An anonymous reader writes "Xandros is now shipping version 2 of their Desktop Linux distro and it's also possible to purchase a download version. Based on Debian (sarge), KDE 3.1.4, 2.4.22 kernel. Cool CD burning is integrated into the Xandros File manager. Screenshots are here."
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Being primarily a Mac user and hence a whore for pretty interfaces (or really bare interfaces, like the GNUstep [gnustep.org] interface I use on my linux box), the first thing that came to mind is that Xandros has done a once-over on KDE almost like Ximian did for Gnome. Their theme isn't quite as lickably pretty as Industrial, but it's close, and it looks like they've certainly managed to at least even with them in terms of integration (well, sans the customized OpenOffice which is one of the key perks of Ximian).
looks like they're copying Windows as much as possible, which isn't a bad thing for making people more comfortable with switching, but things like the Xandros logo running up the start menu are just an annoying waste of space (imo). Also I don't like the small Windows-style taskbar, but the other screenshots looked quite nice and clean.
... is the native Plastik [kde-look.org] theme that comes with KDE 3.2. (Tip of the day: for added prettiness, set Nimbus Sans L as your default font. Then watch people gape and go 'ooooh!'). None of Xandros' doing, although their choosing it certainly sounds like a proof of good taste.
>... the customized OpenOffice which is one of the key perks of Ximian
(well, sans the customized OpenOffice which is one of the key perks of Ximian)
This one makes no sense because they are using debian sarge as their base. Debian Sarge does implement all of the ximian patches into its openoffice.org version. Why would Xandros not include the Debian Sarge version since those patches, although adds little functionality to Openoffice.org, does make it seem quite a bit easier to run because of all of the prety butans.
by Anonymous Coward writes:
on Tuesday December 16, 2003 @05:54PM (#7740064)
XANDROS DESKTOP OS VERSION 2 NOW SHIPPING
"Don't compare Xandros with Windows, compare Windows with Xandros!"
New York, December 16th, 2003 - Xandros, Inc., the leading developer of easy-to-use Linux solutions for the desktop market, today announced the general availability of version 2 of the Xandros Desktop OS. With a strong user focus, Xandros Desktop 2 offers an intuitive, elegant, graphical environment that installs with four clicks of a mouse. Xandros Desktop 2 provides industry-leading integration with Microsoft Windows programs and networks, plus new usability enhancements such as drag-and-drop CD burning in Xandros File Manager.
Outstanding features in Xandros Desktop 2 include:
*
Four-click installation with automatic disk partitioning
*
Industry-leading hardware detection & configuration
*
Drag-and-drop CD burning in Xandros File Manager
*
Ability to run Microsoft Office and other key Windows programs (Deluxe only)
*
Seamless sharing of files and resources on Windows networks
*
Single-click access to a huge inventory of free Linux software
This all-new creation from the Xandros engineering team takes desktop computing to a new level of elegance and ease of use. "Don't compare Xandros with Windows, compare Windows with Xandros!" said Erwin Zijleman, beta tester and co-author of Corel Linux For Dummies. "Windows installation is easy, but installation of Xandros is even easier and a lot faster. Just insert the CD, boot your system, answer a couple of very easy questions and you've got a fast and stable multi-user operating system waiting for you in less than 15 minutes! I was then able to browse the Internet, send e-mail messages and listen to music, just by providing a couple of simple responses to the Xandros wizards. Is that impressive, or what?"
Erwin's experience highlights the fact that the Xandros engineering and quality assurance teams go to great lengths to assure that Xandros users enjoy a seamless, trouble-free desktop experience. "The Xandros team fixes bugs and makes sure that things work the way they should, whether the bug is in our own code or that of any other project included in the Xandros Desktop," says Ming Poon, VP of Software Development. "We want to make sure that our users have the best desktop experience."
Based on the "Sarge" version of Debian GNU/Linux, version 2 of the Xandros Desktop OS assures stability and security, along with the freedom that an open environment provides. The new release employs a Xandros-enhanced KDE 3.1.4 and an underlying 2.4.22 Linux kernel. For full product details please see www.xandros.com/products.html
NOW SHIPPING Xandros Desktop OS Version 2 is available directly from the Xandros online store December 16th at www.xandros.com/shopping as well as from software retailers. The Deluxe Edition of Xandros Desktop OS carries a suggested retail price of USD $89.00. It includes a special Xandros edition of CrossOver Office 2.1 which lets you run Microsoft Office and other key Windows software, CrossOver Plugin to expand your Linux web browsing experience, the ability to allocate install space from a Windows XP (NTFS) partition, a 350 page User Guide (boxed version only), Disc 2 with bonus applications, games, and tools, and 60 days of e-mail support.
The recommended retail price for the Standard Edition, without the above mentioned Deluxe features and with 30 days of e-mail support, is USD $39.95.
DOWNLOADS AND UPGRADES AT XANDROS.COM Users with high-speed connections can purchase and download both the Deluxe and Standard editions of Xandros Desktop 2 at www.xandros.com/. Current registered users of version 1.x of the Xandros Desktop OS can take advantage of limited-time upgrade offers available at the Xandros web site.
[Enter Troll Mode] "Four-click installation with automatic disk partitioning" No install options
"Industry-leading hardware detection & configuration" We only detect the industry leading hardware
"Drag-and-drop CD burning in Xandros File Manager" No options when burning CDs
"Ability to run Microsoft Office and other key Windows programs (Deluxe only)" Runs some windows apps, but slow
"Seamless sharing of files and resources on Windows networks" Arp your windows network like a rabbid dog
"Single-click access to a huge inventory of free Linux software" Chose from a huge inventory of free text editors.
[Exit Troll Mode]
No install options
This is a good thing for people who want to install a working desktop OS.
We only detect the industry leading hardware
I'd imagine it'll only be better than the last version they released, which was already quite good.
No options when burning CDs
Adding convenience doesn't always take away advanced features. xcdroast is only an apt-get away as well as cdrecord, or whatever your tool of choice is. But guess what, both are horribly over-complicated and I'll use CD Bake Oven any day over them.
Runs some windows apps, but slow It's WINE/Crossover - who said it'd be slow?
Arp your windows network like a rabbid dog And Windows doesn't?
Chose from a huge inventory of free text editors. It's freaking Debian under the hood. That means thousands of everything available at just a few clicks.
Admittedly, you did indicate you were "entering troll mode," but you really think you're being some kind of valuable devil's advocate. Instead, you're just being misinformed and using/. as a soapbox to spread that misinformation as far as possible. Just accept that this isn't the distro for you and acknowledge it for what it is - a good desktop that really is useful to everyone else.
-N
(Full disclosure: I was part of the beta test, but am not an employee or developer associated with Xandros)
The installer is actually quite comprehensive, but the complexity is optional -- you either do the four click install, or you divert into optional choices should you dare, like partitioning and whatnot.
