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PearOS is a Linux distribution designed to look and feel like macOS, and a September 17, 2026 review describes its latest release as a substantial visual and feature update. It is not macOS: PearOS is built on Linux and, according to the review, uses the KDE Plasma desktop. The same reviewer reports occasional odd behavior and a file manager that would not open, so PearOS is best treated as a trial on a spare computer or in a virtual machine—not an automatic replacement for a dependable daily system.
What PearOS is—and what “MacOS of Linux” means
PearOS is a Linux distribution customized to evoke the macOS desktop, including a dock and menu bar. The macOS comparison describes its interface, not its underlying operating system or compatibility: PearOS remains Linux, with KDE Plasma as its reported desktop foundation.
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ZDNET reviewer Jack Wallen’s September 17, 2026 article says two variants were available at the time: NiceC0re, based on Arch Linux, and a Debian-based version. That is a dated report rather than confirmation of current downloads. The article does not establish the variants’ current availability, update models, hardware requirements, or installation steps, so check project documentation before choosing or installing one.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat the latest release reportedly adds
Wallen describes refinements to the “Liquid Gel” look and a macOS-style display notch, along with Wayland as the default. The review also attributes out-of-the-box Nvidia support and free-software AMD drivers to the release; it does not give compatibility details for particular graphics cards.
#1 Best Overall
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Other reported additions include a display-as-ring-light feature, an AI-style voice assistant, and Privacy Bubbles that indicate when the microphone, webcam, or screen recording is active. The review says PearOS replaced an experimental browser with Seafari. These are features reported by the reviewer; the article does not provide official release notes or enough detail to verify how each works across hardware and configurations.
What comes with the desktop
The reviewed setup includes an app store, emoji selector, KDE Connect, KMail, Maps, and Notes, as well as calendar and weather widgets. It does not include an office suite, according to Wallen. PearOS’s appeal is therefore a preconfigured, macOS-like Linux environment with several bundled applications, rather than a fully equipped productivity suite.
Rank #2
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Reliability caveats from the review
Wallen reports that parts of the desktop sometimes behaved oddly and that Pinder, PearOS’s file manager, would not open for him. He installed Dolphin as an alternative, but says that did not repair Pinder. He did not report a crash or lockup during his review. These are observations from one reviewer’s experience, not independently reproduced reliability results.
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- Consider it if: you want to explore a Linux desktop styled after macOS and are comfortable evaluating a distribution before depending on it.
- Test it first if: you need a reliable everyday machine, rely on a particular graphics configuration, or want to know whether bundled applications work for your routine. The review recommends trying PearOS in a virtual machine or on spare hardware.
- Verify before installing: confirm that the variant you want is currently offered and check its project documentation for installation requirements, supported hardware, and update information. The review alone does not establish those details.
For a virtual-machine trial, no physical installation media is needed. A spare-computer trial may involve booting from a live disk, as the review describes; follow the project’s current installation instructions rather than assuming the review supplies a complete procedure.
Rank #3
- Live Boot: Simply plug the USB drive into your computer, select the USB drive as your boot device, and experience Linux Mint without installation. This allows you to test the OS and its features before making any changes to your system.
- Install Option: Once you've tested and decided to keep Linux Mint, you can easily install it on your computer directly from the USB drive.
- Pre-installed software like LibreOffice for office tasks, a capable web browser (Firefox), email client (Thunderbird), and multimedia tools. This minimizes the need for additional downloads, saving you time and effort.
- Resource Efficiency: Designed to run efficiently on a variety of hardware configurations. It demands fewer system resources compared to some other operating systems, making it an excellent choice for older computers or devices with limited hardware specifications.
- Compatible with PC/Laptop/Desktop brands - Dell, HP, Sony, Lenovo, Samsung, Acer, Toshiba & more. Minimum system requirements 4 GB RAM Dual-Core Processor (2 GHz) 20 GB of free disk space
Verdict
PearOS is a plausible option for people drawn to a macOS-like Linux interface, and Wallen’s review describes meaningful polish and new desktop features in the release he tried. The reported Pinder problem and occasional odd behavior make a test run sensible before using it as a primary operating system. The claim that this is the “best” release is the reviewer’s judgment, not a measured comparison of releases.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Model: Dell OptiPlex 7050 Small Form Factor (SFF)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 3.60 GHz
- Memory: 32GB DDR4 Ram
- Storage: 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD) Fast Boot + Storage
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
Read Jack Wallen’s PearOS review at Yahoo Tech.
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