Ubuntu-based Linux Lite 5.4 RC1 is here to replace Microsoft Windows 10 on your PC

Windows 7 and Windows 10 aren't terrible operating systems. In fact, they are both very good. With that said, the newest version of Windows 10 has many bugs. Unfortunately, since Windows 7 is no longer supported, its users are stuck in a conundrum. They have to decide whether to use an unsupported Windows 7 or upgrade to Windows 10 that is full of telemetry and other "spying" that passes their information to Microsoft's servers. That is a very difficult decision.

Thankfully, there is a better option -- just switch to Linux! Yes, modern Linux-based operating systems will be supported (unlike the now-obsolete Windows 7) and most will run great on aging hardware (unlike Windows 10). Linux Lite is one of the best Linux distributions for Windows-switchers, as it is lightweight, modern, and familiar.

ALSO READ: GNOME 40 beta is here -- the best Linux desktop environment is getting better

Today, Linux Lite 5.4 RC1 (release candidate) becomes available, and it is based on Ubuntu 20.04.2. The operating system uses Linux kernel 5.4.0-66, but other kernels are available too, ranging from 3.13 to 5.11. This new version of Linux Lite also comes with some excellent software packages, such as Firefox 85.0.1, Thunderbird 78.10.0, LibreOffice 6.4.6.2, VLC 3.0.9.2, and GIMP 2.10.18.

ALSO READ: Framework Laptop is upgradeable, repairable, good for the environment, and Linux-friendly

The newest version of Linux Lite is chock full of important changes too, ranging from aesthetics to functionality. For instance, there are 10 new wallpapers from which to choose. It uses the Adapta windows theme, Papirus icons, and Papirus fonts.

Since this is a pre-release version of the operating system, there will most certainly be plenty of surprise bugs. Of course, there are some known issues as well; the developers share those below.

• No prompt to eject Media at the end of the Legacy install, prompt is available at the end of the UEFI install.
• Release Notes - not working on first installer slide.
• Desktop icons - English support only.
• Grub - holding shift down whilst booting in UEFI mode does not bring up the Grub menu (works in Legacy mode), waiting for Ubuntu fix.
• Grub menu shows Linux Lite as "Ubuntu."

If you are ready to try out Linux Lite 5.4 RC1, you can download it here now. Should you replace Windows with Linux Lite today? No, not immediately -- you should try it first and make sure sure it fully meets your needs. Plus, don't forget, this is merely a release candidate and not the final version. With that said, it should be very stable at this point. At the very least, you should wait for the final stable version before making any decisions.