Please Don't Download This... (Wubuntu)
Summary
TLDRIn this witty and informative video, content creator Muta examines the controversial 'wuntu' Linux distribution, which aims to mimic the look and functionality of Microsoft Windows 11. He delves into the shady practices of the Brazilian developers, including potential data harvesting, falsified metrics, and the dubious sale of a paid 'professional' version despite the open-source nature of Linux. Muta humorously deconstructs the project, highlighting its flaws while advocating for more reputable Linux distros that prioritize user trust and adherence to open-source principles. With his trademark blend of tech insights and comedic flair, he cautions viewers against falling for such gimmicks and encourages a genuine exploration of Linux's potential.
Takeaways
- 😲 Wuntu Linux is a controversial operating system that closely mimics the appearance and functionality of Microsoft Windows 11, potentially violating intellectual property rights.
- 🤥 Wuntu's developers misrepresent basic metrics like download numbers, raising concerns about their trustworthiness and motives.
- 🔐 There are potential security risks associated with using Wuntu, as its source code is not publicly available, and it may contain undisclosed spyware or malicious features.
- 💰 Wuntu charges $35 for a 'professional' key, which is problematic as it essentially commercializes and monetizes free, open-source software.
- 🤔 Using Wuntu may lead to a poor understanding of Linux, as it masks the true nature of the operating system behind a Windows-like interface.
- ⚖️ Microsoft has previously sued companies for creating Windows-like operating systems, and Wuntu may be at risk of legal action.
- 💻 There are many reputable, open-source Linux distributions available, such as Linux Mint, Ubuntu, and Arch Linux, which offer a better and safer experience.
- 🎮 While Wuntu allows running Windows applications and games through Wine, this approach is often suboptimal compared to using native Linux alternatives.
- 🔍 Projects like ReactOS and Temple OS offer a more interesting and legitimate way to explore open-source alternatives to Windows without infringing on intellectual property rights.
- ⚠️ The video strongly discourages using Wuntu due to its questionable origins, potential legal issues, and the availability of better, more trustworthy Linux alternatives.
Q & A
What is Wuntu?
-Wuntu is a Linux distribution that replicates the appearance and functionality of Microsoft Windows, particularly Windows 11. It is designed to provide a Windows-like experience on a Linux-based operating system.
Is Wuntu a legitimate or legal project?
-According to the video, there are concerns about the legality of Wuntu. It appears to be violating the GPL agreement by not revealing its source code, and it is selling a $35 key, which is considered a violation. The video suggests that Wuntu is playing with fire and could face potential legal action from Microsoft.
What is the relationship between Wuntu and Linux FX?
-Wuntu is based on Linux FX, a Brazilian software company that creates a Windows 11 clone called Linux FX. The video suggests that Wuntu is essentially a rebranded version of Linux FX with a different theme applied.
What are the concerns raised about Linux FX?
-The video highlights several concerns about Linux FX, including lying about basic metrics like the number of users, potentially spying on users through the activation client, and selling a $35 professional key without providing the source code as required by open-source licenses.
Why is Wuntu considered potentially unsafe or untrustworthy?
-The video suggests that Wuntu is unsafe and untrustworthy for several reasons: its connection to Linux FX, which has been accused of unethical practices; the lack of transparency regarding the source code; and the potential for user data collection or spying through the activation client.
What alternatives does the video suggest for users interested in a Linux-based operating system?
-The video recommends using more reputable Linux distributions like Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Manjaro, or Arch Linux instead of Wuntu. These distributions are open-source, have active development communities, and are generally considered safer and more trustworthy.
What is the purpose of projects like ReactOS mentioned in the video?
-ReactOS is mentioned as an example of a more interesting and ethical project aimed at reverse-engineering a Windows-like experience without using any proprietary code from Microsoft. It's presented as a better alternative for those interested in an open-source, Windows-like operating system.
What is the video's overall stance on Wuntu?
-The video strongly discourages the use of Wuntu, giving it a rating of 1 out of 10. It suggests that Wuntu is unsafe, untrustworthy, and potentially a grift or scam. The video recommends avoiding Wuntu and opting for more reputable and transparent Linux distributions.
What is the significance of the lindos/linspire case mentioned in the video?
