5 Underrated Raspberry Pi 4 Operating Systems You Should Try
Raspberry Pi OS is the go-to operating system for the Raspberry Pi 4. However, it may lack certain features that you desire. If you're looking for alternative options that are specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi 4 hardware and offer unique features, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll explore five underrated Raspberry Pi 4 operating systems that will enhance your Pi 4 experience in exciting new ways.
1. Twister OS
Twister OS is based on the lite version of Raspberry Pi OS but offers a completely different experience. On the first boot, you'll have access to seven desktop themes, including popular ones like Ubuntu, Mac OS, and Windows (95, XP, 7, 10, and even 11). It also includes optimizations and tweaks that make the Pi 4 run faster than the stock Raspberry Pi OS.
Twister OS comes with preinstalled applications for a complete desktop experience, including office software, media players, and gaming utilities. It even supports running Windows applications and games through Wine and Box86. Additionally, Twister OS provides a robust overclocking interface through Commander Pi, allowing you to maximize your Pi's performance. It also offers a tweaked Chromium browser for streaming DRM-protected content.
2. Fyde OS
Fyde OS is an operating system based on Google's ChromeOS, specifically tailored for the Raspberry Pi 4. It offers a fast and stable experience, similar to ChromeOS, but with additional features. Fyde OS can run Chrome, Android, and Linux apps without any tweaking. It provides a lag-free YouTube experience and has a lightweight and functional interface.
3. Windows on Raspberry Pi Project (WoRProject)
WoRProject aims to bring the full Windows operating system experience to the Raspberry Pi 4. It is an unofficial, community-driven project that allows you to run Windows 10 and even 11 on your Pi 4. What's exciting about this project is that it can run x86 applications out of the box. While there are some issues with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, you can use USB adapters as a workaround. WoRProject offers a surprisingly snappy and functional Windows experience on the Pi 4.
4. Konstakang's Lineage OS
Konstakang's Lineage OS is the perfect choice if you want to run the latest Android version on your Raspberry Pi 4. Based on the popular Lineage OS project, this unofficial fork provides frequent updates and a clean Android experience. You can even set up Google apps and root the OS using Magisk. However, keep in mind that hardware video decoding and encoding may not work, and SELinux is permissive, which may affect certain apps.
5. TitusPi
TitusPi is a custom-built operating system for the Raspberry Pi 4, created by Chris Titus, a well-known tech support expert on YouTube. It features a sleek AwesomeWM interface on top of a barebones Raspberry Pi OS Lite. With a minimalist approach, TitusPi includes only essential applications for work and play. It offers a fast and stable experience, making it ideal for coding and gaming. There is also a version based on Arch Linux for advanced users.
These underrated Raspberry Pi 4 operating systems provide unique features and enhancements that go beyond the usual options. Whether you're looking for a different desktop experience, the full Windows OS, or the latest Android version, these operating systems will surely impress you. Give them a try and unlock the full potential of your Raspberry Pi 4.
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