El operating system fashion this summer has a name: wubuntu. It is a Linux distribution that many label as a hybrid between Windows and Ubuntu, since it uses Ubuntu as a base and allows you to run Windows and Android applications, the first after installing from scratch and the second with a little more. On paper, everything is an advantage, but here we are to discuss its strongest and weakest points.
Before we go any further: is it really a hybrid operating system? It depends a little on what each one understands by hybrid. There is a definition that says that they are operating systems with the capabilities of two or more systems, and in that definition it does fit. On the one hand, the Ubuntu base makes it possible to take advantage of everything offered by the Canonical system and Debian in general; on the other hand, support for Windows applications after a clean installation makes it possible to run Microsoft system programs.
Advantages of using Wubuntu
If we go to official project page and scrolling to the bottom, we can see the "embedded technologies": Linux, Ubuntu, Android, and Microsoft. Therefore, the first advantage is the compatibility: If we browse the Internet and find an AppImage, as long as it is x86_64, or a script for Linux, we can execute them. If we find a DEB package, we can install it. What is an EXE? No problem: Windows support via WINE will allow us to run it and even install it.
El android support it's a little different. They could have used Waydroid, but Wubuntu uses X11 by default and it's not an option. What they have done is create a shortcut named “Android”, not to confuse, which leads to their Android PowerToys, and from there it will download and install PrimeOS (more information about this system). It's actually a full Android virtual machine with access to the GApps. From PrimeOS you can run applications compatible with the Android system, and among them we have games like Real Racing 3 or Minecraft.
Other advantages of Wubuntu include the support for Microsoft accounts and Google, among others. The one that integrates best is that of Microsoft, and you can log in to synchronize some components from the Edge browser that is installed by default.
Design traced to that of Windows 11 or Windows 10
Wubuntu has a almost exact design to Windows 11. There are small differences, but for the user of the latest version of the Microsoft operating system it will cost less to use this Windows Ubuntu than the Ubuntu with GNOME desktop. What's more, the learning curve is still lower than if you use Kubuntu or Linux Mint.
System Preferences shows everything as the Windows 11 Settings app, as seen in the screenshot below.
To put some but, it is likely that the Windows user searches from here for "add and remove programs" to uninstall applications, but no, for that you have to click on the Microsoft Store icon and do it from the store on duty.
Wubuntu is in KDE and Cinnamon editions. The second one has the interface of Windows 10. As they explain to us, KDE is highly optimized and works on computers with 2GB of RAM, while Cinnamon is ultra-optimized and works on computers with 1GB of RAM. Therefore, another advantage of using Wubuntu is its performance, especially if the Cinnamon version is used.
power toys
The power toys are a group of tools that implement layer-based software from Microsoft. There are tools like the control panel, network settings, OneDrive or Android support that are available from PowerToys. To use it in its entirety you need to buy a license.
Disadvantages of using Wubuntu
One is tempted to say that there is no downside to using Wubuntu, but that would not be being honest. The truth is has few and they are no different than what we find with other distributions that have so much of their own by default. For example, the themes you use are not from any official project, and it is possible, although not easy or likely, that something closes unexpectedly. It hasn't happened to me when using Wubuntu, but it did when trying themes in other distributions, which is why I usually prefer to stick with the default themes.
On the other hand, anyone who has already tried a lot of software and in different ways will know that nowhere is like home, that is, Windows and Android applications will work better on Windows and Android than on Ubuntu. But the truth is that I have tried the Windows versions of applications like GIMP or FileZilla and they work perfectly. I can't speak properly about how Microsoft Office or Photoshop work because they are paid.
Some time ago I read on the net about people who wanted to use Notepad++ on Linux, and Wubuntu allows it without any detour:
Although right now we are in the disadvantages section, so I can only say that it is almost certain that we will find applications that do not work by default, and to prove this I am going to make it more difficult for you: iTunes.
And no, it doesn't work. Therefore, one must know what Wubuntu does not offer a lot more than what we get if someone with some experience does things on their own, including installing and using WINE and Winetricks.
bloatware
The other disadvantage that occurs to me is bloatware, if we understand software that is unnecessary as such. If we are not going to use the Windows or Android part, all this is superfluous, and there is no point in having it installed.
Advertising in Wubuntu
Wubuntu is not completely free. It has the PowerToys, and to be able to fully enjoy them you have to buy a license. One may think that not buying it and staying with the basic option would already solve everything, but sometimes it displays advertising, and the Edge browser even opens with the page to buy the open license. Very Microsoft everything.
Conclusion
Wubuntu is gaining popularity in recent weeks, and that's because it arouses some interest. For a user like me who has been away from the Microsoft ecosystem for a long time, Wubuntu is nothing more than a modified Ubuntu with support for applications that I am not going to use. But for the Windows user who wants to switch to LinuxWindows Ubuntu is a great distribution, with the best of the Ubuntu base, support for Windows applications and being able to run Android apps.