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What do you think of loss32? (loss32.org)
submitted 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) by deleted@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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A dream of a Linux distribution where the entire desktop environment is Win32 software running under WINE. A completely free and open-source OS where you can just download .exe files and run them, for the power user who isn't necessarily a Unixhead, or just for someone who thinks this sounds fun.

I like the layout and looks of windows 2000 but I think running actual exe files from the old OS is not viable from security standpoint.

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[-] KindaABigDyl@programming.dev 3 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

I'd recommend using something like Niri instead of mutter for the compositor as Niri is:

  • Extremely customizable
  • Meant to be used alone (unlike mutter which is for Gnome)
  • Supportive of Wayland portals better than any compositor I've tried
  • Very modern
  • Pretty stable
  • Making use of scrolling window management which is, imo, superior to anything else
    • You could force all windows to be floating if you want that traditional method tho

I'd also recommend using DankMaterialShell and simply providing a theming to get the appeal you want. It works well with Niri and provides all the system tools you need for an OS like bluetooth and audio management, application lookup, etc. It's sort of a stripped down Gnome-shell for standalone compositors but way more customizable.

Then everything else can just be installed WINE apps.

[-] umbrella@lemmy.ml 1 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

i think wlroots does something similar too?

it would be neat if it supported the windows uxthemes like reactos.

this post was submitted on 22 Jan 2026
60 points (96.9% liked)

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Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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