Russia’s Alt OS: A Linux-Based Alternative to Windows and Chinese Chips

Russia is developing its own operating system, called Alt OS, that aims to reduce its dependence on foreign software and hardware, especially from the US and China. Alt OS is a Linux-based operating system that is designed to run on various devices, such as PCs, servers, and embedded systems. Alt OS is also compatible with different types of processors, including x86, Arm, and LoongArch. In this blog post, we will explore the features, advantages, and challenges of Alt OS, and how it compares to other operating systems in the market.

What is Alt OS and why does Russia need it?

Alt OS is a Russian operating system that is based on the Linux kernel and the KDE graphical environment. Alt OS is developed by Basalt SPO, a company that specializes in creating software for the public sector and the military. Alt OS is part of a larger project called the National Software Platform (NSP), which aims to create a unified and secure software ecosystem for Russia. Alt OS is intended to replace Windows and other foreign operating systems in various sectors, such as education, healthcare, defense, and government.

Russia needs Alt OS for several reasons, such as:

• To protect its national security and sovereignty from foreign interference and espionage. Russia fears that foreign software and hardware could contain backdoors, spyware, or malware that could compromise its data and infrastructure. For example, in 2021, the US banned Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks, citing national security concerns. Russia wants to avoid a similar situation and have more control over its own technology.
• To reduce its reliance on foreign software and hardware, especially from the US and China. Russia faces the risk of losing access to essential technology due to sanctions, trade wars, or supply chain disruptions. For example, in 2021, the US imposed sanctions on Russia for its alleged interference in the 2020 US presidential election and its involvement in the SolarWinds cyberattack. These sanctions could affect the availability and affordability of US-made software and hardware in Russia. Russia also wants to diversify its sources of technology and avoid dependence on China, which has its own agenda and interests.
• To foster its own innovation and development in the software and hardware industry. Russia wants to create its own operating system and processor that can compete with the global leaders, such as Windows and Intel. Russia also wants to support its local software and hardware companies and create more jobs and opportunities in the tech sector. Russia believes that having its own operating system and processor can boost its economic growth and technological advancement.

What are the features and advantages of Alt OS?

Alt OS has several features and advantages that make it a viable alternative to Windows and other operating systems, such as:

• It is based on Linux, which is a free and open source operating system that is widely used and supported by the global community. Linux offers high performance, stability, security, and flexibility, and can run on various devices and platforms. Linux also has a large and diverse library of applications and tools that can meet different needs and preferences.
• It is compatible with different types of processors, including x86, Arm, and LoongArch. x86 is the most common and popular processor architecture that powers most PCs and servers in the world. Arm is a low-power and high-efficiency processor architecture that powers most smartphones and tablets in the world. LoongArch is a new and emerging processor architecture that is developed by China and based on the RISC-V instruction set. LoongArch is designed to run Linux and other operating systems, and to challenge the dominance of x86 and Arm in the processor market.
• It is customized and optimized for the Russian market and users. Alt OS is tailored to meet the specific requirements and standards of the Russian public sector and the military, such as data protection, encryption, authentication, and certification. Alt OS also supports the Russian language and keyboard layout, and integrates with the Russian electronic services and systems, such as the Unified Identification and Authentication System (ESIA) and the Unified Portal of State and Municipal Services (Gosuslugi).
• It is supported and developed by the Russian government and companies. Alt OS is funded and backed by the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, which oversees the NSP project. Alt OS is also developed and maintained by Basalt SPO, which has extensive experience and expertise in creating software for the public sector and the military. Alt OS also collaborates with other Russian software and hardware companies, such as Norsi-Trans, Promobit, and IVK, which provide Alt OS-based systems and solutions for various sectors and applications.

What are the challenges and limitations of Alt OS?

Alt OS also faces some challenges and limitations that could hinder its adoption and success, such as:

• It is not widely available and accessible to the general public and the private sector. Alt OS is mainly focused on the public sector and the military, and is not yet distributed or marketed to the general public and the private sector. Alt OS is also not yet included in the official registry of the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, which could affect its legitimacy and recognition. Alt OS also lacks a clear and comprehensive website and documentation, which could affect its visibility and usability.
• It is not fully compatible and interoperable with Windows and other operating systems. Alt OS is based on Linux, which is different from Windows and other operating systems in terms of architecture, design, and functionality. Alt OS may not be able to run some Windows-based applications and games, or may require additional software and hardware to do so. Alt OS may also face some compatibility and interoperability issues with some devices and peripherals that are designed for Windows and other operating systems, or may require additional drivers and firmware to do so.
• It is not widely supported and accepted by the global community and the industry. Alt OS is a relatively new and unknown operating system that has not yet gained much popularity and reputation in the global market and the industry. Alt OS may face some resistance and skepticism from some users and customers, who may prefer to stick with Windows and other operating systems that they are familiar and comfortable with. Alt OS may also face some competition and opposition from some software and hardware vendors, who may not want to lose their market share and influence to Alt OS.

How does Alt OS compare to other operating systems in the market?

Alt OS is not the only alternative operating system in the market, and it has to compete with other operating systems that have their own features and advantages, such as:

• Windows: Windows is the most widely used and popular operating system in the world, especially for PCs and servers. Windows offers high compatibility, usability, and functionality, and has a huge and diverse library of applications and games. Windows also has a strong and loyal user base and customer base, and has a dominant and influential position in the market and the industry.
• macOS: macOS is the operating system that powers Apple’s devices, such as Macs, iPhones, and iPads. macOS offers high quality, reliability, and security, and has a sleek and elegant design and interface. macOS also has a loyal and passionate user base and customer base, and has a premium and prestigious image and reputation.
• Linux: Linux is a free and open source operating system that is widely used and supported by the global community. Linux offers high performance, stability, security, and flexibility, and can run on various devices and platforms. Linux also has a large and diverse library of applications and tools that can meet different needs and preferences.
• Android: Android is the operating system that powers most smartphones and tablets in the world, except for Apple’s devices. Android offers high customization, versatility, and functionality, and has a rich and vibrant ecosystem of applications and games. Android also has a large and diverse user base and customer base, and has a leading and innovative position in the market and the industry.
• iOS: iOS is the operating system that powers Apple’s devices, such as iPhones and iPads. iOS offers high quality, reliability, and security, and has a simple and intuitive design and interface. iOS also has a loyal and passionate user base and customer base, and has a premium and prestigious image and reputation.

Conclusion

Alt OS is a Russian operating system that is based on Linux and compatible with different types of processors, including x86, Arm, and LoongArch. Alt OS is designed to reduce Russia’s dependence on foreign software and hardware, especially from the US and China, and to foster its own innovation and development in the software and hardware industry. Alt OS has several features and advantages that make it a viable alternative to Windows and other operating systems, such as high performance, security, and flexibility, as well as customization and optimization for the Russian market and users. However, Alt OS also faces some challenges and limitations that could hinder its adoption and success, such as low availability and accessibility, limited compatibility and interoperability, and weak support and acceptance. Alt OS also has to compete with other operating systems in the market that have their own features and advantages, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

References:

¹: Russia’s Alt OS: A Linux-Based Alternative to Windows and Chinese Chips ²: A new operating system has been released in Russia! ³: China Bans Exports of Loongson CPUs to Russia, Other Countries: Report ⁴: Best alternative operating systems of 2023 ⁵: China to ditch all Windows PCs by 2022 - could this be Linux’s time to shine?

Keywords:

Alt OS, Russia, Linux, Windows, LoongArch, China, operating system, processor, software, hardware