As far as only supporting industry-leading hardware, I have a small pile of old HP 4150a Omnibooks laying around, and they couldn't boot the Xandros installer due to a BIOS bug (LindowsOS has the same problem, by the way.) Whereas the LindowsOS people took no interest in helping me solve the problem with my PAID copy, the Xandros folks solved the problem in time for this release. My relatively ancient laptops are now supported*.
*except for sound, which no Linux distribution supports without the Open Sound System proprietary drivers.
Wtf is it with clicks? Why is a one click system better than a 9 click system? The more clicks you have the more options you're toggling and thus the greater configurability and power you have. The only way to get similar flexability out of a one click system is to put 200 buttons on one screen, and then you can't find anything. Sorry, clicking through a hierarchical decision tree is much better. Though a CLI is much better still.
My experience with the first release was not all that amazing, I found them to be trying to emulate windows xp, very shabbly.
I also tried other distros and got a similar feel, for example Licoris in Lindows.
On the otherhand I tried Mepis linux recently and I found that despite being newbie friendly (I'm a linux newbie so I can speak with authority here) it remains very polished and simple to use, without trying to exactly copy winxp and failing.
it's the trend now to be like windows. people use windows. that's a fact. people are probably more willing to buy something that mimics windows. we live in a windows world. face it.
My thoughts exactly. If you're going to go through the trouble of making Linux look just like Windows, why not just use Windows?
We should not repeat the mistakes that others have made. If we follow that rule, it is logical to think that Linux should have window managers and desktops the do NOT look exactly like Windows, right down to the parts of the interface that should be discarded.
Making it look like Windows is quite different from running Windows. We're talking about gui versus the engine running in the background.
Making it look like Windows, you make it easier for Windows people to transition while losing the vulnerability and license restrictions of Microsoft world.
Besides, what's really bad about the Windows gui interface?
I too am very happy with Mepis Linux. The only annoyance with it that I've run across is that it seems like the ATI Radeon drivers (for their more recent cards, like the 9700 and 9800) fail to work. I know it's challenging to make them work on a standard Debian install, let alone one with a customized kernel.
by Anonymous Coward writes:
on Tuesday December 16, 2003 @05:56PM (#7740087)
...I do hope that they do a bit of *marketing* for their product, I mean I hope they try to get people to know they exist. Crap, it always blew me away that so many companies put out a Linux distro, do absolutely zero marketing and then wonder why they can't sell their product or even get people to acknowledge they exist.
Do they even show up to their local LUG? That would be a start...
"We have this new version of Linux. It's based on Debian with KDE..... and it works just like Windows! Now you can have Windows without Microsoft!"
"Why would we want Windows?"
Most avid Linux users don't want a Linux that's just like windows, they want Linux. The point of this distro is to pull in people who like windows, but wanna try linux.
"Most avid Linux users don't want a Linux that's just like windows, they want Linux. The point of this distro is to pull in people who like windows, but wanna try linux."
You're assuming that LUGs only have "avid" Linux users. They might have a lot of newbies who aren't looking for the hardcore Linux experience. These people might just be interested in alternatives, and if something slick is available, they might give it a try.
The only way I could see the analogy of "Window without Microsoft" being reas
What gives you the idea that Lindows is based off of Xandros? Lindows is based on Debian, Xandros is also based on Debian, that is as close as the 2 meet.
Xandros is based on Debian yes.. but Lindows has its roots in Xandros and Codeweavers.. although I think their relationship is not what you would call stable at the moment.. but now Robertson needs something again...
See Lindows history timeline here [phatvibez.net]
as quoted: Xandros (the distro Lindows is based off of, which was bought from Corel, which is based on Debian...)
Since the beta-period is over, I can say that I was a beta tester for Xandros 2.0, so I've had some first-hand experience with 2.0 already.
Is it usable? Very much so. I can't think of very many distro's, including Debian itself, that allow me to plug in a USB stick and instantly get a file manager window ala Windows XP.
In terms of fixing broken parts, if you can work your way around Debian, Xandros is very similar to the guts of Debian. You can use apt-get if you want to repair or upgrade the OS's packages or you can use Xandros Networks which is a front-end to apt-get but without all the geeky command-line extras. Pretty much everything is still in the same place. They still use the standard *NIX file system keeping the config files in/etc, keeping the binaries in/bin or/usr/bin. So all the geek stuff is still there. Xandros just puts a nice streamlined GUI on top of it all.
But thats enough geeking. Xandros is really for those who want to switch from Windows to an alternative OS. I've showed friends Xandros 2.0 Beta and they were pretty amazed. These are people who are e-mail checkers and Yahoo! fans. They all asked me to help get them a copy of Xandros 2.0. It's GUI is easy to follow, everything in the menu is in an organized easy to find place (cept some geeky tools), and their Xandros File Manager is brilliant.
Oh yea, and the installer is not like Debian. If I recall correctly, Debian has a text-based installer that is for geek-eyes only, right? Xandros gives the user a fully-graphical installer that requires them to click the mouse about four times, five tops, wait 10-15minutes, and they've got a fully working Debian-based distro running on their computer. No bells, no whistles. It just works - the installer that is.
So really, was it Xandros Inc's aim to please Linux users or to please Windows-converters and businesses looking to cut costs? As a Linux user, I am pleased at the simplicity of the GUI and the programs. I personally don't care about the latest or greatest - I'm similar to other computer users - I just want it to work. And Xandros 2.0 just works.
The Kodak Easyshare cameras I've seen are USB mass storage devices--you don't really need Kodak's proprietary software in order to get a copy of the pictures from the camera on to your computer. This is probably why you could "surf the cameras [sic] memory in Explorer" and why you will probably be able to do the same thing in any other OS that supports USB mass storage devices. On top of that, gPhoto [gphoto.org] supports many cameras including the Kodak Easyshare DX4900 a
The Easyshare cameras ( I know this cuz I have a CX4230 ) use PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) which is a standard supported by Kodak, Sony, Canon and others to offer standard way for talking to the cameras. This makes it trivial to support new cameras when the come out since you don't have to go thru the trouble of building a driver from scratch.
There's a sourceforge page [sourceforge.net] with more details
But the short of the answer is that it should work fine. Check out the co [gphoto.org]
Windows would fail that test badly. When something breaks in windows, it's so opaque generally the only recourse is to reinstall the entire system. With linux there are man pages, the -h flag, and config files to grep through. Programs actually give you meaningful error messages in linux, and the OS actually keeps a log of what it's doing. None of these things are available in windows, consequently I find windows a lot harder to use than linux.
A 30-day trial version of the Standard Edition of Xandros Desktop 2 will be available for download at www.xandros.com. The retail Standard and Deluxe editions will also be available for download.
