Twister OS
 |
| Developer | Pi Labs |
|---|---|
| OS family | Unix-like |
| Working state | Current |
| Source model | Open-source |
| Platforms | ARM (Raspberry Pi, RK3399), x86-64 |
| Kernel type | Monolithic (Linux) |
| Userland | GNU |
| Influenced by | Raspberry Pi OS, Armbian |
| Default user interface | Xfce |
| License | Various (Free software, some proprietary) |
| Official website | twisteros |
Twister OS is a Linux-based operating system developed by Pi Labs for the Raspberry Pi series of single-board computers. A version for x86-64-based personal computers was released shortly after the initial Raspberry Pi release.[1] The operating system is based on Raspberry Pi OS Lite and uses the Xfce desktop environment.[2]
Twister OS is intended to provide a general-purpose computing experience with a visual style that evokes familiarity with other operating systems. It includes themes that resemble those of various versions of Microsoft Windows and macOS. Variants of Twister OS have been developed for different hardware platforms, including ARM-based systems with RK3399 processors.
Features
[edit]Twister OS includes multiple desktop themes designed to replicate the appearance of Windows 95, XP, 7, 10, and 11, as well as macOS-inspired themes such as iTwister and iTwister Sur.[2] Most themes include optional dark modes. The system also includes a custom "Twister OS" theme.
The distribution includes compatibility tools such as:
- Box86, an emulator that allows the execution of x86 Linux applications on ARM devices.[3][4]
- Wine, a compatibility layer that enables the execution of Windows applications on Linux systems.[1][2]
- CommanderPi, a system utility for hardware monitoring and overclocking.[5]
Variants
[edit]Twister OS is available in multiple versions tailored to different hardware configurations and use cases:[6]
Twister OS
[edit]The standard version targeting ARM-based single-board computers with 64-bit BCM27xx processors like the Raspberry Pi 4/400 and 5/500. Includes all features, themes, and bundled utilities.
Twister OS Armbian
[edit]This version targets ARM-based single-board computers based on the Armbian framework, such as the Rock Pi 4B/4C and the Odroid N2/N2+. It comes preinstalled on select devices.[7][8]
Twister UI
[edit]Designed for x86-64 systems, Twister UI is not a standalone operating system but a customization layer applied to existing installations of Linux Mint (Xfce) or Xubuntu. It provides the same desktop themes and visual enhancements as Twister OS.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Twister OS". twisteros.com. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
- ^ a b c Fromaget, Patrick (November 7, 2020). "Looking for the Best Raspberry Pi System? Try Twister OS". Raspberry Tips. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
- ^ "Box86 Continues Quest For Running x86 Linux Programs On ARM, Other Archs – Phoronix". Phoronix. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
- ^ Schaaf, Tobias. "Linux Gaming: Box86 – A New x86 Emulator for ODROIDs". ODROID Magazine. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
- ^ "Commander Pi | Single-Board Computers". Retrieved May 3, 2021.
- ^ "Downloads". Twister OS by Pi Labs. March 5, 2025. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
- ^ How to install en set up Armbian Reforged on your RK3399 / Twister OS, November 23, 2020, retrieved May 3, 2021
- ^ "Rock Pi SBCs move to 2 GHz RK3399 and toss in free eMMC". LinuxGizmos.com. May 22, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
- ^ Twister UI. How to install on your Laptop or PC. Linux XFCE 20.10., October 28, 2020, retrieved May 3, 2021