Why is Robolinux the best Linux distro for Windows users?

Most Linux versions for Windows users provide a familiar interface. At the bottom, you get an application menu on the left, a system tray on the right, the taskbar and buttons in the right place as you expect.

Robolinux does this too, but it goes even further, by becoming the best Linux distribution to run Windows applications. This software helps you to import an existing C: drive and reinstall the Windows application on the new Linux desktop. That makes Robolinux the best Linux version for Windows users.

A Linux distribution runs Windows programs

Robolinux is a Debian-based operating system, with a heavy emphasis on Windows and Linux integration. The idea behind it is nothing new. Wine, for example, can help you run Windows programs on Linux.

However, the support is very different. Therefore, running Windows in a virtual machine (VM) provides the best compatibility. Because the virtual machine method runs native programs on Windows, applications are more likely to work.

In Stealth VM, the default virtual machine in Robolinux, has options for installing many different versions of Windows. These one-click Windows installers make Robolinux a Linux distribution that runs programs and entire Windows desktop without any hassle.

How to install RoboLinux

Installing Robolinux on a hard drive, bootable media such as a live CD or even a virtual machine is very simple.

Visit the Robolinux download page and select your preferred version. You will find Robolinux Raptor LTS versions with different desktop environments, including Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce, LXDE and GNOME. Many different interfaces, such as Cinnamon, have the same layout as Windows.

With the downloaded ISO, you will need to mount it to bootable media such as a flash drive or hard drive. Alternatively, you can install ISO in a virtual machine. Use a program like Etcher to write the image file. In the burning program, select the ISO Robolinux file. Then, select the desired media such as a flash drive or DVD and then mount the image file.

Once completed, insert the live CD into the PC and turn it on. Depending on the machine you are using, you may need to change the BIOS boot order to boot the live CD before the hard drive. When Robolinux loads, you may need to log in with your username 'live' and leave the password field blank.

Now, you can try and evaluate Robolinux before installing on the HDD.

1. Download Robolinux
2. Download Etcher (Optional)

Practicing with Robolinux

Immediately, Robolinux provides a user-friendly environment, making it easy to get started with Linux.

There is a Start menu, taskbar and default applications. In the default installation of Robolinux, you will find the Stealth VM and the C: Drive to VM program to simply move the C: Windows drive to the virtual machine.

You still need to install these programs manually, but they will load in just a few clicks. Also, in the Start menu under Installers, you'll find options to load programs like BleachBit, Clam Antivirus and Steam for Linux.

Robolinux boasts large customization options. For example, you can change the desktop environment and set various sound effects, which activate when performing tasks such as opening folders.

For experienced Linux users, if you've used Debian or one of its derivative tools (such as Ubuntu), you'll know how to work with Robolinux.

Linux for Windows users

The main attraction of Robolinux is its uncomplicated user experience. In addition, bundled applications such as the Stealth VM help install Windows (or other operating systems) in the style of Robolinux.

Although a lot of things in Robolinux can be installed in other Linux distributions, the biggest attraction of this operating system is the comprehensive feature set. When you first boot into Robolinux, you already have a virtual machine, ready to wait for a new copy of Windows.

As noted above, some software such as C: Drive to VM is not preinstalled. Instead, download it using the Installers section of the Start menu.

How to set up Windows virtual machine in Robolinux

Configuring a Windows virtual machine in Robolinux is quite simple. In the Start menu, Favorites bar shows options for Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 10 VM with 32-bit and 64-bit versions. They are also found under the Stealth VM section of the Start menu.

Click on the desired virtual machine type and you will be prompted to download the Stealth VM. Download tar.bz2 , but don't extract it. Instead, in the Start menu, select Robolinux Stealth VM installer .

Select this to install this Stealth VM. You can then load any virtual machine options from the list. This of course requires an officially licensed version of Windows. If you need a copy of Windows XP, you can download a free and legal copy from Microsoft.

The process is quite easy and although the Stealth VM needs a bit of setup after installing Robolinux, it's actually quite smooth and much simpler than the command line installation. This, of course, is not difficult at all. Click a few buttons to refresh and you have a quality VM, free as you like it.

Alternatively, you can always install Wine and a frontend like PlayOnLinux or Vineyard if you want to avoid this virtual machine.

Final conclusion about Robolinux for Windows users

Boasting stability, ease of use from installation to daily use and a host of software options, Robolinux is a great operating system. Notably, Robolinux emphasizes integration of Windows with Linux via the bundled Stealth VM.

Although much of what Robolinux promises can be achieved by using almost every Linux distribution and other virtual machine, this distro has a built-in virtual machine in the default software. Therefore, the VM installation process, moving C drive and other tasks related to moving from Windows are streamlined.

Not that Robolinux can accomplish what other Linux distributions do not, it simply simplifies everything. Robolinux works stably with Debian, which makes for a more reliable system environment. For more Linux distributions, check out: Top Linux distros for newbies.