-The lindos/linspire case is mentioned as an example of a previous legal battle between Microsoft and a Linux distribution that aimed to mimic the Windows interface and branding. It highlights the potential legal risks faced by projects like Wuntu that attempt to closely replicate Microsoft's proprietary products.
What is the video's advice regarding using a different operating system?
-The video advises that if users desire to use a particular operating system (e.g., Windows or macOS), they should use the official version instead of trying to transition or mimic it with a different operating system. It suggests that attempting to make one operating system look and behave like another can lead to confusion and a suboptimal experience.
Outlines
🖥️ Introducing wuntu: A Controversial Linux Distro Mimicking Windows 11
The video introduces wuntu, a Linux distribution that aims to reproduce the appearance and functionality of Microsoft Windows 11. It's a Linux-based operating system designed to look and feel like Windows, including features like the new AI co-pilot, Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, PowerShell, Teams, and more. The narrator expresses concerns about wuntu's legality, as it appears to be violating Microsoft's intellectual property rights and spreading its cheeks for a potential lawsuit.
🐧 Exploring wuntu: A Closer Look at the Windows-Like Linux Experience
The narrator dives deeper into wuntu, showcasing its uncanny resemblance to Windows 11. He demonstrates the installation process, which is simpler than Windows, and navigates through the various components like the file manager, settings, and compatibility with Windows applications through Wine. However, he highlights concerns about potential malware or spyware, as wuntu appears to be affiliated with a shady Brazilian software company called Linux FX, which has been accused of lying about user metrics and engaging in questionable practices.
🕵️ The Shady Side of wuntu: Unraveling the Linux FX Connection
This section delves into the shady aspects of wuntu's connection with Linux FX. The narrator discusses a report that found Linux FX to be collecting user data, including IP addresses, without proper disclosure. He also highlights the company's claims of having over a million users, which contradicts the actual data found in their database. Additionally, the video reveals that wuntu's developers have a direct association with Linux FX, raising further concerns about the trustworthiness of the project.
⚠️ Warnings and Recommendations: Steer Clear of wuntu
The narrator strongly advises against using wuntu, citing concerns over potential data theft, privacy violations, and a lack of transparency from the developers. He compares wuntu to previous instances where Microsoft took legal action against projects that infringed on their trademarks and intellectual property. Instead, he recommends exploring more reputable and open-source Linux distributions like Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Manjaro, or Arch Linux, which provide a safer and more ethical Linux experience without the risks associated with wuntu.
🚫 Final Verdict: wuntu Receives a Resounding Thumbs Down
In the concluding remarks, the narrator firmly declares wuntu as an unsafe and untrustworthy Linux distribution, giving it a rating of 1 out of 10. He emphasizes that users should avoid wuntu altogether and instead opt for legitimate Windows or Linux operating systems from reputable sources. The video ends by suggesting more interesting alternatives like ReactOS, a reverse-engineered open-source project that emulates the Windows experience, as a safer and more ethical option for exploration.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Linux
💡Windows Clone
💡Open Source
💡Wine
💡GPL
💡Proprietary
💡Grift
💡Linux Mint
💡Spyware
💡Reverse Engineering
Highlights
Linux users will always identify themselves and take any opportunity to promote their preferred operating system, even in inappropriate situations.
Wuntu is a Linux distribution that replicates the appearance and functionality of Microsoft Windows, including features like the new AI co-pilot, Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, PowerShell, and Teams.
Wuntu does not require TPM, Secure Boot, or any of the hardware requirements that Windows 11 has, making it potentially useful for running on older hardware.
Wuntu claims to be compatible with Windows applications, fast, secure, and free from viruses and crashes, although the speaker argues that these claims are not entirely true.
Wuntu has suspiciously high download numbers compared to the number of reviews, suggesting potential bot activity.
The installation process for Wuntu is simple, similar to other Linux distributions like Manjaro.
Wuntu's user interface closely resembles Windows 11, including the Windows button, wallpapers, and settings screens.
Wuntu is based on Ubuntu and uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment, but with extensive theming to make it look like Windows.
Wuntu comes bundled with Wine, allowing users to run Windows applications within the Linux environment.
Wuntu includes a co-pilot feature that is a web page mirroring Microsoft's co-pilot AI, rather than being fully integrated into the operating system.