I'm interested in Xandros, but there is no way I'm going to pay for a Linux distro I haven't thoroughly run through its paces.
I'm kind of in the same boat. But you'll be happy to know that there will be a 30 day trial version available shortly. I may break down and buy it anyway but I really want to have a look first. Some distributions [lycoris.com] are just disturbing.
No, you're thinking of Lindows. And it's not nearly as bad as you think - they didn't replace the authors' names. All they did is rebrand some of the apps, like gaim became 'Lindows Messenger' if I recall (incidentally, they contribute to the gaim project financially) and OpenOffice.org and some Koffice pieces became Lindows Office (just like Lycoris did). The authors' names are all there - although they may have added some of their own names, which is really ok if they've changed the code at all.
I'm not defending it, I'm just saying, it's not as bad as people make it out to be.
by Anonymous Coward writes:
on Tuesday December 16, 2003 @05:59PM (#7740123)
As a Xandros user for over a year, and a beta tester for this release, I am highly impressed with what Xandros has done to make Linux installation and use both simple and easy for the average computer user.
If you have someone who you want to introduce Linux to, this distro is *it*. Gone are the days of 'Drake being the "newbie distro". I have installed Xandros on computers for people who can't even "cut and paste" without help, and gone for weeks and months without having a phone call from them for tech support. Really, its that easy. It's not for power users, it's the Linux distro that your grandmother can use.
Tear this post up, script kiddies, but I'm right about this...
If there's one thing I would like to see change in the Linux user community, it's the attitude we all sometimes display concerning our favorite distributions. We all have our reasons for using the distributions that we use, and there's no need for us to rip on the choices of others.
Mandrake is still a perfectly good "newbie distro," and one of the things I really like about it is that it has also matured way past being just for newbies. I find Mandrake, even with the recent cd-rom debacle, to be a highly usable, very powerful, and really stable OS now, with all the developer tools I like at my fingertips, too. This in no way detracts from Xandros, Red Hat, Slackware, Debian, Gentoo, LindowsOS, SuSE, or any other distro's quality.
When I mention an OS I like, I try to do so without dissing an OS that I choose not to use. I don't always succeed, but it would be nice to see others at least put forth similar effort.
I'm not trying to troll or be a pain - just trying to understand
I was under the impression that if you created stuff with GPL software you have to make the source available.
I looked at the site- they explain that some parts of xandros are GPL and some are not. But I could not find anywhere that explained what you need to do to get copies of the code for the parts that are under the GPL.
They only have to provide the source to you if they give you binaries. The GPL doesn't state that if I make changes to the source I must give the source to everybody. It states that if I make changes to the source and give it to anybody, I must be give _them_ the source, and all the rights of the GPL.
Minus any of their copywrited material. Truthfully I fail to see the need when you can get the same thing straight from debian without worry of having to remove such stuff. I am sure the valuable part of the os is their own closed source stuff, which is yet another reason to avoid them if you are a Free Software Zealot.
Not to worry and certainly nothing to be embarrassed about... the GPL is a lot less restrictive than it is made out to be. The key to a commercial distro is about the cherry on top, and not the two scoops of ice cream or the hot fudge. They keep to themselves that which isn't in the community at large, or at least which is poorly refined. As I see it that doesn't really amount to much.
The thing that I like the least about Debian based distros is the hiding the debian package management tools. This _is_ why I use debian almost exclusively on all my systems. These distros muck it up with click-n-run or xandros network when the cli or open ncurses and gtk/kde frontends already do the job so well. I may not be their audience though.
My Linux experience so far has been primarily Suse and RH. I've been using RH for about a year now at work and at home a bit. I'm no guru but I'm learning bit by bit.
I always hear about Debian and apt-get but I've never really payed too much attention, because if I understand correctly, they go out and download the packages and install them. I have a dial up at home so that doesn't really work for me.
Are there other advantages to Debian package management that have nothing to do with how you get the
Having used/installed debian over a dialup, updating is really not that bad. I would suggest buying the cd's for sarge(testing) from whatever linux cd vendor you can trust (sorry no experience there) and update via dialup afterword. The power of debians package management is that it looks at package A, resolves it's dependencies, the dependencies dependencies and grabs them all and configures them.
You can set up your own package source on your local system so you can grab all the necissary packages from
Even if you're installing off a set of CDs, apt-get works brilliantly. Just tell it what you want to install, it figures out all the necessary dependencies, and asks you for the CDs it needs.
Of course, upgrading off the net is where it really shines - apt-get update; apt-get install; get a cup of coffee, and if it really needs to know anything before upgrading a package it'll ask you. No tedious hunting for RPMs, no downtime.
Not to worry and certainly nothing to be embarrassed about... the GPL is a lot less restrictive than it is made out to be. The key to a commercial distro is about the cherry on top, and not the two scoops of ice cream or the hot fudge.
I've always thought the commercial distro is more like the tables, chairs, bowls, spoons, napkins and the overworked waitress who cleans up after you.
Getting Linux without a distro is like putting your hands out and having a scoop of icecream dumped in your palms. It's
You have to give the source, or a written offer, valid for at least three years, to provide the source at no more than the cost of media, shipping and handling, to anyone you give a binary to.
Therefore, if the retail version comes with source, they're clear. If it comes with an appropriate written offer (e.g. source available for $10 S&H from this address, $30 if shipping outside the USA), they're clear. If it comes without source, and without an offer, they're not clear.
For that matter, their site claims to offer a 30 day free trial for download, but I couldn't find anything other than a passing reference to that, on their web or ftp site.
Granted, they have crossover office going and some other commercialized apps, so they rightfully should be able to charge for their product, but if they advertise a trial let me check it out. I can tell you right now, even for $30 I won't even give it a look.
They only need to allow access to the source to those people they gave binaries. So unless you bought it that does not include you.
OTH people who bought it, and thus have such, can redistrobute it. BUT only those parts/programmes that are under the GPL, there is some non gpl (and the like) stuff in there afai can tell.
So if they did, they should be careful to strip out the xandros apps, which would be pointless since you just removed what made it xandros.
You only have to give source to the people who you distribute your software to. Since Xandros only distributes their software to paying customers, they only need to distribute the source to paying customers. Of course, said customers can exercize their GPL right to make copies of the source and give that to others.
I was under the impression that if you created stuff with GPL software you have to make the source available... Am I wrong in thinking that this is required?
Yes, you are wrong. Stuff you created "with GPL software" is not required to be licensed under the GPL. Only derivative works that you distribute are required to be licensed under the GPL.
For example you could write an application with Emacs, compile it with GCC, debug it with GDB, and sell it bundled with the same CD as Linux, and not give your
The goal of Xandros is to give the stability of a linux distro with the ease-of-use and familiarity of Windows. That's why it looks the way it does, you can't expect regular people to go into something brand new - you have to give them something familiar.
