A number of Mac-focused developers are putting out high-quality games too, and most notably for this article, the open-source world now provides a number of excellent games for Mac users. But before we look at the wide world of free open source games, here’s a brief overview of commercial gaming on the Mac. ClassiCube is a Minecraft Classic clone written in C#. It is open source under the OpenTK license, and installs on Linux, BSD, Solaris, Windows, Mac OS, and in a browser. And there you have it.
Don’t want to stick with Mac, Windows or other paid operating systems and want to try something new? You may be a person who likes to try out different operating systems or maybe you just want to try out an operating system because your friends are using it. Well you can find many operating systems online that are fast and feature-rich. In this article, we’ve listed the best open source operating systems that you can run on your PC.
You can play with the open source OS, discover its operations and maybe learn from it.
List of 8 Best Open Source Operating System 2021
Here is a list of the most efficient open source OS for Windows that you can install right now! Check them out.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a Linux-based OS that is considered as one of the most efficient open source operating systems in the world. It took a group of talented developers located worldwide to create this full-fledged operating system that is fast and feature-rich. Ubuntu includes necessary software such as an instant messenger, office suite, web browser, media maps and much more. It is the most used Linux-based operating system that makes it a perfect alternative to Windows or Mac.
Best Open Source Games For Mac Os
Ubuntu developers practice the Debian architecture. Experts say that Ubuntu is an ideal operating system for old laptop and it includes most of the essential apps such as Thunderbird, F-Spot, Firefox, Transmission, LibreOffice, Open Office etc. It is user-friendly and compatible to both laptop and desktop interface. There are two forms of platform in Ubuntu – “non-LTS (Long Term Support) and LTS”. The latest stable versions of non-LTS and LTS version are 17.04 and 16.04 respectively. The numbers in the version name denote year and month. For example, ‘16’ refers to the year and ‘04’ to the month.
Note:- Ubuntu will not be available in the Unity-based desktop environment. It will shift back to GNOME-based desktop. Ubuntu is compatible with almost every hardware as it’s the most used Linux- based operating system and doesn’t require any additional driver to communicate with the hardware. Click here to download the official Ubuntu software.
Linux Lite
Linux Lite is another free open source operating system that can work on lower end hardware. It’s a lite OS that facilitate users who have inadequate knowledge of a Linux-based operating system. The operating system features all the necessary programs, functionalities, tools, and desktop.
Linux Lite consists of a simple interface and is entirely established on Ubuntu distribution. The operating system is stable and has been supporting with regular updates since five years. Linux Lite is efficiently functional soon after installation. Again users are not required to install any additional drivers after installation. Choose Linux Lite if you want a lightweight open source OS on your PC. Click here to download Linux Lite.
Fedora
Fedora is another popular Linux-based operating system, which is arguably the best open source OS after Ubuntu. Fedora OS is a general purpose OS that is RPM-based, supported by Red Hat and designed by the Fedora Project community.
Fedora’s mission is to create and provide an open source cutting edge technology for free. Therefore, Fedora developers choose to create upstream changes in contrary to create fixes exclusively for Fedora. All Linux distributions can benefit from updates released by Fedora developers.
Fedora has a GNOME-based desktop that can be customized. Its Fedora Spins feature can help you modify and execute variations in the user interface and desktop environment. Click here to download Fedora.
Linux Mint
Linux Mint is an elegant Linux-based OS that displays modernity and power. It is easy-to-use and provides full multimedia support, which makes it a user-friendly open source OS. Linux Mint is Ubuntu-based and is equally popular among amateurs and experts.
Linux Mint uses Debian architecture and consists of one of the most powerful software managers. It is robust and offers better visual aesthetics than Ubuntu. Click here to download Linux Mint.
Solus
Solus is a free open source operating system that can be used on your desktop. It is a new operating system in the Linux family that was created in 2012. Currently, more than 6000 registered users are taking advantage of the software.
Features in Solus include VLC, Transmission, OpenShot Video Editor, XChat, Thunderbird, Budgie desktop environment, PlayOnLinux, Firefox and LibreOffice Suite. Solus 3, the latest version of Solus was released on August 2017. The release is supposed to have some tweaks in its Opus encoder and multimedia filters.
Additionally, Flash and Java plugins are pre-loaded in Solus.
Xubuntu
Xubuntu is the most popular open source operating system for people who still use old XP machines. Xubuntu is Unix-based that executes on XFCE desktop environment. It’s different from Ubuntu and competes well with other full-featured operating systems in the list. The operating system contains GNOME application integrations and an inbuilt compositor. However, it can be slow sometimes.