Wuntu is developed by Linux FX, a Brazilian company that has been accused of lying about their user numbers and potentially engaging in shady practices.
Linux FX's database was found to contain metadata, including IP addresses, of only around 20,000 installations, contradicting their claimed 1 million users.
Linux FX sells a professional key for $35, despite not providing the source code as required by the GPL agreement, which the speaker considers a violation.
The speaker suggests using more reputable Linux distributions like Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Manjaro, or Arch Linux instead of Wuntu for a better overall experience.
Projects like Wuntu that closely mimic proprietary operating systems often face legal challenges from companies like Microsoft, as exemplified by the Lindows case in the early 2000s.
Transcripts
hello guys and gals me mudahar how do
you identify a Linux user don't worry
they'll tell you okay you could be at a
funeral and and and a Linux user will
come up in the most like inopportune
time be like you know he wouldn't have
died in the car accident had he been
using Arch Linux for crying out loud now
of course ladies and gentlemen this is
wuntu Linux with Windows and of course
uh it says wuntu also known as Windows
auntu is an operating system that
reproduces all the appearance and
functionality of Microsoft Windows now
if you're looking at these screenshots
whoa that looks
very dangerously close to Windows 11 I
mean one would say you know if you squit
your eyes a little bit you did the
squint test it it pretty much is Windows
for crying out loud now what's
interesting is this is a Linux
distribution that per the GPL agreement
has not revealed its source code where I
can find it readily available and also
they're selling a key for like
$35 which uh is a pretty big no no now
again ladies and gentlemen I don't know
how these people haven't actually been
looked at by Microsoft this is like
basically spreading your cheeks for a
lawsuit okay like this is literally
getting up and just going yo Microsoft
right here right between the Cheeks baby
that's just pretty much how this works
okay so obviously crft display aside
let's get into wuntu now this is the
real auntu over here which is abun
to.com now obviously Linux for people
who don't know comes in various
different shapes and sizes
at the end of the day this is an
operating system and an operating system
is basically the underlying software you
use to run your video games your
applications so on and so forth so if
you're watching this video on your
gaming computer right now you're
probably using Windows right you're
using Windows 10 Windows 11 God forbid
maybe you're you're old school and you
might be using Windows XP or something
right that could be a thing now if you
don't really game and you just want to
you know browse something in the coffee
shop you're on your Mac OS system okay
you're just chilling vibing having a
good time now if you're somebody that is
part of less than like around 1% of the
market share maybe you're playing on
your steam deck maybe you're like
somebody like me a little bit of a
masochist you're on Linux so there are
three massive operating systems uh Linux
plus well uh what is it Linux uh plus
ganu all right let let me be like very
very matter a fact here okay it pisses
off a lot of redditors and then you've
got Windows you've got Mac OS so three
massive oper operating systems now Linux
is by far used everywhere in like
servers okay but for desktop computers
not a whole lot of people use it I wish
more people did and maybe that'll change
as time goes on but for now Windows is
about the most def facto system you can
use so what has happened is this little
organization has come by and made Linux
but with a Windows look and feel so
obviously for somebody that wants to
maybe switch around try Linux and
they're like oh [ __ ] this stuff is too
confusing I mean I've seen the memes
installing a web browser makes it you
have to be hacker man to do so not
necessarily the case but this kind of
stuff probably appeals to somebody who's
like I want to try Linux but maybe I
want to you know have it look like
something that I know which is Windows a
lot of people use it it's entrenched
it's going to be here forever but of
course if you look inside the situation
it says this has all the functionality
including the new AI co-pilot Microsoft
Edge one drive Powershell teams and
everything
and it does not require TPM secure boot
or any of the hardware requirements that
Windows 11 has and that's actually true
Windows 11 has actual requirements that
can leave some computers pretty obsolete
so if you're somebody with an older
computer or you don't have certain
things then this might actually be the
only way you can kind of use Windows 11
like on your system so of course you can
download a free edition and it's got
like a video file too and of course uh
what it says is compatible with Windows
applications it has all the Microsoft
ecosystem and it's safe and very fast
wuntu is fast secure very secure no more
worries about viruses and crashes which
uh is not true if anybody tells you my
computer doesn't get a virus they're
lying to you okay and this is not
necessarily very secure there's actually
a really shady part about this uh one
that I'll get into just a little bit let
me just read through the rest you've got
KDE Plasma in it's high optimized not
highly just High optimized okay meaning
