Anthon

Anthon is an open source and freely distributed GNU/Linux distribution based on the popular openSUSE Linux operating system and build around the modern GNOME desktop environment, designed to support only the 64-bit (x86_64) CPU architecture.

Distributed as a virtual machine for VirtualBox

Be aware that Anthon is not distributed as a regular ISO file. Instead, the developers packaged Anthon as a huge torrent file (approximately 8 GB in size) that contains a virtual machine for Oracle VirtualBox installations via the Microsoft Windows operating system.

Anthon has been tailored specifically for the Chinese community, allowing users who still use the Microsoft Windows operating system to get a little more familiar with the GNU/Linux operating system and the GNOME desktop environment.

Offers a highly customized GNOME experience

As mentioned, GNOME is in charge of the default graphical session inside Anthon. The controversial desktop environment has been highly customized to look more familiar to Windows users.

It comprises of a dock (GNOME’s default dock) located on the left side of the screen, a panel located on the upper part of the screen, as well as a custom, transparent taskbar located on the bottom edge of the screen. The bottom taskbar offers easy access to installed apps and various places.

Includes a wide range of open source applications

As expected from a distribution of such proportions (over 8 GB in size), Anthon includes a wide range of open source applications, which means that you will be able to find many alternatives to your favorite Windows apps.

Bottom line

As its developers describe on the project’s website, Anthon is very fast, as it starts in about 8 seconds, and it’s ready to be used in another 20 seconds. It is an easy-to-use Linux distribution for daily use, includes the latest SELinux policies, software suites, YaST 2, and much more.