The Linux desktop is here

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This was published 20 years ago

The Linux desktop is here

Linux distributions which target the desktop user are growing in number and if some bigger names have left the field there are plenty of smaller, worthy successors to take their place.

Xandros has been one of the desktop players for some time, ever since it took over what was once Corel Linux, and put out version 1.0 of the Xandros Desktop. Version 2.0 of its Deluxe Desktop confirms the promise it showed and provides a mature desktop ready for use at work or at play. Those looking to make the switch need look no further.

Installing Xandros is painless; one boots from a CD and four clicks are all that are needed to complete the set-up. Xandros lives happily with any version of the Windows operating system; NTFS partitions are recognised and set up for browsing without any user intervention. Those who have itchy fingers can choose the custom option and tweak things as they wish. (Screenshots).

The Deluxe 2.0 version comes with two CDs - the install CD and an applications CD - and a manual written in plain English. The default desktop is a pleasing shade of blue and there are a few icons present - links to connect to the Xandros Network to update existing software or install new packages, browse one's own home directory, access a web browser or read a quickstart guide.

Xandros has retained the K Desktop Environment, the more mature of the two main Linux desktop environments, as its default desktop. It has also wisely retained the need for a user account - one can assume root status by using a console.

The Mozilla browser and mail client are provided as is the free office suite OpenOffice.org. There are plenty of other applications for common tasks - sound, instant messaging, IRC, etc. But for those who still love their Windows applications, these can be installed - Office, Photoshop, Internet Explorer and quite a few more.

The Xandros File Manager is extremely powerful. Pictures can be previewed, CD backups can be done easily, and all storage devices can be managed from here. Files from a growing number of sources, including digital cameras, personal digital assistants and music CDs, can be accessed. No user intervention is required to display these files.

Split views are possible in the file manager and so one does not have open a second instance of the file manager to see a second location; mime types are recognised and applications launched to open files, no matter what the file extension.

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Xandros Networks is used to update and install additional software. Here again, the Linux pedigree shows through - one needs to input the root password. Rather than do away with this - and give the user the chance to trash the entire system - Xandros has chosen to retain it.

There is very little about Xandros which will raise the ire of a user - though one can complain that there are limited applications. But then, when all common tasks are looked after, why does one have to look any further? Those of an adventurous turn of mind can add new packages and play around as their knowledge of the system increases. About the only thing which I could fault was the absence of the best-known graphics program for Linux, the GIMP.

On a PIII-800 with 256 MB RAM and a Gigabyte mobo, Xandros gave acceptable performance; on an Athlon XP2600 with a gig of RAM and an ASUS board, as expected, things sped up considerably.

Xandros Desktop OS version 2 Deluxe retails for $A125 plus $A11 p&h. For more details visit www.akatech.com.au/xandros or phone 03 9562 0022.

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