Mike T-F-K writes “Xandros is obviously an intriguing desktop solution for corporate users–their target audience. With “out of the box” NT-domain login compatibility and the bundled CrossOver packages providing MS Office/Internet Explorer functionality, switching over to the more affordable Linux desktop now seems feasible for any company running a Microsoft shop.““That’s great for business, but what about the domestic user? Many home users are interested in adopting Xandros for their desktop OS, but some are intimidated by the $99 price tag; especially taking into consideration the potential false promises and hype associated with a long anticipated 1.0 release (*cough* LindowsOS *cough*).”
“Although the price is justifiable by the bundled proprietary stuff, some of us don’t require this added functionality. Some, this writer included, are perfectly happy with the level of MS Office interoperability that OpenOffice.org yields, and the native plug-ins/browsing capabilities provided by Mozilla. The main attraction to Xandros for us is: 1) XFM File Manager—More responsive than Konqueror and, arguably, more functional. The only missing part here is html browsing (Perhaps the 2.0 release will have a gecko-based plug-in for surfing the net?!), but Mozilla will certainly suffice for now. 2) Xandros Network—A simple way to keep your system up to date. It also takes the pain out of installing applications in Linux. No more dependency issues, creating menu links, shortcuts, etc. This does application does it all! 3) Streamlined Interface—Although selection is one of Linux’s biggest selling points, sometimes there can be too much of a good thing. Most Linux distributions have horribly cluttered menus; it’s hard to know what you’re clicking on sometimes. And why have 8 programs that do the same thing? Xandros does an excellent job of trimming the fat. The menu is clean, concise, and intuitively organized. 4) “Out of the box” LAN connectivity—No more messing around with SAMBA configuration files. Complete file and printer sharing with just a few clicks of the mouse. 5) Easy installation—One of the simplest installations available in ANY operating system, hands down. It offers a quick and easy configuration mode for beginners and an advanced mode that will appeal to power users.”
“So will Xandros release a less expensive, *LITE* edition desktop? I decided to contact them and find out for myself. The response was very compelling: “…we are getting close to releasing a reduced functionality version at a lower price as a pay for download…” “…the features would address the exact requirements you’ve identified…” Such a package would certainly suffice for many home desktop users; I know it’d be fine for me. But the beauty is, should you later decide that CrossOver Office/Plug-ins are worth the added expense, you may be able to keep your existing installation and add these features via Xandros Network. With Xandros, options are open for everyone… business or domestic.”
This sounds grrreat, and i guess it makes economic sense for Xandros to, they target people who wouldn’t really have bought the whole package anyway….
This also would give a person (like me) who has already purchased the CodeWeaver bundle a chance to try out Xandros without paying for crossover twice.
I hope their next version uses fontconfig/xft everywhere. Once you get used to this it’s tough to go back.
Microsoft has announced that it will provide a downloadable “Lite” version of it’s Windows XP operating system. You can download the 700mb CD image in just a few weeks. The package includes a version of Windows XP called “MS-DOS 6.22” and the famous stripped-down Office XP called edit.com. “We really like this free software thing,” a Microsoft employee said. “We can now offer crap to people and get them interested so they’ll buy the full OS.”
SuSE and RedHat both have answered this challenge and provided Ext2-formatted floppy images with the Linux kernel and Bash on it. Pico/Nano was considered but it only made onto the SuSE Lite floppy image, since RedHat’s Lite was directed towards power users who edit with cat and echo.
The point being: dont jump with joy until you know just how “lite” it is…
I have purchased many distros in the past. I still purchase distros but mostly to show support.
I fully understand the need for a distro/company to have components of their distro that are proprietary. But at the same time, linux distros have the advantage of being able to build atop each others work.
So my question is: What does Xandros do for the community? (I know Corel was good, and these blokes are mostly from Corel, but I just want to make sure that they are playing nice before showing my support).
If they don’t “share” some of their work, that is fine with me. They don’t have to. It just means that I will not plunk down some of my $$ just to show support. They have the right to keep all of there additions (excluding changes to GPL code) and I have the right to keep my $
Jesse
I’ll start by saying that of all the Linux distributions I’ve ran and/or checked out, the Corel distribution was one of my worst experiences.
