Xandros 2.5 Business Edition: A Windows Killer? 23
An anonymous reader writes "Flexbeta reviews Xandros Business Desktop 2.5 which is aimed directly at Microsoft Windows users who want to run a Linux Distribution within a mixed network, especially networks based around a Microsoft Windows Domain Controller or Active Directory Server. What makes this latest version of Xandros a Windows killer? Apart from the networking capabilities, Xandros also features drag and drop CD burning as well as Crossover Office 3, letting you run MS Office and Internet Explorer."
Windows killer? For what market? (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Looks good overall, but... (Score:2, Insightful)
I think the inclusion of Crossover is more of a proof of concept thing, though. It's mainly there to get Windows users interested.
Re:Ummmm... $$$ for Downloads? Not so Killer anymo (Score:4, Insightful)
Also, if you are running an MS OS on many thousands of computers, you have no choice if MS suddenly decides to charge $1000 per copy per year for a business version of Windows. If they didn't have to compete with Linux and Mac, this would be a distinct possibility. At least Xandros has no way to lock you in, given that it's compatible with almost all other Linux distros.
Re:Ummmm... $$$ for Downloads? Not so Killer anymo (Score:4, Insightful)
Well, it may sound like a troll, but 'its not windows' is a fair answer. There are certain companies that specifically want non-windows workstations(in part or in their entire enterprise).They don't mind paying money.
Besides, TCO of Windows, when including Office and subscriptions to AV software, can, in the right situation(not needing to retrain your staff if they are already knowledgable, for instance) can be much higher. It all depends on the company, the needs and the assets. Paying 130 bucks per seat for an OS, but saving X because it was Xandros and not Windows, can be well worth it.
Again, it all depends on the situation
Re:Of all the distros I've tried... (Score:2, Insightful)
My Gawd! I never want something emailed to me automatically do anything.