SDesk: Arch-based Linux distro available now to replace Windows 10 PCs

SDesk is an Arch-based Linux distribution available now, free of charge, and you can install it on as many computers as you need, ZDNET reports — the reviewer tested it as a potential replacement for Windows 10 PCs. SDesk uses the GNOME desktop configured to resemble a "standard" desktop familiar to Windows and macOS users, with a panel, menu, top bar, favorites and desktop icons.

The top bar includes a Workspaces button, the time/date (which opens notifications and calendar when clicked) and a system tray. The distribution ships with a fairly standard set of preinstalled applications including LibreOffice, Geary email, GNOME Music, GNOME Video, Octopi (GUI package manager), GNOME Maps and a browser called Swirl.

ZDNET says Swirl does not appear to be based on Chromium or Firefox, has minimal settings and that the reviewer could not find much information about it; the reviewer installed Firefox via Octopi and reports it runs well. The reviewer found SDesk fast and responsive, with instant application response and quick installs, and praised window snapping that supports dragging windows to any of the four quarters of the screen.

These traits are described as typical of Arch-based distributions. ZDNET notes some rough edges: after an update and reboot the desktop locked up when selecting the default user at the login window, but the reviewer could log in by choosing "Not Listed" and entering a password after a hard reboot.

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