I'm currently a Mandrake 9.2 user, solidly wedded to KDE, and trying to decide what to upgrade my mother to from Win98. She needs crossover, for sure, but I'm not sure if I should stick with what I know and love ('drake) and just add crossover for her or whether something more integrated like Xandros would be appropriate.
Does it just boil down to whether I want debian or redhat compatibility? (I cant say i'm at all dissatisfied with urpmi, so apt-get isnt all that exciting). Any thoughts?
If your mother is anything like mine, you will be her tech support. What would you rather support? If I were going to saddle my mother with a Linux distrobution I would go for the one that I'm using (unless it's something hidiously newby-unfreidnly). At least I only have to worry about the design choices made by one team.
Yeah, I can see why you'd want to stick to Windows for people you're giving technical support to...
Dude - what the flip are you talking about? The guy said "If I were going to saddle my mother with a Linux distrobution I would go for the one that I'm using"
In my (very limited) experience, Xandros and Lindows aren't worth going for if you're going to set the PC up and you already know Mandrake.
Install Mandrake, carefully tailor it to her needs (so remove all apps that she won't need, add ones she will, clean up the menus, the desktop & the panel appropriately), clean up some of the KDE/GNOME toolbars and menus so they don't confuse her (or install KDE 3.2 beta2;P) and install WINE. There, you have something that is probably better than Xandros and Lindow
I'm currently a Mandrake 9.2 user, solidly wedded to KDE, and trying to decide what to upgrade my mother to from Win98. She needs crossover, for sure, but I'm not sure if I should... just add crossover for her or whether something more integrated like Xandros would be appropriate.... Any thoughts?
SuSE 9.0. It's got the crossover stuff too, but afaics in an extra addon package ( http://www.suse.com/us/private/products/suse_linux/winerack/index.html ). Blindly I'd choose SuSE Pro over any other distro. If
I guess you're a SuSE guy eh? I was going to buy it but I noticed it ships with Gnome 2.2... Is there a SuSE online update that will quickly bring it to Gnome 2.4? I upgraded RedHat 9 from Gnome 2.2 to Gnome 2.4 and it wasn't pretty. Lots of rpm problems and what not. I ended up scrapping it and installing Fedora Core 1.
I downloaded the SuSE 9 FTP ISO image but couldn't get it to install. It never gets past the point of asking me what FTP server to use.
Doh! Its Debian. Helping her find her way around the same disto your using would probably be a lot easier. And not to be preachy (I do a lot of bad things, I'm no preacher) but the fact that Mandrake doesn't only make their distibution available for free, but their software and improvements are free [linux-mandrake.com] too. That really rules.
well...i wouldnt say she's requested linux, but she seems equally afraid of xp, and 98 is just frustrating her to tears with dll hell, windows update constantly (we're in the country...28.8), and she seems unable to avoid spyware and virii..mind you i upped the security on IE, but she's willing to actually download and install things b/c a website or magazine tells her to and i havent been able to persuade her differently.
so linux seems worth a shot. given that i'm expert #10 on mandrakeexpert, i'm well a
As of version 1.1 Xandros didn't support (claimed it wouldn't even install) on a system that was multi-processor, or even on a newer P4 system with Hyperthreading enabled. Any ideas if these issues are addressed in version 2.0?
I can't see a good reason for not having something like that working at this stage in the game.
Mepis doesn't look terribly great, it's true, but it is a Debian variant that's very easy to install, doubles as a Knoppix-style LiveCD, and is quite stable. I enjoy this distro.
The reason I switched to Linux was to avoid dialog boxes written for 5 year olds telling me that I needed to click the obviously-marked buttons below to select the obvious choices.
Maybe this is a great solution for home users who love to be coddled by their operating system, but is it really going to be popular in the Linux community? It even looks just like Windows, and frankly there are far better user interfaces to copy. The last straw though is calling root access administrator access. I hope to god they haven't changed the root login to "Administrator". That's one thing I really don't miss typing.
...back when it was Corel Linux and free. I used 1.0 and didn't see that they'd bothered to change anything aside from updating some of the packages. Version 2 doesn't look like they've made any more major changes. I may as well just install my old ass copy of Corel Linux and run apt-get update on it.
On the contrary, Xandros 2.0 is using KDE3 now... which is a big improvement. Newer version of crossover office, mozilla, XFree86, then the Xandros app integration into it with Xandros File Manager. Xandros Networks has been greatly improved so it works better, is faster, etc.
A revised kernel with a fix for that serious bug is already available; you can download and install it from their apt-get front end the moment you finish installing the OS.:)
A new distro arrives (that's not free for download) and the users of every other distro on the planet show up to bash it. Get over it people. If you don't like Xandros and would rather run Woody or Gentoo then do so. There's no reason to bash Xandros over it.
I too looked at the screen shots and I felt that Xandros has done a great job. The interface is clean, very clean. The menus are straight forward and uncluttered. The configuration utility has basic options up front and an advanced button to access all the less used config options that KDE offers. They made KDE better, addressing most of the issues of a recent OS News article on KDE, without dramatically changing KDE as Red Hat did with Blue Curve (irritating KDE users no end).
Xandros makes adjusting the screen size as simple as sliding a bar, versus manually editing XFree86Config. Sounds like a geat idea to me. They offer drag and drop cd burning versus the command line joys of cdda2wav cdparanoia cdrecord. Sounds great to me.
I see no reason whatsoever to bash Xandros over this release. It doesn't matter that you don't like its Windowsish looks. Do you really intend to stick Mom with a copy of Gentoo? I bet she'd rather the Windowsish look, at least at first. That is unless she's used a Mac and if she has, she ain't gonna think much about Gentoo/Slack/Debian/Mandrake/Xandros or what ever distro YOU think is the cat's pajamas.
First of all, I like gentoo. It suits me fine.
However I'm a techie.
For the rest of the world, computers need to be simple to use. GUIs and friendly interfaces are
a help.
Gentoo has a valid role to play. So does Xandros.
To counter some of the criticisms placed on this site:
It is called Xandros Desktop, not Xandros Server, so no, your SMP machine isn't in the target market. Get over it and find a better suited distro. Even if it did support SMP and
P4 hyperthreading, you would have moved on to
s
Personally I think if your going to be buying a proprietry OS that runs on your current machine why not just stick with Windows XP? Besides ease of use relative to other Truly Free Linux distros the main feature all of these proprietary OS's proclaim is that you can run your Windows apps. Why not stick to the OS that runs all of your apps with zero fuss? Where is the benefit? It's not like XP with proper updates can't be stable and secure.