Despite all the hype, what I ended up with at the time, was a buggy, amateurish looking desktop OS. It had promise, but at the time, it certainly didn’t live up to the media hype that surrounded it.
But now that Xandros is out and getting fairly good reviews, I’m once again considering checking out the new distribution. But now I have to weigh a fairly hefty price tag against the benefits I expect to get from this new distribution.
As such, I have a few thoughts as I consider this move:
1. Why not offer a discount to those of us who’ve already purchased the Crossover technology? I understand that it’s this technology (plus a couple of others it sounds like) are largely what’s responsible for it’s cost.
I’m sure that I’m not the only one who wanted/needed some Windows apps to run under Linux, and as a result purchased the Codeweavers Office and Plugin packages.
And I’m not likely to be the only one who’s interested in an integrated Crossover package, but who doesn’t want to pay a lot for technology we already own.
It’d seem a logical thing to offer (via Crossovers web site??) an upgrade discount as an incentive to go with Xandros.
We’ve already shown our interest in Linux/Windows apps with our initial purchase. Why dangle this new “embedded” technology to us without acknowledging our earlier purchases? To be realistic, I’d love to check out Xandros’s other “out-of-the-box” features, but am hard pressed to when I have a Mandrake 9 install, with my hacked up Crossover install working at about 85% efficiency.
2. I understand that a “Lite” version very well may be in the works, but even if it proves to be an awsome desktop OS, it doesn’t alleviate Question #1.
And while I realize that I might be able to install “Xandros Lite” and then install my purchased Crossover over it, I would also bet that this won’t offer the same level of integration that a custom installed package would.
Also, how long would we want to wait around for a release of this “potential” installation? I’m sure there’s other startups eagerly watching Xandros right now, and they’re also likely to be creating their own custom wine/Linux installs, to be marketed as “Windows compatible”.
Xandros has a jump on this market at the moment -I’d think they’d want to bring as many Linux users on board as possible, but the price of $99 is admittedly an inhibiting factor.
Also, would this “Lite” package be capable of compiling and installing non-Xandros packages? How about re-compiling the Kernel?? My main fear of the term “Desktop OS” is that such features will slowly be relegated only to “Geek” distributions of Linux (for instance, can you imagine Windows -The ultimate dumbed down OS- allowing a user to recompile core components? This is the direction I don’t want to see Linux move towards)
3. I like the sounds of their update manager, but how quickly is this being updated when new packages are released? In other words, in a couple of weeks when the new KDE hits, how long before we’ll be able to update to this new WM? One of the advantages of going with a cutting edge distribution is that such items are quickly added and made available. Does Xandros intend to be quick with their updates, do they intend to take the “Let’s wait till it’s been out awhile and we’ll see how buggy it is” approach?
4. How customized is the Xandros distribution really? By that I mean does it adhere to the same file structure as any other distributions? My concern here is that we buy this OS for $100, and then it suffers the same fate as Corel. Would we be able to upgrade our Xandros OS with Redhat, Mandrake, or Debian packages (for instance), or would we be out in the cold were this company to go under, as its predecessor did? I think this is a very valid concern for new distributions as the economy and the market are currently very harsh to new comers.
What’s our options if Xandros doesn’t make it? Would I be back to installing my already purchased Crossover package over Mandrake again (as an example).
5. I love the idea that Xandros isn’t including the bloat that often accompany’s Linux distributions. But what if I don’t agree with teh packages they’ve chosen to install? Do I have the freedom -Or better yet, does Xandro’s package manager have the ability to offer all of the typical Linux packages as addons?
For example, if I want, can I easily install XFCE as my WM? Or if I don’t like Kate as my editor, will such common Linux apps as Nedit or Gedit be available for me to install, or will I have to download and compile these myself? Xandro’s website is mysteriously mute about which packages are included vs. which ones are able to be optionally download and installed.
Let me sum all this up by saying that Xandros appears to be a very nice package. My concerns are more from the “Yes this offers the Linux new comer a very attractive beginners package, but what does it offer those of us who already have invested some time and $$ into Linux and/or Crossover?”
I’d love to have won the contest the other day in order to check Xandros out, but is it really worth plunking down $100 vs. just setting a competitors product up in a similar way (Installing Crossover, etc.)? Can anyone help with any of these concerns? Anyone have some experience with it??
