The free operating system built in Rust, Redox OS, has managed to run the Xfce desktop, leaving the unstable MATE behind. The community celebrates this as a step towards a real alternative to Windows or Linux. However, for the average citizen looking to move away from commercial systems, the reality is different: the system remains unusable for daily tasks. Manually compiling drivers and the lack of support for commercial hardware are barriers not mentioned in the triumphant announcements.
The gap between the desktop and everyday office work 🖥️
Technically, porting Xfce to Redox OS means the system can handle windows, menus, and a basic file manager. But the good news ends here. The Rust kernel still does not offer stable drivers for 3D graphics, audio, or wireless networks. This means that, although the desktop looks clean, the user will not be able to play a YouTube video, connect a USB printer, or use an office suite like LibreOffice without facing crashes. The reality is that the project, after years of development, remains an academic laboratory for Rust enthusiasts, not a tool for the average citizen.
The prettiest desktop for doing nothing 🚗
Redox OS now has a desktop that looks good, almost like Linux. The problem is that, when you open it, you realize it is like having a Ferrari without an engine: plenty of shine, but you are not leaving the garage. The user who downloads the ISO expecting an alternative to Windows will find a system that asks them to compile their own WiFi driver while the browser (if they manage to install it) stays blank. A technical advancement that developers sell as great news to attract donations, but in practice only serves to make Rust fans feel good looking at an empty Xfce panel.