Chrome OS
Chrome OS is partly an open source operating system that has many attractive features. It is a part of the Chromium and Linux family that has features such as enhanced security, support for picked Android apps, Chrome apps, Google cloud print, Aura windows manager, virtual desktop access, integrated media player and Cloud-based management. The only issue with the operating system is that it only supports Nexus device or its own hardware. Hence, if you are a Google fan, you can surely enjoy Chrome OS with Chromebook.
React OS
ReactOS is another free open source OS that has got nearly 1 million downloads in more than 100 countries. This community-based OS has the ability to run Windows applications, which makes it a great alternative for Windows operating system. Although ReactOS is still growing, users, who love highly customizable operating systems, can select ReactOS. However, the operating system is developer-focused.
These are the best open source operating systems that can be preferred as alternatives to the paid operating systems like Mac or Windows. The list contains a good blend of power and features. Therefore, try them and tell us if you like them in the comments below.
Responses
This is a list of some of the most popular freeware and free and open-source softwarefirst-person shooter games.
| Title | Developer | Release date | Last update | Operating system | Engine | License | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action Quake 2 | The Action Team | 1998 | 2003 | Linux, Windows | id Tech 2 | Freeware | Team and Deathmatch based very fast FPS |
| AssaultCube | Rabid Viper Productions | 2006 | 2013 | Linux, Mac OS, Windows | Cube Engine | zlib License (code), Individual licenses (media) | Realistic environments, fast arcade game play, many game modes. Single/Multiplayer. |
| Black Shades | Wolfire games | 2001 | Linux, OS X, Windows, Mac OS, iOS | Wolfire Games | Freeware | Free First-person shooter | |
| BZFlag | Chris Schoeneman, Tim Riker | 1993 | 2016-10-10 (2.4.8) | Linux, BSD, OS X, Windows, other UNIX | GNU LGPL | Tank combat | |
| Chub Gam 3D: Director's Cut | ChubGamSoft | 1998 | MS-DOS | Pie in the Sky | Freeware | Surreal horror single player game | |
| CodeRED: Alien Arena | COR Entertainment, LLC | 2004-11 | 2011-12-29 (7.53) | Linux, BSD, OS X, Windows | CRX Engine | GNU GPL (code), Proprietary license (media) | Science fiction, with single or multiplayer modes. |
| Cube | Wouter van Oortmerssen | 2001 | 2005-08-29 | Linux, BSD, Mac OS, Windows | Cube Engine | zlib License (code), Individual licenses (media) | Quake style multiplayer deathmatch. Single/Multiplayer. |
| Cube 2: Sauerbraten | Wouter van Oortmerssen | 2004 | 2020-11-30 | Linux, BSD, OS X, Windows | Cube 2 Engine | zlib License (code), Individual licenses (media) | Quake style deathmatch, includes built in level editor. Single/Multiplayer. |
| The Dark Mod | Team Dark Mod | 2009 | 2015-02-08 (2.03) | Windows | id Tech 4 engine | CC-BY-NC-SA | First person stealth game in the style of the Thief (series) games (1 and 2) using a modified Id Tech 4 engine |
| Fallen Empire: Legions | GarageGames, InstantAction | 2009-06-30 | 2013-06-27 | Windows | Torque Game Engine | Proprietary license | First-Person Shooter with Jetpacks, Multiplayer, CTF, Deathmatch |
| Freedoom | Freedoom project | 2019-10-22 (0.12.1) | Linux, OS X, Windows, Android, Mac OS, MS-DOS, others | Doom engine | GNU GPL (code), BSD (media) | A Doom WAD file intended to be used instead of the copyrighted file from the original Doom and Doom II. | |
| The Glorious Mission | Giant Interactive Group | 2013-06-20 | Windows | Proprietary license | Online multiplayer. Developed with the People's Liberation Army of China for use as a recruitment and training tool. | ||
| Gore: Special Edition | 4D Rulers | 2008-07-04 | Windows | AMP engine | Proprietary license | ||
| Hidden & Dangerous | Illusion Softworks, Take-Two Interactive | 1999-07-29 | 2001-11 | Windows | Insanity Engine | Proprietary license | |
| .kkrieger | .theprodukkt | 2004 | Windows | Proprietary license | Won first place in the 96k game competition at Breakpoint in April 2004. | ||
| KumaWar | Kuma Reality Games | 2004 | 2006-07 | Windows | Source engine | Proprietary license | Tactical episodic shooter. Single/Multiplayer. |
| Marathon | Bungie | 1994-12-21 | 2007 | Mac OS (original), ported to Linux, OS X and Windows via AlephOne | Aleph One | GNU GPL (code) | Released as freeware and source code. |
| Nexuiz | Alientrap | 2005-05-31 | 2009-10-01 (2.5.2) | Linux, OS X (10.4 or later), Windows | DarkPlaces Quake engine | GNU GPL | Unreal Tournament style deathmatch. Single/Multiplayer. |
