’t have) Windows installed, you can select “Erase disk” to have the installer clear your drive and automatically set up all necessary disk partitions.
After confirming the partition configuration, the installation process will begin. On most hardware, the installation will take about 10-15 minutes but may take up to 30 minutes or more on older devices.
When the setup completes, all you have to do is remove the installation USB (or DVD) and reboot your computer.
Feren OS Post-Installation Configuration
As you might expect, post-installation configuration is quick and easy, too. Just a couple of quick questions and you’ll be on your way.
The system will ask you for your geographical location (for date and time), your keyboard layout, and the username and password you’d like to use. You’ll also see an option to log into the system automatically without asking for passwords if you prefer.
You’ll also be asked if you’d like to install third-party video and audio codecs. Unless you have some specific reason for not wanting them, you’ll probably want to go ahead and let the system install them. Without these codecs, some video and audio files will not play correctly (or at all).
Take the Tour and Look Around
After the setup is complete, you can take a tour of your freshly installed Feren OS system. By the time you get here, you’re likely to have already seen that the desktop is similar to the classic Windows experience.
The tour will show you the basics of getting around the system and allow you to change some of the more general options such as light or dark themes.
You can also set up KDE Connect from within the tour. KDE Plasma is the desktop system that Feren OS runs on. KDE Connect lets you connect your phone or other mobile devices directly to the desktop. Once set up, you can transfer files, share clipboard contents, browse device files, send SMS messages, and much more.
Check Out the Browser Manager
Unlike most Linux distributions which come with Firefox set as the default browser, Feren OS goes with Vivaldi. Users coming from Windows and Chrome will undoubtedly find Vivaldi to be much more familiar and usable. Vivaldi is an excellent alternative to Chrome that will give you a Chrome-like experience without all the tracking and telemetry that Chrome is notorious for.
If, however, you’d like to use or experiment with a different browser (including Chrome), Feren’s Web Browser Manager gives you a one-click install and uninstall for all of the major—and not so major—browsers. There’s no need to search software repositories or download installation files. Just click on the browser of your choice and Feren will install (or remove) it for you in mere moments.
Enjoy Your New Feren OS System
Overall, with Feren OS, everything you need should be right where you expect it to be. The main app menu/launcher is at the bottom-left, on the taskbar. Open and pinned apps are in the middle of the bar, and the system tray is on the taskbar at the bottom right. It shouldn’t take you more than a few clicks to get your bearings and get to work.
Don’t forget, though, that this is Linux. When you have the time or the inclination, there are a wide variety of ways you can customize your system to your own tastes.
