Windows 98 AlternativesOperating Systems and other similar apps like Windows 98

Windows 98 is described as 'The best MS-DOS Windows Operating System released by Microsoft. Nowadays many players of abandonware still miss this rather stable and innovative OS' and is a operating system in the os & utilities category. There are more than 25 alternatives to Windows 98 for a variety of platforms, including Linux, BSD, Windows, Self-Hosted and Mac apps. The best Windows 98 alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Windows 98 are Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and Arch Linux.

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Windows 98 alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Linux Mint icon
     1173 likes

    Linux distribution focused on desktop use, with unique menus, media codecs, browser plugins, and DVD support pre-installed; offers easy package management, compatibility with Ubuntu repositories, and a Debian-based alternative for consistency and reliability.

    184 Linux Mint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  2. Ubuntu icon
     2371 likes

    Ubuntu is a community developed, Linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more.

    167 Ubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
     
  3. Debian icon
     1162 likes

    The Debian Project is an association of individuals who have made common cause to create a free operating system. This operating system that we have created is called Debian.

    200 Debian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
     
  4. Fedora icon
     601 likes

    Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.

    183 Fedora alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  5. Arch Linux icon
     785 likes

    Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86_64 optimized GNU/Linux distribution targeted at competent Linux users. It uses pacman, its home-grown package manager, to provide updates to the latest software applications with full dependency tracking.

    200 Arch Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  6. macOS icon
     566 likes

    A Unix-based OS for Mac with seamlessly integration with Apple’s ecosystem, offering an intuitive UI, productivity tools like Finder, Spotlight, and Automator, built-in apps like Safari and Photos, Continuity for cross-device functionality, and security features including FileVault and Gatekeeper.

    177 macOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  7. Windows 10 icon
     413 likes

    Versatile OS with universal app architecture, free first-year offer for Windows 7 and 8.1 users, redesigned mouse-touch UI, virtual desktop, Microsoft Edge, upgraded security, and enhanced graphics for gaming, supporting fingerprint and face recognition login.

    177 Windows 10 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  8. FreeBSD icon
     267 likes

    FreeBSD is an operating system used to power modern servers, desktops, and embedded platforms. A large community has continually developed it for more than thirty years. Its advanced networking, security, and storage features have made FreeBSD the platform of choice for many of...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
     
  9. ReactOS icon
     291 likes

    ReactOS™ is a FOSS effort to develop a quality operating system based on the architecture of Microsoft® Windows™ NT family of operating systems, that is compatible with applications and drivers written for it (NT4, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7).

    195 ReactOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • ReactOS
     
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    ReactOS vs Windows 98 Comments
    KuboFHromoslav
    Positive
    0

    As ReactOS is still in alpha stage and not suitable for everyday use, it is not very good alternative. But if you have some legacy (maybe customized or abandoned) software / game that require Windows 98, you should try React OS - it may work well and you will run your software in modern, supported OS.

    • ReactOS is Free and Open SourceWindows 98 is Paid and Proprietary
    • ReactOS is LightweightWindows 98 is not according to our users
12 of 29 Windows 98 alternatives