How about a version of Xandros with CrossOver replaced with the free Wine? I mean, if you are only a Linux user and dont need Windows apps, but still want a good desktop distro, then you wont need CrossOver.
What do others think? Would you pay $20 to $40 for Xandros without CrossOver?
Now that I’m using Xandros, I think their biggest strength is their file manager – especially in a corporate setting. This is (to me) the biggest difference a user will see between Xandros and the competition. I wonder if they will give away the family jewels on a lite version?
That was good, I really enjoyed it.
It’s an interesting suggestion, but would I be able to achieve the same level of integration by installing my purchased Crossover as I would have if I purchased it pre-integrated?
I doubt it, but obviously I don’t know.
My guess is that would be the sticking point, if there were one: What would we be losing by installing our own Crossover installation as opposed to buying it pre-integrated?
My preference would be that Xandros/Crossover acknowledge my previous purchase(s) and offer me the integrated package at a reduced rate ($40-$50). But that’s me…
8)=
“The point being: dont jump with joy until you know just how “lite” it is…”
You’d think by now someone would put a mini-distro together with just internet connectivity, file manager, and notepad, and a place to download(and pay for?)optional components. I get so tired of replies that say “Why don’t you just download so-and-so’s distro, it’s only 800 megs?”.
<cough>QNX Demo Disk<cough,cough>.
Point 1: Xandros does not own Crossover Office. Therefore it would be difficult for them to give you a discount based upon your previous ownership. Plus, they may be shipping a version that your previous ownership doesn’t entitle you too. You only get 6 months worth of free upgrades.
Point 2: Actually has two points. One is about integration, the other is about compiling apps. As to the compiling apps part…Xandros is mostly geared towards a corporate market. The idea is to replace all your Windows machines that secrtaries, call center dupes, customer service reps, warehouse workers, etc use with Xandros. None of those people need to be compiling their own applications. That said, I have no idea the state of development tools in Xandros. But, they are certainly not needed for the intended audience. You can put an app on a machine without compiling it on that machine, and the secratary does not need to be compiling the latest builds of kde.
Point 3: If you read anything about Xandros you would realize that they are version 2,2.2 of KDE. They are far behind the curve because they are developing custom integration with the desktop environment. So, the obvious answer is that KDE 3.1 will not be available anytime soon after it comes out. Once again, with regards to the target audience I outlined in Point 2, this is a good thing. IS departments do not want have to deploy the flavor of the month upgrade. We are tired of doing that for security fixes for Windows.
Point 4: Obviously you won’t be able to upgrade your distribution with Red Hat or Mandrake. You can’t upgrade either one with each other or Debian, so why should Xandros be different. As to Debian, yes, you can install applications using apt-get. Yes, this has the potential to break some of the customization if you replace enough pieces.
Point 5: For small packages Debian’s apt-get will work just fine. You can even update all of KDE if you want. But, once again, the target audience of this distribution will not be doing that,or it will be handled by an IT department.
Though I think you questions are good ones for most distributions, they don’t really apply to Xandros. The reason is becaus the OS is not really geared towards the stand alone user. The questions would be more valid if applied to Lindows, or, your current distro Mandrake.
But like I said earlier, Xandros+CrossOver is a product by itself. Removing it would remove one of its competitive edges. Xandros, from what I read in their replies to my mail, is more interested in profit rather than a larger marketshare.
Their policies is very similar to Corel in regards to open sourcing their product. As for their custom proprietary parts, it is out of the question. They are considering puting it under a license similar to SuSE’s YaST..
as for their source code, it is on their website. http://www.xandros.com/sourcecode.htm if i’m not mistaken.
as for their source code, it is on their website. http://www.xandros.com/sourcecode.htm if i’m not mistaken.
Unfortunately, that URL is not correct…
If anyone has the correct one, please post it…
Cheers,
Ken
I hope they do release a Xandros Lite. It really is one of the best distros sd fsr as hardware detection and that file manager of their’s is really nice too. Those who have no need of Crossover would have a really nice package, I think. Xandros is sort of funny though – they seem to be a very quiet company, with little or no fanfare. If it were not for all these reviews, i don’t think people would know they even exist.
go for volume.
current pricing may very well work with a target of Business and would be Windows runaways. If they want to pick up home users who know they can get a free or lower cost distro,they will have to offer them compelling value.
