[KLUG Members] Re: LindowsOS coomputers -- it'll run any distro, I recommend Xandros over LindowsOS

[Bryan J. Smith]

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On Wed, 2003-01-01 at 11:20, Tony Gettig wrote:
> After reading a few replies, I get the impression at least someone on thi=
s
> list has loaded Lindows. Any comments on it?

I've personally seen the $199 Walmart PC, plus modem upgrade, in action
with LindowsOS here at LEAP (Orlando).

Given the measly $30 difference, I'd go with the Tiger Direct product
which offers a much better CPU, a floppy drive and a modem.

> I'm really curious how a "seasoned" Linux user would compare it to the
> usability of another distro, or more specifically, other desktop
> environments.

LindowsOS is _essentially_ the Xandros distribution, minus some serious
security considerations, which is based on the former Corel distro.  It
is based on Debian.  The user with the Walmart PC used get-apt to
download software from Debian's repository.

He eventually wiped it and put Debian on it alone.

If Debian's your thing, and you prefer KDE, I recommend the Xandros
distro -- especially versus the LindowsOS.  Specifically, Xandros has
two major plusses that justify it's $99 price tag (it was $55 for LUG
members, maybe still is?):

  1.  The _only_ distro that can resize NTFS inside the installer
  2.  Comes with _both_ Codeweavers Crossover Office _and_ Plugin

http://www.xandros.org

> Lindows isn't really made to be a server, but a workstation, right?

Linux is Linux.  And you can make it whatever you want.

But Lindows is designed for people who don't care about security, which
really makes it awful IMHO.

> Replacement for Windows?

That's marketing, from the same guy who created MP3.COM.  IMHO, he's got
the wrong ideas.

LindowsOS ships a custom version of WINE, based on Xandros' work.  But
even Xandros now bundles of Codeweavers Crossover Office and Plugin in
their own distro.

Xandros is also planning a server version too.

> My boss bought Lindows and loaded it on his home PC. Bear in mind, this i=
s
> second had information. He's been experimenting with Linux at work and
> home (productive Linux users can be contagious!). He played with it for
> awhile, but he eventually went back to his Mandrake. (Firs distro he trie=
d
> and still his fave.)

Yep.  Most people go back to another distro.  LindowsOS is marketing in
action.

> Isn't the biggest problem with Lindows that it runs way too many processe=
s
> as root?

Er it, by default, makes you root and doesn't bother to tell you
anything!  If you know Linux, you can change this, but newbies won't.

As one review put it (paraphrase), "The installer program should educate
new users on the root account."  Otherwise you have the same problems
you do with Windows XP.

> I'd be up for seeing the demo of it.

It's nothing big.  Just KDE with a theme that looks like Windows, and no
login (you're just root all the time).

--=20
Bryan J. Smith, E.I. (BSECE)       Contact Info:  http://thebs.org
[ http://thebs.org/files/resume/BryanJonSmith_certifications.pdf ]
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