| Seven Linux distros fight over one old ThinkPad: Xandros snapshot |
(Oct. 5, 2006)
Xandros Desktop Home Edition, Version 4
Distro overview
Xandros Desktop 4 is touted as a beginner-friendly distribution with a customized version of KDE and a host of intuitive desktop utilities designed to ease migration from Windows to Linux. Xandros says its Debian-based Linux desktop combines highly regarded open source technologies with a corporate attention to completeness, usability, and support. Based in Ottawa, Xandros's team includes the developers and architects of the first major commercial Linux desktop: Corel Linux OS, which was the foundation for this distribution.
Observations
Pro's:- Everything works
- Good selection of preinstalled apps, with additional ones (both free and commmercial/proprietary) readily available, via the Xandros Networks downloader/installer/updater tool
- Optionally available with CrossOver Office (for a higher price)
Con's:- Commercial, must be bought
- Will OS/app updates and app downloads continue to be available without having to pay additional fees?
- Some "standard" apps are rebranded; this always annoys me!
- USB mouse loses sync after idle periods
Screenshots
Xandros's default desktop
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System configuration tool
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System administration settings
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Xandros Networks app downloader/installer/updater works well...
but does the meter eventually run out of nickels?
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System update status
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Xandros paranoia window warns, annoys
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My Xandros desktop, just the way I like it
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Scorecard
| Xandros Scorecard | | Installation | 5 points | | Customizable | 5 points | | Hardware/multimedia support | 4.5 points | | Apps included/available | 4.5 points | | Total: | 19 points |
Bottom line
This is truly an excellent low-end commercial distro, and one that I'd heartily recommend to anyone starting out on Linux, especially in a business environment. However, for the purpose of this project -- upgrading an old laptop to use as a spare system -- I prefer sticking with a "free" distro.
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