Two improvement frequently cited, less programs and better menus are easily accomplished by a current user in most Distros.
Too many apps? Don’t install them all. I always do a bare
minimum install. Want a second or third browser. Install
it later.
The Other Distros should really clue into this.By all means provide lots of Software, but don’t install it all initially. Have an install option of “Newbie Desktop”
Perhaps I shouldn’t be so blase about the ease of installing software in Linux, but with Debian based
Distros it has never been a problem.
Menu organization. Rearrange them yourself , just like you probably did in Windows. I didn’t like the default
menu structure there, so why am I going to like it anymore in Linux? I have my own idea about what is
accessable and intuitive. Roll yer own menus. Most Windowmanagers allow you to do it fairly easily.
So I just took away two benefits of Xandros. Sure there
are tons more. But If I can do it so can the other Distros. Xandros may be setting the new standard for usability now, but I would be surprized if they very soon
don’t have competition. Price your product competively.
Business will laugh at product that is 50 ? Maybe 10 they
would,but 50 is hefty enough. Especially if they are
buying many seats. Oh, I forget. In Business you have to
price your product high so subsequent discounts seem significant. This is the way of the human mind but why
should the home user have to subsidize the corporate buyers need to fool themselves. Charge business more,
us less.
Finally, there is a point where energy put into differentiating Linux features exclusively for your
Distro and helping Advancing Linux in General are in
conflict.
Linux is a different animal. It has a different special
sauce. There is definitely a place for the commercial
“ingredient” I do know this too much of it will stall
Linux not advance it. Some people think that Open Source
has graduated and is now “ready” for Business to be involved. It is the other way around. It is Business that
needs Open Source to save it self from a Monopoly that would be the World’s Unicorp.
It would be nice to seem more contribution back to the
communtiy. So far all I have read is comments to the
effect of ” Yes, by all means , later”
For example,Lindows & Xandros are basing their Distros on Debian and heavily tweaked versions of KDE.
Debian has had a bottle neck in the transition to gcc
3.2. this effects many packages but in particular
caused the newer versions of KDE to be hosted in
non-official repositorys Did these two companies offer to help with this task?
Apparently the last bug that needed to be solved before the work could be started has been finally been solved by Debian’s own Ben Collins. Reading that they had would
make me feel better about sending them dollars.
I’m just waiting and waiting for ages for the linux community (and Xandros to implement it when it becomes “stable”) to come out with a top-class yummy gui like aqua, or even as colourful as xp. There’s no need to imitate it though. You should know how much Aqua shows off its gui. One of the best is Everaldo’s crystal icon set. Ok, the icons are excellent, but work has to be done on the rest of the desktop. And, my GNOME icons still look gray and dull
“ Xandros is sort of funny though – they seem to be a very quiet company, with little or no fanfare. If it were not for all these reviews, i don’t think people would know they even exist.”
That’s why they are successful, because people are trying it and if it’s good, they pass the word. So they don’t have to pay for advertising so they will have more development time.
for kde or even humble icewm.
I can run auqa like themes on both.
It’s like that old Stones songs.
“She comes in colors everyhere.. She’s like a rainbow…”
I am sure gnome has similar.
check out kdethemes.org and look at all the eyecandy.
There is no need for aqua envy in Linux stricltly as
far as looks go.
“plug’n’play” domain logon was my suggestion for the Xandros competition. Why didn’t I win
yeah, there are too many themes… but the problem is inconsistency. My KDE themes look horrible with GNOME ones. This is why I like Bluecurve. I wish more people would release meta-themes (yaknow, kde, gnome, xmms … all in one zip, especially mozilla) Does anybody know where I can get some of these? The UI is still not as smooth as in other OSes.
Not sure if this is what you want. It is for Debian and I haven’t tried it but it will put Keramik on gtk apps.
“alien” should allow you to run this on a non-Debian Distro.