The main advantage of Linux besides a few technical advantages is th
What Xandros has that other Linux distros lack is my favorite feature in OSX 10.3 and WinXP -- fast user switching. Am I the only Linux user who lives in a house with more people than computers? Sure, it's possible to start X as a different user on a different display, but it's not the kind of thing you can expect a non-zealot to be comfortable with.
I've been trying to figure out the best way to introduce polished fast user switching into Linux, and the best way I can think to do it is at the display manag
Another very sleek distro, based on solid technology and polished to look great for the average user as well. Plus it seems to pack everything you need to get going. Good work!
One gripe, though. Why, oh why do you keep copying the MS "start button/bar" look and functionality? Please get someone who knows about UI design on board and kill it. It is the worst-ever design in that category.
Look at NeXT, or MacOS - those are people who knew what they were doing.
This might sound a lot like a rant, and might be one, but why is it that we're seeing yet another desktop employing the same old tired taskbar metaphor and the same old tired windowing system.
Surely the open source community have the brawn to pull together a talented crew of innovators that can push the envelope in terms of desktop systems, and come up with something that breaks the mold, is not an entirely academic excersize, and has commercial/desktop applicability and (most importantly) usability.
After earlier rants against debian I finally got it installed on intel AND an HPPA Risc box.
I feel I have to say this publically on slashdot as I ranted badly twice against it in public.
The debian website is still bad with all the cross-linked "informative" links outnumbering the "where to get bits from" mostly-broken links. The links to the prizes the debian website won still work but its hard to find them.
Now I have managed ot make the installer install its hard to see how I was getting it wrong, I th
some of the components are proprietary and closed source
For me the most interesting component would be Crossover Office.
I wonder whether some distro (Fedora, Debian, Mandrake, etc) guys couldn't concentrate on getting Wine [winehq.org] to run MS Office (or even only Word) flawlessly and then pass it along with the distro, with a big INSTALL OFFICE icon on the desktop.
I bought Crossover Office [codeweavers.com] myself, because Wine just isn't stable enough for business use for me. But when I thought about it, I suspect the Wine guys
I've installed their 1.0 before. After working with it for a day, uninstalled it and reinstalled Debian. It's good for a typical desktop user that just want their stuff to run, but if you want the latest development package and such, you're pretty much screwed.
Some suggested adding debian apt sources, but the package dependencies don't mix well, and soon, you'll either end up with a broken system or a hybrid that has none of the goods of Xandros.
Actually, I found that you were pretty much screwed even if all you wanted was a more recent Mozilla. For some reason they decided to install WINE and Mozilla in weird locations, and upgrading to a newer Mozilla broke all the plugins which were supposedly one of the benefits of Xandros. I hunted around, but couldn't find and re-enable them.
With WINE, none of the info on the web corresponded to anything in Xandros, and I couldn't work out how to use it. And again, trying to upgrade to the latest version hos
Looks aren't everything! Xandros looks the way it does because the interface is familiar to normal consumers who regularly use Windows already or have seen it, it's easier to get them to use/look at Xandros if they're familiar with what they're seeing already.
Does it perform NTFS resizing? I just checked their webpage, and the "Desktop Standard" version says specifically that NTFS partitions cannot be resized _during_installation_. Perhaps this means that AFTER you've got it installed, you can use the tools to resize those nasty NTFS bits? Doesn't make much sense to me, frankly.
Besides, once something like true NTFS resizing shows up in one distribution, you can bet that it'll soon make appearances in some other major distros.
hehe, hopefully she wont flip out too much when she finds her windows xp replaced
Hahahahah... hahahah... hahahaha
Sorry... I find that very funny. Been there. My wife's computer is running Mandrake 9.2:)... I copied all her bookmarks, e-mail, and desktop files over to Mandrake though and she doesn't even notice a difference really. Spider Solitaire is gone, but she was sick of it anyway and really digs Frozen Bubble and several of those other dumb games that come with Gnome/KDE.
Mmmm.. prety butans (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Mmmm.. prety butans (Score:2)
This pretty interface you see... (Score:5, Informative)
>
Oh is [openoffice.org] it [mff.cuni.cz]?
Re:Mmmm.. prety butans (Score:2)
This one makes no sense because they are using debian sarge as their base. Debian Sarge does implement all of the ximian patches into its openoffice.org version. Why would Xandros not include the Debian Sarge version since those patches, although adds little functionality to Openoffice.org, does make it seem quite a bit easier to run because of all of the prety butans.
Mod up for the anonymous coward! (Score:4, Informative)
"Don't compare Xandros with Windows, compare Windows with Xandros!"
New York, December 16th, 2003 - Xandros, Inc., the leading developer of easy-to-use Linux solutions for the desktop market, today announced the general availability of version 2 of the Xandros Desktop OS. With a strong user focus, Xandros Desktop 2 offers an intuitive, elegant, graphical environment that installs with four clicks of a mouse. Xandros Desktop 2 provides industry-leading integration with Microsoft Windows programs and networks, plus new usability enhancements such as drag-and-drop CD burning in Xandros File Manager.
Outstanding features in Xandros Desktop 2 include:
*
Four-click installation with automatic disk partitioning
*
Industry-leading hardware detection & configuration
*
Drag-and-drop CD burning in Xandros File Manager
*
Ability to run Microsoft Office and other key Windows programs (Deluxe only)
*
Seamless sharing of files and resources on Windows networks
*
Single-click access to a huge inventory of free Linux software
This all-new creation from the Xandros engineering team takes desktop computing to a new level of elegance and ease of use. "Don't compare Xandros with Windows, compare Windows with Xandros!" said Erwin Zijleman, beta tester and co-author of Corel Linux For Dummies. "Windows installation is easy, but installation of Xandros is even easier and a lot faster. Just insert the CD, boot your system, answer a couple of very easy questions and you've got a fast and stable multi-user operating system waiting for you in less than 15 minutes! I was then able to browse the Internet, send e-mail messages and listen to music, just by providing a couple of simple responses to the Xandros wizards. Is that impressive, or what?"
Erwin's experience highlights the fact that the Xandros engineering and quality assurance teams go to great lengths to assure that Xandros users enjoy a seamless, trouble-free desktop experience. "The Xandros team fixes bugs and makes sure that things work the way they should, whether the bug is in our own code or that of any other project included in the Xandros Desktop," says Ming Poon, VP of Software Development. "We want to make sure that our users have the best desktop experience."
Based on the "Sarge" version of Debian GNU/Linux, version 2 of the Xandros Desktop OS assures stability and security, along with the freedom that an open environment provides. The new release employs a Xandros-enhanced KDE 3.1.4 and an underlying 2.4.22 Linux kernel. For full product details please see www.xandros.com/products.html
NOW SHIPPING
Xandros Desktop OS Version 2 is available directly from the Xandros online store December 16th at www.xandros.com/shopping as well as from software retailers. The Deluxe Edition of Xandros Desktop OS carries a suggested retail price of USD $89.00. It includes a special Xandros edition of CrossOver Office 2.1 which lets you run Microsoft Office and other key Windows software, CrossOver Plugin to expand your Linux web browsing experience, the ability to allocate install space from a Windows XP (NTFS) partition, a 350 page User Guide (boxed version only), Disc 2 with bonus applications, games, and tools, and 60 days of e-mail support.
