What is Q4OS? Who it is for
Q4OS is built on Debian. It uses Trinity or KDE Plasma as its desktop and apt for software, and it follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
Q4OS at a glance
- Foundation: built on Debian
- Desktop: Trinity or KDE Plasma
- Software tools: apt
- Release style: numbered releases on a fixed schedule
- Installer: a graphical installer
Who Q4OS suits
Q4OS suits people who want a Windows-like layout that runs well on older computers.
Strengths
- Low memory and processor use, which helps older or modest computers feel quick.
- A layout Windows users recognise quickly, with a taskbar, a start-style menu and familiar window controls.
- Changes arrive slowly and are tested first, so the system rarely surprises you.
Things to consider
- The lighter design means fewer built-in features and a plainer look than the big desktops.
- Stability means some software is not the very newest version.
- As a rough guide, about 1 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try Q4OS from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the Q4OS bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Installing software on Q4OS
Q4OS uses apt. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
apt search name sudo apt install name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is Q4OS good for beginners?
It can be used by beginners, but Q4OS is aimed more at people who want a Windows-like layout that runs well on older computers. If you are brand new, a beginner-friendly distribution such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu is usually an easier first step.
What desktop does Q4OS use?
Q4OS uses Trinity or KDE Plasma. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does Q4OS need?
As a rough guide, about 1 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is Q4OS based on another distribution?
Q4OS is built on Debian.
How often is Q4OS updated?
Q4OS follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
How can I try Q4OS without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.