A Keramik-like widget style for GTK1/2 applications. Keramik is the default widget style of KDE 3.1. (Added 2002-11-28)
Packages: geramik-gtk1, geramik-gtk2
deb http://home.tu-clausthal.de/~ifssch/debian/unstable- geramik/ ./
deb-src http://home.tu-clausthal.de/~ifssch/debian/ unstable-geramik/ ./
this link is from the new and still coalescing apt-get.org
perhaps tehy were busy tryng to tweak there own version of KDE. Xandros is a small company, not like RH who emply many more people who can concentrate on OSS projects that promote the business. how the hell are 4 – 8 developers going to do the fine work they did on Xandros 1.0, keep working to improove it, and then help solve some bug that the debian package maintainer is working on anyway? you might not lke to sleep, but I bet most folks in this world enjoy it when they can get it.
I do hope that Xandros impliments apple’s new TCP/IP stuff….how nice would it be to plug in a new Xandros computer, turn it on and have all the network services available to you auto-magicly. I would have all my PCs runng Xandros in a second…..hell Debian as a whole should implimet this (it is an open standard) get rid of that horrid netenv on a laptop, go to a new site and it just works…mmmmmmm…instant easy networking in linux…..and it is standardised.
A lot of people don’t seem to understand Xandros’ target market: It’s primarily aimed at Windows refugees and corporations who might be looking at an inexpensive way to get away from Microsoft. It’s not aimed at the Linux elitists. You’re preaching to the choir if you’re trying to tell Xandros users what’s wrong with it. At this moment, there isn’t a better cross-over distro out there. And networking is a breeze with Xandros. I don’t see it as trying to challenge Mandrake, for example. Even without CrossOver Office, this is also as close to being a newbie’s dream as you’ll find today. Not perfect; mind you, but better than anything else right now. And BTW, there is no such site as kdethemes.org. There is a site called themes.kde.org.
Sorry, the correct URL is xandros.com/sourcecode.html. the mistake was in the earlier URL, it wrote .htm, not .html
sorry.
I’m just waiting and waiting for ages for the linux community (and Xandros to implement it when it becomes “stable”) to come out with a top-class yummy gui like aqua, or even as colourful as xp
head over to http://www.kdelook.org
they have plenty of themes, icons, wallpapers and window decorations. At the moment I am using
-keramic window decorations (http://kdelook.org/content/show.php?content=1961)
-noia icon set (http://kdelook.org/content/show.php?content=3883)
-noia theme for phoenix [probably works in mozilla](http://texturizer.net/phoenix/themes.html#noia)
-for style i use keramic (came with mandrake, don’t have link)
i am currently making themes for evolution and xmms which are integrated with this look, so soon I will have a completely unified desktop, if theirs some way i can package it all, i will.
This is all on KDE 3.0.1 by the way
I really didn’t expect this move from Xandros, even if it makes a lot of sense to appeal to the masses with a teaser download. I most certainly will be trying this out sometime down the road (Probably use someone else’s computer as a guinea pig, I don’t fancy doing another install of Slackware, lol).
But I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would post such negative comments as questions of Xandros’ GPL record, or don’t get your hopes up and such. Really, why bother? People are lucky to be getting anything for free, and so what if it doesn’t include all the features that *really* make you want to have the distro? This stuff is supposed to entice and interest, no more, no less. The key points to Xandros are mostly Crossover and the Xandros File Manager, both of which are not public property, and rightfully so. It’s called running a business, now stop being so childish and acting like it’s some kind of Bad Thing to want to make a living providing an excellent Linux variant.
Pessimism gets old fast.
Shit, I dont even have konq installed. I hate it. XFM does html and is soooo much better for me for everything I would use konq for. I use mozilla for web browsing most of the time, but XFM certainly does do html.
the xandros source code for everything they distribute that is open source is here: ftp://ftp2.xandros.com/src/
Many parts are not open source.
3. I like the sounds of their update manager, but how quickly is this being updated when new packages are released? In other words, in a couple of weeks when the new KDE hits, how long before we’ll be able to update to this new WM? One of the advantages of going with a cutting edge distribution is that such items are quickly added and made available. Does Xandros intend to be quick with their updates, do they intend to take the “Let’s wait till it’s been out awhile and we’ll see how buggy it is” approach?
Their update manager, xandros update, is a very cool and very comfortable front-end to apt. They already have popped updates in their official apt source, with additional applications and updates to sound drivers and such. If you want something the official xandros source doesnt offer, click a checkbox and xandros update will take a peek at the debian woody sources too. you can add any apt source you want. as for the KDE thing, they use kde2.2.2 just like debian woody only their kde is uber-tweaked and fully integrated with all the commercial xandros tools. it’s nice. If you buy xandros for the commercial software they offer, why would you set up your box not to use it? if this is your plan, dont get xandros.
