The "Activate Windows" watermark ported to Linux... because... why not?

"Go to Settings to activate Linux."

The 2022 edition of “Linux Sucks” is now available to watch for all Lunduke Journal subscribers! Which, luckily, is crazy cheap (and loaded with other perks).

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One enterprising developer (known as “MrGlockenspiel”) has created an implementation of the “Activate Windows” watermark (you know… that little message on the bottom right hand corner of the screen in un-Activated copies of Microsoft Windows)… for Linux.

Seriously.

Check it out:

Here’s a zoomed in shot:

The GitHub repository for the “activate-linux” project opens with a simple, but appropriate, quote:

"Science isn't about WHY. It's about WHY NOT. Why is so much of our science dangerous? Why not marry safe science if you love it so much. In fact, why not invent a special safety door that won't hit you on the butt on the way out, because you are fired." — Cave Johnson (Portal 2)

And, of course, in true Linux style… it’s customizable with a series of command line options. So you can set the scaling, color, and text of the message to suit your needs.

Which means… you could make it closely match the actual Windows watermark… or turn it into something more snarky. The power is yours.

Pro tip: Combine this project with our previously covered ways to make Linux look exactly like Windows XP… for a truly authentic experience.

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The 2022 edition of “Linux Sucks” is now available to watch for all Lunduke Journal subscribers! Which, luckily, is crazy cheap (and loaded with other perks).