Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Sun Java Desktop 2 Review

Posted by timothy on from the then-say-it-to-me dept.

Anon. writes "Linux.com is carrying a pretty damning review of Sun Java Desktop System version 2. JDS seemed to have issues with almost each and every machine the author tested it on, support was quite bad - and to top it all, the software comes with a seven page license document. Something seems to be terribly wrong somewhere - otherwise why would Sun decide to ship JDS with kernel 2.4.19 at this stage?" (Slashdot and Linux.com are both part of OSDN.)

4 of 304 comments (clear)

  1. Kernel versions are very often "behind" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Something seems to be terribly wrong somewhere - otherwise why would Sun decide to ship JDS with kernel 2.4.19 at this stage ?"

    I dunno. Why are you not asking a similar question of Debian???

  2. Media Bias by turgid · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Sun isn't flavour of the month in the media just now, and especially in the "Linux" media, where Sun is considered to be in league with Microsoft and SCO. To expect a fair and balanced review from linux.com is therefore misguided.

    --
    Stick Men
    1. Re:Media Bias by KimiDalamori · · Score: 5, Insightful

      It's one thing to assume that us "Linux bigots" are going to tell you that Sun's product is harder to use than Linux, or that their desktop is uglier than GNOME or KDE. But if the product does not install correctly, that's probably a bit more serious than just "media bias".

      --
      Lagito ergo expectabo
  3. Re:I tried the OS and... by clk23 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I would generally agree that many distribution reviews are lacking in actual content. However, I don't believe this review is pointless.

    The guy tried four different systems, two of which were 'hot-rodded,' one of which was a pretty standard budget PC config, and the last of which as an older laptop. I think it's a valid point to illustrate that he couldn't get the thing to successfully install on any of those systems.

    And, further, I think it's a valid point to describe the support structure and quality of support he received when trying to resolve the problem.

    The install process is important. I've personally grown tired of encountering install processes which require pseudo-arcane knowledge, loads of custom configuration, and hours of hand-holding. Show me something that offers an install that is functional, intuitive, while still offering options for customization, and I'll be impressed.