4. How customized is the Xandros distribution really? By that I mean does it adhere to the same file structure as any other distributions? My concern here is that we buy this OS for $100, and then it suffers the same fate as Corel. Would we be able to upgrade our Xandros OS with Redhat, Mandrake, or Debian packages (for instance), or would we be out in the cold were this company to go under, as its predecessor did? I think this is a very valid concern for new distributions as the economy and the market are currently very harsh to new comers.
it’s pretty damned customised but at the same time you can take or leave any customisation. i have my own XF86Config for example, instead of letting the hardware detection software make one for me each boot. the file structure is the same as you would expect from debian. and -NOTHING- is stopping you from installing via another apt source.
5. I love the idea that Xandros isn’t including the bloat that often accompany’s Linux distributions. But what if I don’t agree with teh packages they’ve chosen to install? Do I have the freedom -Or better yet, does Xandro’s package manager have the ability to offer all of the typical Linux packages as addons?
you can install anything. there is the above examples of using any apt source you want. plus you can even install rpms with xandros update, like i did to install ICC from intel.
I’d love to have won the contest the other day in order to check Xandros out, but is it really worth plunking down $100 vs. just setting a competitors product up in a similar way (Installing Crossover, etc.)? Can anyone help with any of these concerns? Anyone have some experience with it?
in my experience with it, yes. it is. I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are a number of issues I have had with it, mostly due to some hardware i use, but it comes with support and the support people are -very- friendly and helpfull. i even have the personal MSN name of one of the guys that does support. These are some really cool people. It’s very very comfortable. and you dont have to worry about a thing, everything just works. (I used to use gentoo to make sure everything worked just the way i wanted it to, compiling everything myself.) The xandros installer in express install mode is pretty much clicking next 5 times and setting a root passwords and any accounts you might want to. as for hardware support? pop in any piece of hardware and it will work. i swapped out the vidcard i installed with with another one and rebooted…. xandros gave me a GUI login like nothing had happened. i added a tv tuner. without setting up drivers i was INSTANTLY able to watch tv!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i added a sound card and it was seen and set up immediately. i was able to use it without doing a damned thing.
i dont use everything offered (like crossover), but there are enough loving little tweaks that i do believe xandros is the distribution i will be using from now on. It’s comfy… like a kitten and a big warm blankey in winter.
None of those people need to be compiling their own applications. That said, I have no idea the state of development tools in Xandros. But, they are certainly not needed for the intended audience.
in the main installer there is a package subset for development tools. the gcc used by default is 2.95.4. it comes with more than just c/c++ development tools. if you want more, or something different than what is on the cd you will most definately find it on a debian apt source.
If you read anything about Xandros you would realize that they are version 2,2.2 of KDE. They are far behind the curve because they are developing custom integration with the desktop environment.
I prefer 2.2.2 over 3 for some things, but that is just a manner of preference. i would like a number of features found in 3 and will be found in 3.1, but I am more than happy to stay in kde 2.2.2 land. I didnt normally use kde for anything other than the kicker in my other dist (gentoo) anyways.
If you want a screenshot of my desktop go to http://www.stargeek.com/snapshot4.png
Obviously you won’t be able to upgrade your distribution with Red Hat or Mandrake.
but you can with debian since xandros is layered above a debian core. if you get tired of xandros, a debian install is just a dist-upgrade away, and you will retain all the xandros specific software you paid for. plus xandros update makes installing rpm-only software a snap (like intel’s c and c++ compiler).
