Open-source operating systems offer an alternative to popular choices like Linux and Windows. While Linux is often associated with open-source, other systems have been developed to reimagine what an OS can be.
Plan 9 From Bell Labs was a pioneering effort that aimed to create a distributed operating system. Although it struggled with commercialization, its influence can still be seen in modern OSes.
Haiku, a resurrected version of BeOS, aims to offer a user-friendly experience similar to Linux. Minix, created by Andrew Tanenbaum, inspired Linus Torvalds to develop his own kernel, Linux.
Other alternatives include HelenOS, AROS, ReactOS, FreeDOS, GNU Hurd, and the BSDs, including FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and DragonFlyBSD. Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, offering something unique for developers and users looking for a change.
While Linux remains a popular choice, exploring these alternative open-source OSes can provide a fresh perspective on operating systems and their potential to innovate the future of computing.
Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/9-open-source-operating-systems-that-arent-linux