Xandros Linux Desktop OS 3.0 Deluxe Edition review:5 stars (Driving to a Friendlier Linux) - LinuxÂ# has been portrayed as a "nerd's only" Operating System. XandrosÂ# LinuxÂ# has proven wrong that assumption. From the moment you put the CD-ROM on the drive, there are few and simple instructions to follow. The process is very user friendly. Once installed there is little grief for the programs used regularly on WindowsÂ#, since Cross Over Office runs the most popular programs.
Besides the novelty of loading a new OS, I get the tranquility of a virus free, spy ware free, environment and a safe heaven for my data.
2 stars (Cheap version of a Mac Computer) - A linux that tries to look like Windows, save your money and buy a real MAC.5 stars (LOTS of bang for your buck, secure, easy to install OS) - I have been using Xandros 3.0 Deluxe Edition for about two months on my laptop computer (an HP Pavilion dv1130us), and yesterday I installed it on my old desktop (HP Pavilion 4535) and I would like to share my experiences on using the OS.
EASE OF INSTALL
Xandros is very easy to install. Just put the install CD in, and the computer will boot from the CD (older computers may need a boot floppy). Within a minute or two, the main installation screen will show up. You have the option of allowing Xandros to take over the entire hard disk (which would make one partition), take over a partition (this also allows you to make a dual-boot system with either another Linux distro like Linspire or a Windows OS), and make a new partition (if you want to make a dual-boot system but have only one partition). Next, Xandros will ask you to choose what kind of installation. I always choose complete/full installation (because I can...lol). Then you will
give the computer a name, and you will also enter in a password for the administrator (a password is mandatory, and I think that helps greatly in making Xandros a secure OS). Next, just kick back as Xandros installs on the hard drive. Once the install is complete, the CD will eject and you press enter to restart the computer. Xandros is very easy to install.
EASE OF ADDING NEW SOFTWARE
Included with Xandros 3.0 Deluxe Edition is a second CD, the
"applications" CD. This CD includes extra applications such as the kernel sources (which were necessary when it came to getting my winmodem recognized), gcc 3.3.4 (also necessary for the winmodem installation), educational software, games (Frozen Bubble is very addictive), and so on. You install these applications by double-clicking on the Xandros Networks icon on the desktop (you can also access XN from Xandros' Launch button, which is similar to Windows' Start button). Next, you insert the applications CD and then go to XN and click on Set Applications Sources, and you highlight the CD option. Then you choose what you want to install, and Xandros will install it automatically. You may have heard of something similar called Click N Run by Linspire. XN is similar to CNR in concept, but while you have to pay $50 per year to even JOIN CNR, XN is absolutely free to join. You can also allow XN to use the XN online site as the
applications source. Keep in mind that not all programs offered on XN are free as some require you to subscribe to the XN Premium Service.
EASE OF CONFIGURING HARDWARE
This is where newbies will probably falter with a Linux distro. I was no better at first, but luckily I found a site called linmodems.org which happens to have a mailing list. The guys there were extremely helpful in getting my laptop winmodem (a Conexant chipset) working, and I also found a way to get it working at the full 56k without having to pay Linuxant fifteen dollars for 56k functionality. Before I installed the Linuxant drivers, I had to install the kernel headers by using the kernel
sources (which are provided on the applications CD) and the gcc
program. If you want to add extra programs yourself, the kernel sources and gcc are MUSTS. The linmodems.org guys helped me throughout it. However, all my other hardware was automatically detected and configured by Xandros itself! My laptop soundcard works perfectly with no help from me! My laptop mousepad works perfectly! It works as if I were still under Windows. My LCD display looks great under Xandros. On the desktop, it was VERY easy to set up my external serial modem. All I had to do is create a symbolic link which links /dev/ttyS0 (where my modem is located) to /dev/modem. The modem speed is fantastic (for a dial-up modem, of course) under Xandros.
ONLINE CAPABILITIES
Once I got my winmodem and my serial modem working under Xandros, I had to get online. My default web browser is the Mozilla Suite (it is provided on the applications CD). It works just like the Windows version with tabbed browsing, extensions, pop-up manager, and so on. It is also easy to check email by entering my pop3 and smtp info. Also included on the Applications CD is Ximian Evolution, which is similar to Microsoft Outlook.
OFFICE SOFTWARE
My Xandros distro comes with two office suites. OpenOffice is the most widely-used office suite on Linux, as it is compatible with Microsoft Office files...even power point presentations! Also included with Xandros 3.0 Deluxe is Crossover Office. This allows you to install Microsoft Office on Xandros, as Crossover Office is essentially a souped-up version of a Windows emulator called WINE. I haven't tested out Crossover Office, but I do like the look and feel of OpenOffice.
GAMES
What OS would be complete without games? Even Windows comes with games. Xandros has a LOT of games that comes with the basic OS, and even more can be installed from the applications CD and from the XN server. Xandros 3.0 Deluxe included arcade games (including the aforementioned Frozen Bubble [similar to the Bust A Move/Puzzle Bobble series on game consoles], a Tetris clone, an Asteroids clone, a Galaga/Galaxian clone, a miniature golf game, and a Tron light cycles clone), educational games (Hangman, Math Tutor, and so on), card games (Solitaire and Video Poker), board games (like Mahjjonf), and kids games (like PotatoGuy, a clone of Mr. Potato Head which also includes a fish and a penguin). Like I said, even more games are available on the XN server (I installed TuxRacer from the XN server, and it's fun), and since Xandros
is Debian-based, you can install additional games not available on XN (although some games may be incompatible with Xandros and could mess your system up).
HOW XANDROS COMPARES TO WINDOWS
Even a blind man could see that there are lots more Windows programs available for install compared to those available for Linux distros. However, these days Windows is prone to spyware, adware, and annoying Trojan horses and viruses. Xandros operates just like Windows (except when you have to use the Console to install tarballs and for other stuff), but I feel that Xandros is more secure with its security measures. You can also buy an antivirus program from XN for a nominal price. Xandros even comes with a firewall!
COST OF XANDROS VS. COST OF WINDOWS
As you know, when you buy a new computer, it usually has Windows XP (soon to be Longhorn) pre-installed. Not everybody realizes that approximately $200 of the retail value of the computer is the price of Windows. Also keep in mind that Microsoft's licensing allows one copy of Windows to be installed on only one computer. Technically, if you own five computers and want to install Windows on all five, the license requires you to buy FIVE SEPARATE COPIES of Windows. With Xandros 3.0 Deluxe, the license allows you to install Xandros on as many computers as you like. Want Microsoft Office? It's $500! Want to install Microsoft Office on five computers? You have to buy five SEPARATE copies of MS Office! That's $2,500! Want OpenOffice? It comes free with Xandros. Want to install OpenOffice on five computers? It's still free! So if you want to install Windows and MS Office on five computers, the aforementioned Microsoft software alone will cost you $3,500. But if you want to install Xandros and OpenOffice on the same five computers, all it will cost you is the nominal cost of the Xandros 3.0 Deluxe OS.
CONCLUSION
In closing, I find Xandros 3.0 Deluxe Edition to be a "lots of bang for your buck" OS with an easy install, the cost savings of a Linux environment, easy installation of additional software, the functionality of a Windows-like GUI, and the adware-free, spyware-free security you would expect from a Linux system. Just remember the golden rule : When in doubt, always ask. Xandros is my distro of choice right now. Xandros 3.0 Deluxe Edition is definitely a FIVE-STAR SYSTEM! |