The recommended retail price for the Standard Edition, without the above mentioned Deluxe features and with 30 days of e-mail support, is USD $39.95.
DOWNLOADS AND UPGRADES AT XANDROS.COM
Users with high-speed connections can purchase and download both the Deluxe and Standard editions of Xandros Desktop 2 at www.xandros.com/. Current registered users of version 1.x of the Xandros Desktop OS can take advantage of limited-time upgrade offers available at the Xandros web site.
Re:Mod up for the anonymous coward! (Score:5, Funny)
"Four-click installation with automatic disk partitioning"
No install options
"Industry-leading hardware detection & configuration"
We only detect the industry leading hardware
"Drag-and-drop CD burning in Xandros File Manager"
"Ability to run Microsoft Office and other key Windows programs (Deluxe only)"No options when burning CDs
Runs some windows apps, but slow "Seamless sharing of files and resources on Windows networks"
Arp your windows network like a rabbid dog
"Single-click access to a huge inventory of free Linux software"
Chose from a huge inventory of free text editors.
[Exit Troll Mode]
Re:Mod up for the anonymous coward! (Score:4, Informative)
This is a good thing for people who want to install a working desktop OS.
We only detect the industry leading hardware
I'd imagine it'll only be better than the last version they released, which was already quite good.
No options when burning CDs
Adding convenience doesn't always take away advanced features. xcdroast is only an apt-get away as well as cdrecord, or whatever your tool of choice is. But guess what, both are horribly over-complicated and I'll use CD Bake Oven any day over them.
Runs some windows apps, but slow
It's WINE/Crossover - who said it'd be slow?
Arp your windows network like a rabbid dog
And Windows doesn't?
Chose from a huge inventory of free text editors.
It's freaking Debian under the hood. That means thousands of everything available at just a few clicks.
Admittedly, you did indicate you were "entering troll mode," but you really think you're being some kind of valuable devil's advocate. Instead, you're just being misinformed and using /. as a soapbox to spread that misinformation as far as possible. Just accept that this isn't the distro for you and acknowledge it for what it is - a good desktop that really is useful to everyone else.
-N
Funny, yes, but untrue (Score:4, Interesting)
The installer is actually quite comprehensive, but the complexity is optional -- you either do the four click install, or you divert into optional choices should you dare, like partitioning and whatnot.
As far as only supporting industry-leading hardware, I have a small pile of old HP 4150a Omnibooks laying around, and they couldn't boot the Xandros installer due to a BIOS bug (LindowsOS has the same problem, by the way.) Whereas the LindowsOS people took no interest in helping me solve the problem with my PAID copy, the Xandros folks solved the problem in time for this release. My relatively ancient laptops are now supported*.
*except for sound, which no Linux distribution supports without the Open Sound System proprietary drivers.
Re:Mod up for the anonymous coward! (Score:2, Troll)
I tried Xarandos once. (Score:2, Troll)
I also tried other distros and got a similar feel, for example Licoris in Lindows.
On the otherhand I tried Mepis linux recently and I found that despite being newbie friendly (I'm a linux newbie so I can speak with authority here) it remains very polished and simple to use, without trying to exactly copy winxp and failing.
Re:I tried Xarandos once. (Score:1)
Re: (Score:2, Funny)
Re:I tried Xarandos once. (Score:2)
We should not repeat the mistakes that others have made. If we follow that rule, it is logical to think that Linux should have window managers and desktops the do NOT look exactly like Windows, right down to the parts of the interface that should be discarded.
Re:I tried Xarandos once. (Score:3, Interesting)
Making it look like Windows, you make it easier for Windows people to transition while losing the vulnerability and license restrictions of Microsoft world.
Besides, what's really bad about the Windows gui interface?
Re:I tried Xarandos once. (Score:3, Funny)
Viruses?
Don't click the link in the sig (Score:5, Informative)
Re:I tried Xarandos once. (Score:2)
For their own sake, I do hope that... (Score:5, Insightful)
Do they even show up to their local LUG? That would be a start...
Re:For their own sake, I do hope that... (Score:2)
"We have this new version of Linux. It's based on Debian with KDE..... and it works just like Windows! Now you can have Windows without Microsoft!"
"Why would we want Windows?"
Most avid Linux users don't want a Linux that's just like windows, they want Linux. The point of this distro is to pull in people who like windows, but wanna try linux.
Re:For their own sake, I do hope that... (Score:2)
You're assuming that LUGs only have "avid" Linux users. They might have a lot of newbies who aren't looking for the hardcore Linux experience. These people might just be interested in alternatives, and if something slick is available, they might give it a try.
The only way I could see the analogy of "Window without Microsoft" being reas
new lindows soon? (Score:3, Informative)
Re:new lindows soon? (Score:3, Informative)
Re:new lindows soon? (Score:3, Informative)
See Lindows history timeline here [phatvibez.net]
as quoted:
Xandros (the distro Lindows is based off of, which was bought from Corel, which is based on Debian...)
Re:new lindows soon? (Score:5, Insightful)
LindowsOS 4.5 was released today! [osnews.com]
ultimately (Score:2)
anyone used it?
is the installer just like Debian's?
Re:ultimately (Score:5, Informative)
Since the beta-period is over, I can say that I was a beta tester for Xandros 2.0, so I've had some first-hand experience with 2.0 already.
Is it usable? Very much so. I can't think of very many distro's, including Debian itself, that allow me to plug in a USB stick and instantly get a file manager window ala Windows XP.
In terms of fixing broken parts, if you can work your way around Debian, Xandros is very similar to the guts of Debian. You can use apt-get if you want to repair or upgrade the OS's packages or you can use Xandros Networks which is a front-end to apt-get but without all the geeky command-line extras. Pretty much everything is still in the same place. They still use the standard *NIX file system keeping the config files in /etc, keeping the binaries in /bin or /usr/bin. So all the geek stuff is still there. Xandros just puts a nice streamlined GUI on top of it all.
But thats enough geeking. Xandros is really for those who want to switch from Windows to an alternative OS. I've showed friends Xandros 2.0 Beta and they were pretty amazed. These are people who are e-mail checkers and Yahoo! fans. They all asked me to help get them a copy of Xandros 2.0. It's GUI is easy to follow, everything in the menu is in an organized easy to find place (cept some geeky tools), and their Xandros File Manager is brilliant.
