Xandros
Reviewed July 2007

What’s It Do? Xandros is a complete Linux operating system.


Preface

We don’t usually include an introduction in our reviews but it may be important to do so because of the confusion and misinformation surrounding what Linux is exactly. Linux refers to the kernel, or engine, that drives the operating system. It is fast becoming a popular alternative to Microsoft Windows, so popular in fact, that Dell computer is now offering it as a preinstalled alternative to Microsoft Windows on a limited number of its models. Unlike Microsoft, offering only a single operating system but with two or three versions all made by Microsoft, Linux, as open source, comes in many flavors. These “flavors” are not simply versions, but entirely unique editions customized by individual developers and called “distros” for distributions, and under such names as Ubuntu, Red Hat, Mandrake, Mandriva, Knoppix, Linspire, and many more. In fact, there are currently 216 “distros” of which the vast majority are free. We have chosen to review one of the “distros” called Xandros and one that is not free but relatively inexpensive, only a small fraction of the cost of a Microsoft operating system. We have chosen Xandros because of its reputation as the most Microsoft Windows-user friendly and best suited for the “newbie.”


Does it do what it Promises?

Reviewer 1: Absolutely! As stated on the Web site, Xandros is a complete and easy-to-use desktop operating system that includes the applications needed to work, communicate and play, and which not only allows using Windows programs and existing files but also allows moving email, music, photos, bookmarks, and user settings from Windows to Xandros easily thus seamlessly allowing migration from Windows to Xandros.

Reviewer 2: Yes. Not only is this a stable and robust version of the Linux Operating System, but there is a wide range of applications included as well. Those familiar with either the Macintosh or the Windows GUI (Graphical User Interface) will quickly find their way around both the Xandros system and the applications that come bundled with it. Unlike Windows, however, not only is there an extensive range of applications and programs, the cost of the whole package is no more than many of the individual programs reviewed by Neat Net Tricks. It is true that many of them are free, they can be downloaded from the Internet, and some are even offered in Windows versions. But taken together as they are here, there are excellent, well-designed, stable programs to meet the computing needs of most.

Reviewer 3: While I am impressed with this program’s ability to integrate the various components of a Linux system into a cohesive whole and with a high degree of compatibility with the look and feel of Windows, some of their claims of simplicity and compatibility are overstated/oversimplified in my opinion.
While they state that you can run Windows versions of Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop, they do not mention that the versions that run well are a couple of old versions and that the current versions are largely untested/unsupported. I experienced a higher learning curve and less of a smooth transition than implied, but I am still impressed with how well they have dealt with the complex issues involved in making a non-Windows system work like - and with - Windows.

Reviewer 4: Yes. Xandros promises to deliver a Linux system that coordinates well with Windows. It is able to do that well. From previous study of Linux systems, and as an only intermediate Windows user, I was gun-shy about installing a “foreign” operating system on my computer. As it turns out, the nomenclature and approaches are quite similar, they “play nice” with each other and acclimatization was relatively easy, without conflict. In fact, Xandros offers some additional benefits: what stands out most is the “File Manager” facility that is superior and broader in scope than Windows Explorer. In addition, besides the installation disk, an “applications” disk is provided, containing some valuable programs that can be read right off the disk rather than necessitating a download (this is of great convenience for those that wish to incorporate Open Office, for example). In all, I was pleasantly surprised with the Xandros experience.



Was it easy to install?

Reviewer 1:   It was surprisingly simple. It comes with an installation disc and a separate disc with additional applications and software programs; literally installs in just fifteen minutes with four mouse clicks; and requires little to no knowledge even when one has never previously installed a Linux operating system. In fact, I can honestly state that it is much easier and certainly faster than the hours and hours of endless configuration it takes to install Microsoft Windows. There is hardly any configuration to do other than to enter the root password, a serial number, and maybe a user name. The welcome screen prompts how to install Xandros by either using whatever free space is available, erase and take over the disk or partition, or resize the partition and install it there. Even if a partition is selected, little or no knowledge of partitioning a disc is needed as Xandros does this automatically. The user is then offered a choice between Express or Custom installation. The Express (default) installation will add Xandros to the boot menu and will take a surprisingly tiny 1.5G space on your disc. Xandros can be installed with absolutely no problem or need for anxiety, as it is an easier installation that some common antivirus or firewall programs.