| OpenArena | OpenArena team | 2005-08-19 | 2012-02-20 (0.8.8) | Linux, OS X, Windows | GNU GPL | Free software content remake of Quake III Arena. Single/Multiplayer | |
| Point Blank | Zepetto, NCSOFT | 2008-03 | Windows | N/A | Proprietary license | Free FPS created by Zepetto in 2009. Close Beta version. | |
| Red Eclipse[1] | Quinton Reeves, Lee Salzman | 2009 | 2019-12-19 (2.0.0) | Linux, BSD, OS X, Windows | Cube 2 Engine / Tesseract | zlib License | New take on the first person arena shooter, featuring parkour, impulse boosts, and more. |
| S.T.A.L.K.E.R. build 1935 | GSC Game World | 2009-02 | Windows | xrCore build 1935 | Proprietary license | 2004 Alpha build of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. Contains content and features cut from the final release. Has a number of bugs but contains a full, playable single player campaign. | |
| Savage: The Battle for Newerth | S2 Games | 2003-09-09 | Linux, OS X (commercial), Windows | Silverback Engine | Proprietary license | Hybrid FPS/RTS with both ranged and melee combat | |
| Savage 2: A Tortured Soul | S2 Games | 2008-01-16 | Linux, OS X, Windows (commercial) | K2 Engine | Proprietary license | The sequel to the award-winning game, Savage: The Battle for Newerth. | |
| Smokin' Guns | Smokin' Guns Productions and Iron Claw Interactive | 2009-01-01 | 2012-06-08 | Linux, BSD, OS X, Windows, others | GNU GPL (code/some media) Proprietary license (some media) | Western Quake-like FPS. Single (with bots)/Multiplayer. | |
| Starsiege: Tribes | Dynamix, Sierra Entertainment | 2004 (free release) | Windows | Darkstar engine | Proprietary license | Futuristic team based combat, released for free to promote Tribes: Vengeance. Multiplayer only. | |
| The DinoHunters | Kuma Games | 2006-04-24 | Windows | Source engine | Proprietary license | Also a machinima series. Single/Multiplayer. | |
| Tremulous | Dark Legion Development | 2006-03-31 | 2009-12-04 (preview release) | Linux, OS X (unofficial), Windows | GNU GPL | Aliens vs Humans multiplayer team combat with some RTS elements. | |
| Tribes 2 | Dynamix, Sierra Entertainment | 2004 (free release) | Windows | Torque Game Engine | Proprietary License | Futuristic team based combat, released for free to promote Tribes: Vengeance. Single/Multiplayer. | |
| UberStrike | Cmune | 2010-09-17 | OS X, Windows | Unity | Proprietary license | Free-to-play 'social shooter' on Facebook, MySpace and Apple's Dashboard Widgets. | |
| Unreal Tournament | Epic Games | TBA | 2015-03-09 | Linux, OS X, Windows | Unreal Engine 4 | Proprietary license | Crowdsourced and free first-person shooter. |
| Unvanquished[2] | Unvanquished Development | 2012-02-29 | 2018 (Alpha 0.51.1) | Linux, OS X, Windows | modified ioquake3 | CC BY-SA 2.5/GPL | Fork of Tremulous with new assets |
| Urban Terror | Silicon Ice Development / Frozen Sand | 2000-08-05 (Beta 1.0) | 2016-09-30 (4.3.0) | Linux, OS X, Windows | GNU GPL (ioquake3 engine), Proprietary license (mod code, media) | Fast-paced, Hollywood tactical shooter. Originally a Quake 3mod, now a standalone game. | |
| Warmonger: Operation Downtown Destruction | NetDevil | 2007-11-28 | 2009-08-27 | Windows | Unreal Engine 3 | GNU GPL (code), Proprietary license (media) | High-end Free-to-play first person shooter with destructible environments.. |
| Warsow | Warsow team | 2005-06-08 | 2016-04-14 (2.1) | Linux, OS X, Windows | GNU GPL (code), Proprietary license (media) | Quake style deathmatch focussed on high-paced action and trickjumps. | |
| Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory | Activision, id Software, Splash Damage | 2003-05-29 | 2015-08-21 (ET:Legacy 2.74) | Linux, OS X, Windows | id Tech 3, ET:Legacy | GNU GPL (code), Proprietary license (media) | Intended expansion pack turned freeware. WW2 multiplayer team combat |
| World of Padman | Padworld Entertainment | 2007-04-01 | 2011-07-16 (1.5.4 beta Windows/Linux), 2011-01-24 (1.5.1 OS X) | Linux, OS X, Windows | GNU GPL (code), Proprietary license (media) | A free Quake 3 like comical FPS game | |
| Xonotic | Team Xonotic | 2010-12-23 | 2017-04-01 (0.8.2) | Linux, OS X, Windows | DarkPlaces Quake engine | GNU GPL | Fork and direct successor of the Nexuiz Project. |
| Team Fortress 2 | Valve | 2007-10-7 | 2019-3-28 | Windows, Mac OS, Linux. | Source | Proprietary license | Also available on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, formerly pay to play, sequel to Team Fortress Classic. |
Freeware clients[edit]
Some free-to-play online first-person shooters use a client–server model, in which only the client is available for free. They may be associated with business models such as optional microtransactions or in-game advertising. Some of these may be MMOFPS, MMOTPS or MMORPG games.