that you know you got your bong right
here you've got your computer it's
optimized ready to go you've got Windows
11 cinnamon which is like Ultra
optimized so if you have an even weaker
system you can run a simpler user
interface and then of course the
features that it gives you it looks
literally like Windows like if you look
at that that's the windows control panel
these are windows dialogues I mean it's
got one drive it's got even Android
support it's got like crazy things built
into it so this sounds like a pretty
cool thing to go by and of course it's
got like a little Forum page you can get
into and if you start here there's
actually like people talking about the
situation now where it gets into a bit
of shadiness is how many people have
downloaded this 488,000 people
downloaded wuntu in the LA this week and
it's only got six reviews man I mean I'm
ain't going to say that's botted but
that sounds botted as [ __ ] homie godamn
anyways I actually installed it the
installation is about as simple as you
can expect it doesn't install like
Windows it's actually far simpler it's
like the mangaro installer you click
next a few times enter your username you
let it automatically partition and Bam
you're ready to go so here I've got
wuntu not not on my native system I got
it running in a virtual machine ain't no
[ __ ] way we're running this thing on
an actual hard machine and we'll get to
why exactly in a bit let's look through
this actual system so so I installed
wuntu I got it all set to go and if
you're looking at it right now boys and
girls this looks like dangerously close
to Windows it's insane like the
wallpaper not even that I mean the
wallpaper is a wallpaper anybody can do
that but the actual like Windows button
the user interface I mean this is by far
like about as great as it gets I mean
it's got like the perfect theming in
everything you've got like chat
applications I mean let's open up the
let's open up the file manager you've
got Microsoft teams is basically loading
up and unfortunately it's just a little
bit slow because of the emulation I'm
not giving it a whole bunch of uh
assists and I'll get to exactly why in a
bit too so this is the actual like uh
setting screen and you can actually
change it to different like like it is
by far as close to like the actual like
uh Windows 11 operating system one can
expect did the actual setting screen
crash Jesus Christ okay so you're in
like the modifications it's got like all
the windows 11 wallpapers just ripped
and distributed basically for free and
in the paid version as part of this tool
which I'm pretty sure is not actually
legal and of course obviously it's got
something known as Linux FX which is
interesting and we'll get to why
remember this name right over here and
obviously that's basically the system in
of itself right here and uh it is just
ungodly slow like it keeps firing up
Microsoft teams which I don't need I
don't want that I'm not asking for it
obviously and of course like if we just
it's like so it's ungodly slow for some
reason but of course when you open up
some of the actual system settings the
actual like uis uh at some point
resemble KD plasma which is the actual
like um display manager that I use
underneath Linux anyway so the cracks
only go so far yeah like this is like a
specially like branded version of the uh
system settings right over here which
obviously it reflects the actual like
they kind of have it matching as close
to the control panel but obviously if
you click on any of these things instead
of actually going to a different page in
this specific section it opens up a
corresponding like settings tab in the
KDE manager so again it only goes so far
it's something known as power toys which
I guess is like a UI thing they've
designed to make it match as close to
Windows as possible so of course over
here in the settings I mean this is like
if you showed this to somebody random
they probably think yeah God damn this
is like Windows 11 but it's not it's
just lunix when you neo fetch which they
built in it's Windows auntu like it
literally has Windows and everything
attached to it it's like it's so un it's
so weirdly faithful it's not even funny
now of course you can see that it's
running on the 5.15 Linux kernel and
obviously it uses the app system so it
is pretty much just a buntu in of itself
obviously with the flavor of wuntu
Applied on top of it now the problem
with an operating system like this is
ultimately it leads to bad understanding
of Linux Linux is a different operating
system than Windows what somebody's
going to do is they're going to open up
something like if they want to download
say the brave browser right they're
going to go to Brave download they're
going to go to download for free over
here get Brave and of course it's going
to lead to Linux so somebody may not
understand how this stuff necessarily
works but again to show you an idea what
they've done with this actual operating
system is they have bundled something
known as wine within it which is the uh
compatibility layer that allows you to
run Windows exe files so to give you
guys like that rough idea I've got a few
installs like exe files and again to
show you because it comes bundled with
wine all you have to do is click the exe
file and it builds the directory first
and it starts whine so again you have to
only do this like once for an installer
and most Windows applications generally