Reviewer 2: The Software Review Panel worked from CD’s, so we did not have to go through the download process. However, I did try the “download” route to see how it works. I had to register and was sent the download link by email. The file is 614 MB, and with a fast cable connection, it took about an hour to download. It is an ISO file, so has to be burned on CD, from which the installation is subsequently done. Be sure to also copy the file: “How to burn an ISO file to CD”, as there is more information in there than simply how to burn a CD, e.g. how to check that the download is complete and reliable. This operation (doing the checksum) requires considerable resources, and takes a few minutes. Both the Home Edition Premium and the Professional editions include the Xandros Users Guide. Normally when installing software, I can do so on the fly. However, I was very glad to have the guide, as this was the first time that I have installed a full Linux Operating System. To complicate things further, I need to have it co-exist with Windows XP on the same computer. Although many Windows programs can be “crossed over” to Linux, some of the particular ones that I use for my work do not yet run on Linux. That said, it was actually surprisingly easy to do the installation. It took about 20 minutes -- significantly less than the hour or more that Windows (even Win 98) requires. When the OS is first run, a configuration wizard appears, that allowing basic settings: Language, Location, Time Zone, Printers, etc. An additional CD includes a large number of applications, ranging from simple to complex, and to tools that Professional IT people would use.

Reviewer 3: Installation on my Dell Inspiron 8600 was not smooth, but it did eventually work.
The first time, I attempted a custom installation. When the system rebooted, I received a “Problem Loading Operating System” error. I then opted for what appeared to be the simplest option, Express Install. It worked fine until my laptop went into a power saving mode while I was refining my settings in the “Control Center”. When it came back, my system was locked up and the installation apparently could not be completed since rebooting resulted in the system repeatedly stalling at a blank screen with a frozen cursor. The third time was the charm. This time I opted for a complete installation. Since I was replacing a Xandros installation at this point, it did remember my user account settings from the previous effort. The Professional version has a second CD which allows installation of applications after completing the installation of the base operating system, Programs include the OpenOffice Suite (Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Database, and Slideshow programs), Adobe Reader, a printer driver, graphic editor, internet tools, Skype, Spell checking dictionaries in different languages, and more. Most of these programs can be freely downloaded from the Web, but it is certainly a convenience to have them pre-selected and available. I was installing them at a physical location where I did not have Internet access, and the installation report indicated that an Internet connection was needed for complete installation of all of the products I selected. This was completed successfully later when Internet access was restored. Xandros Security Suite automatically runs and prompts shortly after installation with a “warning balloon” to activate and configure the Xandros anti-virus and firewall.

Reviewer 4: Installation using the “Express” option was straightforward and painless, taking about 20 minutes. A very few additional minutes were taken up going through the “First Run” wizard which allowed me to review and select my language, type of key board layout (strangely, the default was for an Apple Mac configuration), format of currency, date and time displays. I was also given the choice of “behavior” (I selected to keep the “current behavior” for now – I may get braver later.) I was also given the choice to register now or later. Registration allows for help from tech support.


Good Points.

