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Xandros Releases Open Circulation Edition
jasonp writes "Xandros has just announced the release of an Open Circulation Edition of its famous Desktop OS. The Open Circulation Edition includes the Xandros File Manager, Opera for web browsing and email, and access to Xandros Networks. To accompany this exciting release, DesktopOS.com has published an exclusive interview (mirror) with a number of key Xandros executives." The license is a little off-putting, at least if you want to use the OS at work, but Xandros hopes people will find the OS attractive enough to pay for.
http://www.desktopos.com/printfeature.php?artid=22
http://www.desktopos.net/printfeature.php?artid=2 (mirror)
Looks like its very promising... I think I might like it :)
Hmmm.
...in case someone has not heard of Xandros before, it's basically another Linux distro. What makes it so special is that Xandros purchased the rights to Corel Linux and repackaged it as XandrOS Linux. The desktop is designed to be easy for new users, and even has WINE integrated so that Windows programs run without much fuss.
Javascript + Nintendo DSi = DSiCade
I'm glad they told me it was famous... I didn't have any idea what it is!
Agile Artisans
... a Compaq Presario with a P4, if I remember correctly. As a novice user, he was pleased. The Xandros interface, a modified flavor of KDE, is remarkably familiar looking from the Windows standpoint. It also uses the Plastik KDE theme as the default window decoration, which is pretty fancy. Though the interface is clean and consistent there are no breakthrough usability innovations that I can remember. I think the only hardware that gave him trouble was a PCMCIA WiFi adapter. Though wifi chipsets have consistently given Linux trouble because of closed-source drivers, it didn't help that this particular card was a Microsoft...
I personally have been using Xandros 2.0 on my laptop for about 6 month. All that they say is true, the 4 click install, moving the windows partition, Xandros Networks (which allows you to get the apps you want). -- the former is one of the best features - Being debian based it's ease of installation and ease of use, is usually my recomendation to new linux converts
A bunch of Tech Stuff
ftp://ftp2.xandros.com/src/
I've been using Xandros Deluxe for a while (with CrossOver office) and it's great, but a recent change to their "Xandros Networks" system (a front-end to apt, but with "channels") means that you cannot download the latest version of a package until it has aged a bit. As an example, you can use apt-get to install gimp1.2, but gimp2 requires a "Premium Membership", which doesn't come with even the paid for versions - you must purchase this separately for nearly $40.
I loved Xandros until this change. I don't mind paying for a distro, if it's good enough, but I don't appreciate them trying to gouge me with extra charges just to have the latest version of an open source program.
I also am annoyed that their new Open Circulation version limits cd writing speed to the minimum. That is a stupid restriction. What is the point?
Did you ever stop to consider the ramifications for companies that don't try "to cash in" on a SUCCESSFUL (meaning monetary) strategy. They become a blip on the software industry radar, and then they die. Some Slashdotters may not like Microsoft Windows, but I don't think you can argue about the success of their product, so it would only make common sense for other companies looking to grab a chunk of the market to adapt to existing markets, which would mean reaching a certain level of "Windows-ness." I mean, if they announced their compatability with RedHat or Suse networks, would you be more impressed? RedHat and Suse aren't really breaking any new ground technologically, so what's the pull with those operating systems over Xandros? After using RedHat for several years, I have grown tired with some of their short comings. Xandros addresses these issues and more, so I made the switch and I haven't looked back.