Oh yea, and the installer is not like Debian. If I recall correctly, Debian has a text-based installer that is for geek-eyes only, right? Xandros gives the user a fully-graphical installer that requires them to click the mouse about four times, five tops, wait 10-15minutes, and they've got a fully working Debian-based distro running on their computer. No bells, no whistles. It just works - the installer that is.
So really, was it Xandros Inc's aim to please Linux users or to please Windows-converters and businesses looking to cut costs? As a Linux user, I am pleased at the simplicity of the GUI and the programs. I personally don't care about the latest or greatest - I'm similar to other computer users - I just want it to work. And Xandros 2.0 just works.
Re:Does it support (Score:2)
Camera might be USB mass storage device. (Score:3, Informative)
The Kodak Easyshare cameras I've seen are USB mass storage devices--you don't really need Kodak's proprietary software in order to get a copy of the pictures from the camera on to your computer. This is probably why you could "surf the cameras [sic] memory in Explorer" and why you will probably be able to do the same thing in any other OS that supports USB mass storage devices. On top of that, gPhoto [gphoto.org] supports many cameras including the Kodak Easyshare DX4900 a
Re:Camera might be USB mass storage device. (Score:2)
It's slightly more complicated than that...
The Easyshare cameras ( I know this cuz I have a CX4230 ) use PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) which is a standard supported by Kodak, Sony, Canon and others to offer standard way for talking to the cameras. This makes it trivial to support new cameras when the come out since you don't have to go thru the trouble of building a driver from scratch.
There's a sourceforge page [sourceforge.net] with more details
But the short of the answer is that it should work fine. Check out the co [gphoto.org]
Re:ultimately (Score:3, Insightful)
more info from distrowatch (Score:5, Informative)
here [xandros.com] are their forums.
and here [xandros.com] are updates. Unfortunately you cannot [distrowatch.com] download Xandros for free.
Re:more info from distrowatch (Score:3, Informative)
Quoted directly from Xandros.com:
Reference Link: http://www.xandros.com/release13.html
I believe thats what you wanted to know, yes?
Re:more info from distrowatch (Score:2)
I'm kind of in the same boat. But you'll be happy to know that there will be a 30 day trial version available shortly. I may break down and buy it anyway but I really want to have a look first. Some distributions [lycoris.com] are just disturbing.
Hrmm ? (Score:2, Interesting)
If this is true, then I'm rather disgusted.
Sunny Dubey
Re:Hrmm ? (Score:2, Funny)
IIRC, that's Red Hat.
Re:Hrmm ? (Score:2)
No. (Score:4, Informative)
I'm not defending it, I'm just saying, it's not as bad as people make it out to be.
Mod me down (Score:2)
Clearly I was wrong about this, and I for one don't wish to slander someone's name for no reason.
Sunny Dubey
X2 is a huge improvement (Score:3, Informative)
If you have someone who you want to introduce Linux to, this distro is *it*. Gone are the days of 'Drake being the "newbie distro". I have installed Xandros on computers for people who can't even "cut and paste" without help, and gone for weeks and months without having a phone call from them for tech support. Really, its that easy. It's not for power users, it's the Linux distro that your grandmother can use.
Tear this post up, script kiddies, but I'm right about this...
What's wrong with Mandrake? (Score:4, Insightful)
Where's the source? (Score:5, Insightful)
I was under the impression that if you created stuff with GPL software you have to make the source available.
I looked at the site- they explain that some parts of xandros are GPL and some are not. But I could not find anywhere that explained what you need to do to get copies of the code for the parts that are under the GPL.
Am I wrong in thinking that this is required?
Re:Where's the source? (Score:1)
Re:Where's the source? (Score:2)
Re:Where's the source? (Score:3)
Re:Where's the source? (Score:4, Interesting)
The thing that I like the least about Debian based distros is the hiding the debian package management tools. This _is_ why I use debian almost exclusively on all my systems. These distros muck it up with click-n-run or xandros network when the cli or open ncurses and gtk/kde frontends already do the job so well. I may not be their audience though.
Re:Where's the source? (Score:2)
I always hear about Debian and apt-get but I've never really payed too much attention, because if I understand correctly, they go out and download the packages and install them. I have a dial up at home so that doesn't really work for me.
Are there other advantages to Debian package management that have nothing to do with how you get the
Re:Where's the source? (Score:3, Informative)
You can set up your own package source on your local system so you can grab all the necissary packages from
Re:Where's the source? (Score:2)
Of course, upgrading off the net is where it really shines - apt-get update; apt-get install; get a cup of coffee, and if it really needs to know anything before upgrading a package it'll ask you. No tedious hunting for RPMs, no downtime.
Re:Where's the source? (Score:3, Interesting)
I've always thought the commercial distro is more like the tables, chairs, bowls, spoons, napkins and the overworked waitress who cleans up after you.
Getting Linux without a distro is like putting your hands out and having a scoop of icecream dumped in your palms. It's
Re:Where's the source? (Score:3, Informative)
Therefore, if the retail version comes with source, they're clear. If it comes with an appropriate written offer (e.g. source available for $10 S&H from this address, $30 if shipping outside the USA), they're clear. If it comes without source, and without an offer, they're not clear.
Here - (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Where's the source? (Score:2)
Granted, they have crossover office going and some other commercialized apps, so they rightfully should be able to charge for their product, but if they advertise a trial let me check it out. I can tell you right now, even for $30 I won't even give it a look.
Re:Where's the source? (Score:2)
OTH people who bought it, and thus have such, can redistrobute it. BUT only those parts/programmes that are under the GPL, there is some non gpl (and the like) stuff in there afai can tell.
So if they did, they should be careful to strip out the xandros apps, which would be pointless since you just removed what made it xandros.
Yes. You're wrong. (Score:2)
Re:Where's the source? (Score:2)
Yes, you are wrong. Stuff you created "with GPL software" is not required to be licensed under the GPL. Only derivative works that you distribute are required to be licensed under the GPL.
For example you could write an application with Emacs, compile it with GCC, debug it with GDB, and sell it bundled with the same CD as Linux, and not give your
I don't know about the software (Score:5, Funny)
Crap utter crap. (Score:1)
Re:Crap utter crap. (Score:1)
Re:Crap utter crap. (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Crap utter crap. (Score:2)
Xandros or Mandrake? (Score:4, Interesting)
Does it just boil down to whether I want debian or redhat compatibility? (I cant say i'm at all dissatisfied with urpmi, so apt-get isnt all that exciting). Any thoughts?
What do you want to support? (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:What do you want to support? (Score:2)
Re:What do you want to support? (Score:2)
Dude - what the flip are you talking about? The guy said "If I were going to saddle my mother with a Linux distrobution I would go for the one that I'm using"
Re:Xandros or Mandrake? (Score:2)
Install Mandrake, carefully tailor it to her needs (so remove all apps that she won't need, add ones she will, clean up the menus, the desktop & the panel appropriately), clean up some of the KDE/GNOME toolbars and menus so they don't confuse her (or install KDE 3.2 beta2
Re:Xandros or Mandrake? (Score:2)
Any thoughts?