Reviewer 1: I only half-jokingly suggested to my editor that I would like my review to read simply that I installed this software on my eighty-three year old Mother’s computer; that she loves it and finds it easier to use than Windows. That really says it all. He felt, however, that a few more details would be nice.  I have been curious about Linux for a long time as I, like so many others, grow weary of the constant security problems inherent in Windows and its subsequent “patches” as well as how resource hungry Windows is. Like so many others, I suspect, I also tend to be a bit lazy when it comes to huge learning curves and would prefer to stick with something that I know works. Besides, what is the possibility that someone other than possibly MAC could ever compete with Bill Gates, billions and years of Windows development? Anything else would have to be second best, right? Well, with the threat of a future upgrade to the hugely resource hungry and expensive VISTA in the probable future, and the opportunity to test a Linux alternative, I swallowed hard and hoped for the best. The result is that I can honestly say that there is finally a true alternative to Microsoft Windows that does everything Windows will do, looks great, and is easy to use. In fact, I would argue that even right out of the box it is easier to use than Windows! After installation one of the first things noticed is how familiar things look — even the old familiar Microsoft blue decorates the desktop. One of my greatest pleasures and surprises was how well Xandros handled hardware recognition. All of my hardware was autodetected and configured, including my Nividia video card and HP printer quickly and without a single problem. Not only were the drivers supplied with the distribution, but they required zero effort to install or configure. Besides ease of use, however, the real claim to fame for Xandros is its Windows compatibility. Bundled with the Professional as well as Premium edition is Crossover Office. Crossover is well integrated into the desktop environment; when I inserted a Windows application, Crossover detected it and auto-ran the installer. Similarly, when downloading a Window’s application from Google, Crossover detected it and auto-launched the installer again. In each instance the programs installed perfectly and the new apps were integrated in to the system menus. Additionally, Xandros also bundles Versona Progression Desktop with its distribution, on a separate CD. Versona is a Windows migration tool. Run the CD in a Windows computer and it creates a migration package containing all personal data, address book contacts, email messages, word documents, and so on, which is then imported into Xandros. This makes switching from Windows to Xandros almost child’s play and thanks to the Xandros File Manager it is simply a pleasure to have Windows networking taken care of, to have Windows partitions mounted and working with Windows drive designations, to have shared Windows printers detected, and all right out of the box. Files can even be written to Windows NTFS partitions. As for usability, Xandros comes bundled with pretty much all of the applications needed. In addition to those standards such as Adobe Reader and RealPlayer, applications include: Open Office 2.0—a better alternative to Microsoft Office, Firefox as the default browser, Thunderbird email, Kopete instant messaging, The Gimp (well known and popular image editor), Skype internet telephone service, Xandros Photo Manager, and the usual assortment of Games, and much more. Xandros also includes MP3 creation and playback, iPod compatibility, digital camera compatibility, CD/DVD burning, and a reasonable security suite comprised of a firewall, antivirus program, and a system file protection tool that checks for rootkits. Linux, unlike the security monstrosity known as Windows, is not known for having security problems. Windows viruses simply don’t work in Linux-based systems and most Linux systems have built-in security features that are far better than anything Windows has. Xandros has made sure that its desktop operating system contains security tools right out of the box. All of the apps performed flawlessly and were easy to use. The Photo Manager worked extremely well. When I plugged in my camera I immediately got a popup menu that allowed me to open my files in the Photo Manager, Xandros File Manager, or Music Manager. I also tried a friend’s iPod and plugged it into a USB port and was immediately able to play tunes on my desktop. Xandros offers its own telephone and email support which I found to be consistently fast and thorough in its responses. The new user will find that the Linux community as a whole is like one big happy extended family willing and eager to help one and all. There are literally hundreds of Web sites, blogs, and forums dedicated to Linux users, many who will actually call long distance to help, so there is no shortage of technical help and support 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Additionally, there is a very thorough paper manual that comes with the product. The greater stability of Xandros, the almost non-existent security problems that plague Windows (no more “patch Tuesdays”), the small amount of computer resources it requires, and the lower cost of Xandros ($80.00 or less than Windows Vista) certainly justify taking a look at Xandros. Additionally, the requirements for only 1.5G of disc space, 128MB of RAM and any 450Mz processor as opposed to 14.6G of disc space, 1G of RAM, and a 1.5G Intel Pentium IV or similar Athalon processor are worth considering. Ultimately, however the reason is as simple as it is priceless: The freedom of no longer being a forced hostage to Microsoft since there is now another, and in my opinion better, choice. Xandros has my highest and unequivocal recommendation.