work underneath this now obviously if
you're using something like Premiere Pro
or like some massive software
that probably won't fly by real well but
obviously in a general sense it'll work
relatively well and obviously you can
fire up things like steam as well too so
give it a minute just so it downloads
and prepares this look at that it's
actually installing like the windows
version and of course like you can
install like the windows version of like
steam right over here finish that and
it's actually going to launch the
windows version of steam now of course
you wouldn't want to do this because
you're underneath Linux you want the
Linux version of steam so you can
install things like proton that allow
you to play those big Linux games on
your actual system this is not going to
work as good as you think and obviously
for somebody who downloads this and they
think maybe I can get like that Windows
gaming computer but Linux all for free
this is not the way to do it again
obviously I know you guys watching this
are smarter than the average Andy but
this is for somebody that looks at this
and thinks it might actually be good if
there's like an influencer that makes a
video on this and passes it off as it's
good and real and totally kosher that's
never going to be okay now as all of
that is installing the the other feature
that this basically gave was co-pilot
which is not the same like AI tool that
is in Windows 11 I mean it is but what
they've done is basically they've made
it like a little web page that you open
up and you can basically play around
with Microsoft's co-pilot AI so instead
of it like basically sliding in from the
right it just opens up a little web page
that you can access co-pilot and mess
around with things on now obviously all
of these things are tiny little Boons
that you've been given just to like make
this look like Windows but at the end of
the day it is just a Linux system so
obviously you know you've got the
browsers installed and if we open up
Brave browser on PC or the windows
version of it it works pretty much fine
underneath Linux anyways now you might
be like muda could I actually game on
this you absolutely can game on this if
you wanted to uh literally it's possible
to game underneath this it's just
another version of Linux it's like much
like Arch much like mangaro all you need
is steam wine the necessary applications
and you can run like games underneath
this now the at the end of the day is
this worth trusting that's a story we
need to now dive into now earlier in
this when we were looking through its
wallpapers I told you to remember the
name Linux FX now at this moment in time
there was a writeup done by a website
known as kernel. euu which actually
talked about something known as Linux FX
so dumping the customers a Windows like
Dro including the spyware and activation
Linux FS is a Brazilian software company
run by skids or script kitties their
primary product is an operating system
called Linux FX which is a Microsoft
Windows 11 clone that also clones the
spyware and activation features the
company claims over 1 million users
worldwide and over 15,000 downloads this
week so like I showed you the wuntu had
45,000 downloads in a week but like six
reviews makes no sense absolutely botted
so of course course what they did was
they actually started looking through
the uh database within it and they had
found out that basically they downloaded
the FX Boot and then they launched and
they monitored for MySQL connections
using these terminal commands and after
opening the Linux FX activation client
they had an activation for their
professional $35 key they get the
following output and then of course they
had dumped what it actually happened
over here at the database and they had
found out that the machine table
contains the metadata for all
installations that have phoned home for
the first time it contains the IP
address there's only over 20,000 entries
in this file a far cry from the 1
million number so obviously the question
here is if a company like this is lying
about very basic metrics like that then
what are they also lying about in this
situation that we don't know of and
obviously if you go to the Linux FX page
which is still available they've got a
professional key by the way also for $35
one that I would not buy you shouldn't
be buying Linux distributions like this
they don't even give up any of the
actual source code appropriated with it
it's just a windows clone that they've
made to just capitalize on people that
want that on their computer that you
know let's say somebody that wants
Windows 11 and they don't have the
computer for it or something they have
made this like version of Windows this
Windows look alike that might fool the
average Andy but trust me I have no idea
how they've gotten by without Act
touching a lawsuit what's even funnier
is when you go into like the wuntu like
discussion over here it's got 89 topics
so it is like actually pretty active
like there are people talking as of this
week so interestingly when somebody
known as Victor Escobar asked them about
their relationship with Linux FX listen
to this right here what is the Project's
relationship if any it seems like they
cloned your website wuntu is a Linux FS
based operating system that contains all
the themes and looks similar to Windows
10
uh or or sorry 11 if you use plasma is
it a Rebrand or a whole new project no W
buntu uses Windows theme Linux FS uses