| Title | Developer, Publisher | Release date | Operating system | Engine | License | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blacklight: Retribution | Zombie Studios | 2012-04-03 | Windows | Unreal Engine 3 | Proprietary license | Online multiplayer, futuristic setting. |
| CrossFire | Z8Games | 2006 | Windows | Lithtech Jupiter | Freeware | Modern team-based shooter. Many game modes. |
| Mission Against Terror | Kingsoft Dalian JingCai Studio, Wicked Interactive / Suba Games | 2012 | Windows | Proprietary license | Free-to-play online fps, developed by KingSoft, published by Wicked Interactive / Suba Games. | |
| Fallen Earth | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | Online multiplayer[3] |
| Heroes and Generals | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | Online multiplayer[3] |
| War Rock | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | Online multiplayer, features controllable vehicles |
| Combat Arms | Nexon | 2008-07-11 | Windows | Lithtech | Proprietary license | Online multiplayer, modern setting; microtransaction business model. |
| CrimeCraft | Vogster Entertainment | 2009-08 | Windows | Unreal Engine 3 | Proprietary license | Massively multiplayer online with 3rd and 1st-person perspectives; microtransaction business model. |
| PlanetSide 2 | Sony Online Entertainment | 2012-11-20 | Windows | Forgelight Engine | Proprietary license | Massive battles with 2000 players per continent at a time. 3 factions fighting over 4 continents. Player customization, microtransaction business model. |
| Sudden Attack | Nexon | 2005-4-11 | Windows | Lithtech | Proprietary license | Online multiplayer |
| Tribes: Ascend | Hi-Rez Studios | 2011-12 | Windows | Unreal Engine 3 (modified) | Proprietary license | Online multiplayer; microtransaction business model. |
Game engines[edit]
| Engine | Developer, Publisher | Release date | Linux | OS X | Windows | other | License | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aleph One | Bungie (originally) | 2000-01-17 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Mac OS, BSDs | GNU General Public License | Aleph One is an open-source project based on the Marathon 2: Durandal code, which was released to the public by Bungie. |
| Build engine | Ken Silverman/3D Realms | 2000-06-20 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes[which?] | Custom licence, GNU General Public License | First released by Silverman; 3D Realms later did GPL releases of Duke Nukem 3D and Shadow Warrior |
| Cube Engine | Wouter van Oortmerssen | 2001 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | zlib License (code), Individual licenses (media) | FPS with sandbox style level-editor |
| Cube 2 Engine | Wouter van Oortmerssen | 2004 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | zlib License (code), Individual licenses (media) | FPS with sandbox style level-editor |
| Dim3 | Brian Barnes | No | Yes | Yes | No | MIT License | Development set | |
| id Tech 1 | id Software | 1999 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | GNU General Public License | Known as the Doom engine, originally used for Doom, Doom II, and clones |
| id Tech 2 | id Software | 2001-12-22 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | GNU General Public License | Quake 2, CRX and Qfusion are open-source derivatives |
| id Tech 3 | id Software | 2005-08-19 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes[which?] | GNU General Public License | Quake 3, ioquake3 is an open-source derivative |
| id Tech 4 | id Software | 2011-11-22 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes[which?] | GNU General Public License | Doom 3 |
| Quake engine | id Software | 1996 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | GNU General Public License | Quake, DarkPlaces is an open source derivative |
| Torque Game Engine | GarageGames | 2012-09-20 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | MIT License | |
| Unity | Unity Technologies | 2009 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Purchasable license for commercial use, iPhone license, Free indie license | Development set |
| Unreal Engine | Epic Games | 1998 | Yes | Yes | Yes | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, Android | Proprietary | Free to download and use |
| Wolfenstein 3D engine | id Software | 1995 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | GNU General Public License | Also available from Blake Stone: Planet Strike source release; earlier versions in Hovertank 3D and Catacomb 3D source releases, and further developed in Rise of the Triad source release |
Mac Open Source Video Editor
References[edit]
- ^Red Eclipse
- ^Unvanquished
- ^ abList of free MMOFPS games