Though I think you questions are good ones for most distributions, they don’t really apply to Xandros. The reason is becaus the OS is not really geared towards the stand alone user. The questions would be more valid if applied to Lindows, or, your current distro Mandrake.
holy crap. If xandros isn’t geared to the end user I havent a CLUE what linux distribution is. Probably none. No other dist does as good a job in this category as xandros does. Of course, I say this as your average hack-happy nix-nut and you should take it with a grain of salt…. but I have played with mandrake, redhat, desktop/LX, debian, slackware, gentoo, and have access to the last lindows release which I have yet to play with. (i know, slack and gentoo arent geared towards the newbie, but they make nicer desktops for those who know what they are doing than most desktop-oriented dists such as desktop/LX which decided it was going to make a swap partition on my anime drive using the same sectors as the beginning of my main data partition causing a loss of about 40 gigs of data, mostly anime and mp3s but also a number of essential things)
Two improvement frequently cited, less programs and better menus are easily accomplished by a current user in most Distros. ……So I just took away two benefits of Xandros. Sure there are tons more. But If I can do it so can the other Distros.
ehhh? There mosdef is a solid set of apps presented to you for installing via cd. This is a good thing. You can also install anything you want from wherever you want once you get online, using xandros update. It supports mainly deb and rpm packages, with deb as it’s main format. It installs software mainly through debian apt sources. If it is out there and somebody has packaged it, xandros update will gladly install it. As for better menus, they are indeed nicely arranged, but I tend not to use them. I pop things I frequently use in a quick launcher.
Neither of the points you stated are worth their weight in shit. I can see how those wouldnt perduade you to use xandros.
It has cool stuff, and prolly isnt for everybody. But I have already mentioned my favorite stuff in the last post I made.
Debian has had a bottle neck in the transition to gcc
3.2. this effects many packages but in particular
caused the newer versions of KDE to be hosted in
non-official repositorys Did these two companies offer to help with this task?
a quick peek at any review would letcha know that they are based on kde2.2.2 , so it’s not likely they would. Not yet anyways.
A lot of people don’t seem to understand Xandros’ target market: It’s primarily aimed at Windows refugees and corporations who might be looking at an inexpensive way to get away from Microsoft.
Yeah… but as a gentoo user and abuser even I find xandros an extremely nice desktop.
Tell me when you create the themes ; BTW, for evolution, you just need to copy the noia icon files you want into a particular directory in /usr
The correct source address is:
[ http://www.xandros.com/sourcecode.html ]
Being a ~new linux user, I have found Xandros to be just what I have been looking for. A way to get away from MS with the included back step of using a handfull of windows apps that I have not yet replaced with linux versions. I found that the windows network support “out of box” experience to be excellent. To add my printer from my “windoze” box on the LAN I just installed Xandros, and the setup process prompted for a printer, I just browsed to my winbox and chose the printer. It was literally that “… For Dummies” simple.
-Mehtuus
pnghd originally wrote:
“Two improvement frequently cited, less programs and better menus are easily accomplished by a current user in most Distros. ……So I just took away two benefits of Xandros. Sure there are tons more. But If I can do it so can the other Distros.
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LV responded thusly:
ehhh? There mosdef is a solid set of apps presented to you for installing via cd. This is a good thing. You can also install anything you want from wherever you want once you get online, using xandros update. It supports mainly deb and rpm packages, with deb as it’s main format. It installs software mainly through debian apt sources. If it is out there and somebody has packaged it, xandros update will gladly install it.
Neither of the points you stated are worth their weight in shit. I can see how those wouldnt perduade you to use xandros.
It has cool stuff, and prolly isnt for everybody. But I have already mentioned my favorite stuff in the last post I made.”
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pndhd now says:
— I wasn’t commenting on Xandros methods of adding more programs. I was commenting on the advantage of providing newbies with fewer apps on the first install, a feature that I feel the other Distros should implement as an option during the install. It gives more focus, and makes for a faster install.
As for a better Menu structure (& by this I include the feature of giving the app a rename -altho I would keep the
original name but just tack the generic app descriptor,ie word Browser, ie Mozilla Browser).
These individually or even together are for sure
not killer features,like Xover.
However, that is not to say that they “don’t add up to shit”. They were two examples of _many_ small simple Xandrps improvements that cumatively add up to a more focused, intuitive experience for the newbie. And that ain’t shit.
It is a lot of small things that add up to perfection and perfection is no small thing. and neither is useability.
This same point was stressed in Ladislavs review that Xandros had done a lot of small simple things to greatly improve their Desktop.
And my point was that the other Distros can also implement
similar ideas … and will.
Then the difference in ease of use will not be as great
and the case to try out a pricy Xandros will be less compelling.
I still say 100 is too much. Charge 50.00 and you will have more customers,not less.
They would do well to implement Libranet’s pricing structure exactly as it is.