PsychOS: A retro-styled Linux distro for your old PCs

Linux has traditionally been tagged as an operating system for core IT purposes, such as programming or networking. However, in recent years, there have been several attempts to make Linux OS more user-friendly to attract a general audience. Moreover, with the increasing security-related issues in widely-used Windows and Mac OS, some IT pros are gradually shifting toward Linux OS for increased safety.

But unlike Windows and Mac OS, the Linux operating system comes in several variants that are also referred to as “distros.” Linux is highly configurable and allows developers to create their custom variants of operating systems for meeting user-specific needs and requirements. One of the latest distros in the Linux family is PsychOS 3.

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PsychOS 3 is an open-source project that is based on Devuan ASCII and derived from Debian Linux. What makes PsychOS unique is its retro based theme, meant to power older 32-bit hardware and computer systems. PsychOS is currently available only for 32-bit architecture-based computers with no plans or forecasts for a 64-bit version.

Why PsychOS?

Linux operating systems offer several benefits over Windows and macOS. The only thing, which is “considered” to be a drawback in Linux OS, is a lack of a user-friendly interface. However, most Linux versions available in the market now come with very easy-to-use, minimalistic UI. Linux-based operating systems do not collect user data, are highly secure, and are open source. On top of these advantages, Linux OS also provides access to source code, which allows users to customize the operating systems according to their needs.

PsychOS offers all these advantages. And because it is primarily meant for old 32-bit powered machines, PsychOS users can get the most out of their old and aging PCs. PsychOS is a very well-polished designed variant of Linux, which contains all the essential tools and features needed to turn old PCs into productive machines.

What is packed into PsychOS?

The PsychOS packs in some essential software and tools, ensuring that users can be productive. PsychOS comes with a combination of LibreOffice suite and AbiWord/Gnumeric for regular office and document works. It also includes project Pale Moon and Dillo for browsing.

For learning purposes, the PsychOS comes with Nootka — an application to learn musical score notations. The OS also has several other tools and applications such as BKChem, Stellarium, and Reinteract. The multimedia menu includes some interesting software and tools, including GIMP, Inkscape, Krita, Blender, and Scribus.

Emulators play a key role in any Linux-based operating system, and PsychOS is no exception. It comes with almost 14 different emulators on top of DOSBox, Kega Fusion, and Stella.

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PsychOS also offers a bunch of tools for developers. Slade, fldiff, Godot, and OHRRPGCE (Official Hamster Republic Role Playing Game Construction Engine) are few among the list of several available developer tools. It also offers IDLE IDE for Python development.

Needless to say, it does offer all the essential features such as support for WiFi, Bluetooth, USB drives, and others. According to its developers, PsychOS can pretty much handle almost all the regular activities users perform on an average PC. Because the OS is specially designed to power up the old 32-bit computers, PsychOS is probably one of the innovative and feature-packed Linux Distros.

The developer

The development and distribution of PsychOS is managed by an individual who remains anonymous and terms himself as “TheOuterLinux.” The developer also claims to be working on creating a FreeDOS version as PsychDOS and PsychOS486 for i486 software.

Sounds exciting? You can visit the PsychOS page here to download, explore, and check out the options and features packed in this retro-themed Linux distro for your aging PCs.

Featured image: Shutterstock

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1 thought on “PsychOS: A retro-styled Linux distro for your old PCs”

  1. I’ve downloaded the iso but, when trying burn the image with Etcher or Image burner it gives me a warning that the .EXE is missing??? What am I missing? Also, I don’t have any Win PC just a laptop running Mint and 9ne running Elemtary os…

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