We all know that there are reams of apps from command line to CAD available out there. Mozilla is the default browser, and the default office suite is OpenOffice 1.0.1. The tool I was interested in was Crossover Office, a product that I haven't used before, but was I quickly impressed. And the ability to fairly easily install a wide assortment of Windows applications will definitely be a selling feature for some.
The Xandros Networks is a tool to leverage Debian's advanced packaging tool, or apt. With Xandros Networks users can access a large pool of Xandros-approved apps, OS updates and enhancements when they are posted to the Xandros FTP site.
Xandros Networks is distinct from Windows Update because it offers applications outside of OS updates. The basic mode compresses packages and dependencies selections under the umbrella of the main application's name. Xandros Networks conceals the complexities of Debian package management and narrows the range of choices to the major packages in the stream. With Gimp, who really needs to know that you have to install a half dozen other libraries? Hmm, no one. Every app I wanted to install was downloaded and installed easily, as it should be. In addition, I was able to add my favourite unstable sources to the sources list and it hasn't broken anything yet.
So, how does a Windows user react to Xandros? I flogged a friend with a usability test that proved the Xandros/Windows connection. Said friend has been around my machine enough to know how to launch a browser from WindowMaker, but their main computer is a Windows box and their preferred environment is Mac. I left all of the defaults except for a new icon for Phoenix on the desktop and I switched the wallpaper to Debian.
The first task was to go online and use their webmail account. Time spent? All of the time it took to recognize the Mozilla web browser icon (it actually says "Web Browser") and type in a webmail address.
The next task involved changing the wallpaper. They went straight to the launcher and started looking around. The first thing they found was the console icon in the menu's recently used apps section. They chose console, which I can understand, and when bash opened up they realized that wasn't it and started rifling around some more. Next they browsed through the Applications and found things like the utility to import GTK themes. As soon as my tester realized how they would have done it in Windows they went straight back to the launcher and found the Control Centre menu and shortly found the display options and chose a new wallpaper from collection Xandros included (I think it was the Calm Waters image).
For their third task, I asked my friend to play some music. The first thing they did was look for a quick launch icon and found the volume control sound mixer icon in the bottom right hand corner. Then they looked in the Launcher menu and found MP3 Player (XMMS) in the recently used apps queue. Done.
The they were asked to write a short letter in a word processor. They found Abiword right away in the editors folder on the launcher menu.
The final task was executed with gentle guidance. It involved installing new software with Xandros Networks, namely the Gimp. I told them about the number concept of apps in a reservoir at Xandros and that Xandros has provided a tool to facilitate their installation. My tester said this was an attractive concept, depending on what sort of applications you can install. They went straight to Xandros Networks icon and clicked it. A little while later the Xandros Networks window opened up. They glanced at the window for a second and rather than go through the menu options of New Applications, Upgradable Applications, and Installed Applications they opted for Search. As expected the Gimp window opened and revealed it wasn't installed, but the install option was available. The downloading and install window is a little slow and my test subject started to wonder what was happening.
Overall the experience was sufficiently positive for my tester to say they liked what they saw. I don't know if they're ready to move, but they also aren't planning on buying a new computer. For myself, I like that it's Debian and I like being able to install some Windows apps and run Quicktime in Linux.
Chances are that you're not buying this for the enormous world of options that are available with Linux and open source, rather you're buying it because that daunting world has been trimmed down and edited for you. It's important to note that this is a distribution for Windows users and at this time it's only meant to be a desktop replacement option for a Windows desktop.
I don't know how many people have sat down with a Windows user and watched them install Linux or try to use it. Some people will gladly switch without incident, as long as they get a half-decent introduction and have someone to ring with questions. Others will need more coaxing. Xandros seems to understand a paritcular market segment: Windows users at home or work who are prepped to leap, provided the jump is painless.
The look of Xandros satisfies. The organization is familiar enough. And a Windows user probably won't be bothered if the version of gcc isn't the latest, or if standard command line tools aren't installed (who knows, maybe locate and find utils are in the Complete Desktop).
What Xandros has achieved in the Windows usability is impressive. I'm interested to see what's next for the Xandros Desktop. I'm also curious to see what they have planned for their upcoming Xandros Server OS.
About the author.
- "Xandros Desktop Review, Part I"
- "Xandros Desktop Review, Part II"
