ReactOS Delivers Massive Networking Boost: Open-Source Windows Clone Gains Momentum in 2026

**ReactOS** is a **free and open-source operating system** designed to be binary compatible with Windows NT applications and drivers[6]. Rather than a traditional company, ReactOS is a community-driven project that aims to create a legal alternative to Windows by writing code from scratch without reusing Microsoft's proprietary code[4]. ## History and Origins The project traces its roots to 1996 when a group called FreeWin95 attempted to create a Windows 95 clone[1]. After the project stalled due to design disagreements, it was revived in 1998 under the new name ReactOS—a term coined during an IRC chat reflecting the developers' "dissatisfaction inspired reaction to Microsoft's monopolistic position"[1]. The **ReactOS Foundation** was formally established on June 5, 2002, in Saransk, Russia, serving as the administrative and logistical support body for the project[2]. However, the foundation was dissolved in 2015, though a registered German charity, ReactOS Deutschland e.V., continues supporting the initiative[2]. ## Current Status and Development As of October 2025, ReactOS remains **feature-incomplete alpha software**, with developers claiming approximately 93.8% completion[1][4]. The project is primarily written in C, with components like File Explorer developed in C++ and minor assembly code[3]. An internal source code audit was conducted to ensure only clean room reverse engineering was used, with all developers required to sign compliance agreements[1]. ## Notable Aspects ReactOS relies on Wine for Windows NT kernel compatibility, making it suitable for running legacy Windows applications[4]. The project has attracted consistent community interest, evidenced by a successful 2014 Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign that raised $25,141[1]. While still considered experimental and occasionally buggy, ReactOS represents a significant ongoing

**Phoronix** is a leading independent media company founded by Michael Larabel in June 2004, specializing in Linux hardware reviews, performance benchmarking, and open-source software news, attracting over 250 million annual hits.[1][2][3] Initially launched as Phoronix.com to address poor Linux hardware compatibility—such as USB peripherals on distributions like Mandrake and MEPIS—the site evolved from basic "does it work?" tests to in-depth performance analysis, graphics driver comparisons (e.g., Mesa 3D vs. AMD/NVIDIA proprietary drivers), and coverage of OS like Ubuntu, Fedora, and SUSE.[1][2] By 2005, it expanded to Linux kernel development, product reviews, interviews, and FOSS insights, adding forums in 2006 and a full redesign in 2007 that included Solaris content.[1] Larabel, owner and editor-in-chief, credits its success to filling a void in reliable Linux benchmarking data, unlike Windows' polished tools.[2][3] A cornerstone achievement is the **Phoronix Test Suite (PTS)**, first publicly released in June 2008 with 57 tests across 23 suites for audio/video encoding, kernel compilation, and OpenGL games like *Doom 3* and *Nexuiz*.[1] Now supporting over 220 test profiles and 60 suites via XML architecture, PTS integrates **OpenBenchmarking.org** (launched 2011) for global result sharing and granular OS/driver comparisons, plus **Phoromatic** for private enterprise deployments.[1][2] These tools revolutionized Linux testing, engaging vendors and enabling automated, reproducible benchmarks.[2] Today, **Phoronix Media** remains the premier source for original Linux hardware content, graphics driver intel, and tech analysis, operating under Larabel's full-time leadership without corporate backing.[2][3] Its ad-supported model sustains high-traffic, unbiased reporting, makin