SuSE 9.0. It's got the crossover stuff too, but afaics in an extra addon package ( http://www.suse.com/us/private/products/suse_linu x
If
Re:Xandros or Mandrake? (Score:2)
I guess you're a SuSE guy eh? I was going to buy it but I noticed it ships with Gnome 2.2... Is there a SuSE online update that will quickly bring it to Gnome 2.4? I upgraded RedHat 9 from Gnome 2.2 to Gnome 2.4 and it wasn't pretty. Lots of rpm problems and what not. I ended up scrapping it and installing Fedora Core 1.
I downloaded the SuSE 9 FTP ISO image but couldn't get it to install. It never gets past the point of asking me what FTP server to use.
Oh, cmon.. (Score:2)
urpmi win32-codecs
Doh! Its Debian. Helping her find her way around the same disto your using would probably be a lot easier. And not to be preachy (I do a lot of bad things, I'm no preacher) but the fact that Mandrake doesn't only make their distibution available for free, but their software and improvements are free [linux-mandrake.com] too. That really rules.
Re:Xandros or Mandrake? (Score:2)
so linux seems worth a shot. given that i'm expert #10 on mandrakeexpert, i'm well a
Annoyances (Score:3, Insightful)
I can't see a good reason for not having something like that working at this stage in the game.
Hmmm...been done before (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Hmmm...been done before (Score:2)
Just like Windows (Score:3, Insightful)
I liked this better... (Score:2)
Re:I liked this better... (Score:2, Informative)
versions? (Score:2)
Where can I see detailed list of packages in that distro?
Re:versions? (Score:2)
Re:versions? (Score:2)
But did they pay their extortion money? (Score:2, Offtopic)
All well and good, but have they paid royalties on this [slashdot.org] patent (5,666,531, owned by Optima)?
It would seem a pity to have the gestapo show up at Xandros' HQ simply for failing to pay off the right people...
Begeebuz (Score:5, Insightful)
I too looked at the screen shots and I felt that Xandros has done a great job. The interface is clean, very clean. The menus are straight forward and uncluttered. The configuration utility has basic options up front and an advanced button to access all the less used config options that KDE offers. They made KDE better, addressing most of the issues of a recent OS News article on KDE, without dramatically changing KDE as Red Hat did with Blue Curve (irritating KDE users no end).
Xandros makes adjusting the screen size as simple as sliding a bar, versus manually editing XFree86Config. Sounds like a geat idea to me. They offer drag and drop cd burning versus the command line joys of cdda2wav cdparanoia cdrecord. Sounds great to me.
I see no reason whatsoever to bash Xandros over this release. It doesn't matter that you don't like its Windowsish looks. Do you really intend to stick Mom with a copy of Gentoo? I bet she'd rather the Windowsish look, at least at first. That is unless she's used a Mac and if she has, she ain't gonna think much about Gentoo/Slack/Debian/Mandrake/Xandros or what ever distro YOU think is the cat's pajamas.
Screenshots? (Score:2)
"Look here honey. The sign says we have cars. It should say 'We have car.'" -- Steve Martin
Why the ignorant nay-sayers? (Score:2, Interesting)
For the rest of the world, computers need to be simple to use. GUIs and friendly interfaces are a help.
Gentoo has a valid role to play. So does Xandros.
To counter some of the criticisms placed on this site:
It is called Xandros Desktop, not Xandros Server, so no, your SMP machine isn't in the target market. Get over it and find a better suited distro. Even if it did support SMP and P4 hyperthreading, you would have moved on to s
So who is their market? (Score:2)
The main advantage of Linux besides a few technical advantages is th
What Xandros Has... (Score:2, Interesting)
I've been trying to figure out the best way to introduce polished fast user switching into Linux, and the best way I can think to do it is at the display manag
Re:What Xandros Has... (Score:2)
Very nice, one gripe (Score:2)
Plus it seems to pack everything you need to get going. Good work!
One gripe, though. Why, oh why do you keep copying the MS "start button/bar" look and functionality? Please get someone who knows about UI design on board and kill it. It is the worst-ever design in that category.
Look at NeXT, or MacOS - those are people who knew what they were doing.
Please copy the best, not the worst. You've done
innovation (Score:2, Interesting)
Surely the open source community have the brawn to pull together a talented crew of innovators that can push the envelope in terms of desktop systems, and come up with something that breaks the mold, is not an entirely academic excersize, and has commercial/desktop applicability and (most importantly) usability.
IMH
Re:even their screenshots suck... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:even their screenshots suck... (Score:1)
Re:A Distro of Debian.... (Score:4, Informative)
Because some of the components are proprietary and closed source?
Re:A Distro of Debian.... (Score:2)
From what I have heard the developers at Xandros are working to get Debian LSB [linuxbase.org] complient / certified.
Debians not so bad now... (Score:2)
I feel I have to say this publically on slashdot as I ranted badly twice against it in public.
The debian website is still bad with all the cross-linked "informative" links outnumbering the "where to get bits from" mostly-broken links. The links to the prizes the debian website won still work but its hard to find them.
Now I have managed ot make the installer install its hard to see how I was getting it wrong, I th
Shazbot! (Score:2)
Re:A Distro of Debian.... (Score:2)
For me the most interesting component would be Crossover Office.
I wonder whether some distro (Fedora, Debian, Mandrake, etc) guys couldn't concentrate on getting Wine [winehq.org] to run MS Office (or even only Word) flawlessly and then pass it along with the distro, with a big INSTALL OFFICE icon on the desktop.
I bought Crossover Office [codeweavers.com] myself, because Wine just isn't stable enough for business use for me. But when I thought about it, I suspect the Wine guys
Re:A Distro of Debian.... (Score:3, Informative)
Some suggested adding debian apt sources, but the package dependencies don't mix well, and soon, you'll either end up with a broken system or a hybrid that has none of the goods of Xandros.
Xandros 1.0 (Score:2)
With WINE, none of the info on the web corresponded to anything in Xandros, and I couldn't work out how to use it. And again, trying to upgrade to the latest version hos
Re:Stop trying to emulate Windows XP/98/2000. (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:but will it connect to my camera (Score:2, Informative)
it's an HP Photosmart 620.
yes, i was a beta tester so I know that it works fine.
Re:Xandros (Score:2, Insightful)
Besides, once something like true NTFS resizing shows up in one distribution, you can bet that it'll soon make appearances in some other major distros.
Re:Where's the torrent? (Score:4, Interesting)
Hahahahah... hahahah
Sorry