July 5 in China marked the introduction of the first Chinese operating system for desktop PCs with open source code – Openkylin 1.0, as reported by CGTN News.
Openkylin is a domestically developed operating system widely used in China’s financial, energy, and space programs across computers, servers, and smartphones.
An operating system with open source code provides users with the freedom to view and modify its source code. In contrast, proprietary operating systems like Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s MacOS do not have open source code, which means users cannot access or change the inner workings of the system.
Openkylin 1.0 was developed based on the Linux kernel, and it received assistance from a vast community consisting of 3,867 developers, 74 special interest groups (SIG), and 271 enterprises, as stated on the official Openkylin Software website.
Initial evaluations reveal that Openkylin bears resemblance to Canonical’s Ubuntu. However, Openkylin was built from the ground up, consolidating various independent open-source programs into a comprehensive operating system. Consequently, Openkylin will not be subordinate to Canonical or any other developer company.
Among other Linux distributions, Openkylin stands out with its UKUI desktop environment, which was developed by the community. The OS comes with pre-installed software such as the WPS office package, the Firefox web browser, and various video players. Additionally, Openkylin features its own application store that offers Linux applications, as well as applications for Windows and Android via emulators.
Openkylin is compatible with X86 computers, while also providing dedicated versions for ARM and RISC-V machines. Its major competitor in China is Deepin Linux, whose creator has pledged to establish an independent community of open source developers.