Reviewer 2: I really like the distinction that Xandros makes between the Administrator and the users. For the computer, there can be only one administrator who can make significant changes (for example, installing software). Even the administrator needs his own separate User Name, to use the computer. If installations are required, the Administrator login appears, and the correct name and password have to be supplied. This is a much clearer system Windows’ and allows the Administrator to maintain much better security. I found setting up and enabling basic functions relatively easy. The connection to the Internet was straightforward, and I did not feel that I had to be an advanced user to make that work. Firefox is the familiar default Web browse. I decided to use Thunderbird for email. There are actually three email clients that one could choose from, but as I was not set up to use the “group sharing” available in the others, I stayed with Thunderbird. It was also easy to set up; then with a bit of effort I found out how to give it access to my gmail account. For my “usual” account, I happen to know the settings so it was very simple. Also built into the program is a complete set of “protection” tools: Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware and Firewall. Since the computer that I am using to run Linux/Windows is the printer server for my home network, I had to find a way to set up the printer to still be available to the other computers if I happen to be using Linux when they want to print. It took a while, but I was able to do so. File sharing is considerably easier. All the computers that are on the Windows network show up in the File Manager under “Windows Network.” This required no work at all, they are all just there. Conversely, it was very simple to select folders within Xandros, and make them available to share with the computers running Windows. Xandros comes with a significant number of programs that have been written to run as “native” Linux programs, such as Firefox and Thunderbird mentioned above. For a complete Office Suite, I found myself at home with Open Office (free in all versions), which I use a great deal of the time in Windows instead of the Microsoft packages. Like the Windows versions, I have the choice of saving in the MS Formats, so that even though I work in the Linux environment, my files are completely compatible with people using the Windows or Macintosh versions of MS. To test this, I copied files saved by Open Office with MS Office extensions onto a memory key. When I plugged the key into a Windows computer, it read the files as though they had been formatted by the MS Office counterpart programs. As well, Xandros Pro includes a program, CrossOver Office from CodeWeavers. With this program, one can install hundreds of Windows programs as they would in Windows, but within the Linux OS. A number of major programs, including many of the MS Office varieties, Adobe Photoshop, Quicken and others are “supported” software. The CodeWeavers site lists over 3000 other tested and untested programs. My first experiment was with one of my favourite little utilities: Atnotes -- a freeware sticky-notes program. Although it has been discontinued, it is still available on the Internet, and is listed in the CodeWeavers database of programs as unsupported and untested. Using CrossOver, I installed it exactly as I would in Windows. From that point on, it worked very well in Xandros. I tested some others, and discovered that newer versions sometimes would not run, whereas older versions would. I am not completely sure, but it seems that “unsupported” programs that can function under Win98 are more likely to work with Crossover than more recent ones. I have not really had cause to test out the Xandros support themselves, as I have been able to get all the suggestions and help I needed from the Xandros Users Forum. It has a wide range of topics and a large, very active membership, many of whom seem pleased to share their experience and expertise. I had quick response to any questions I posed. If you use the NNT Bulletin Board (and you should!), this forum will be very familiar to you.

Reviewer 3: This is a fully integrated operating system and applications package. It is highly customizable. The advanced user can customize it in depth; or, the inexperienced user can accept the defaults and start to work. Choosing from the style of interface, appearance, and behavior, I opted for the Windows-style interface, and it was clean, clear, and familiar. Most of the layout and commands were similar enough to Windows to allow me to navigate without much difficulty. The one thing I found myself missing were familiar keyboard shortcuts, but I soon found that there was a separate setup option to enable those, too. Connection to my wired network was quick and easy. Connection to my wireless network was more involved due to the security involved, but it was completed successfully. The 400+ page user's guide is clearly written. It is supplied both as a printed volume and a .PDF document on the CD. The electronic document was a bit easier on the eye because it was in color while the printed book was in black and white. While most of the basic programs and functions a mainstream user will need are found inside of this package, there are a wide range of additional open source programs available on the Web. Browsing the Web with FireFox was nearly identical to using this same program under Windows XP. The only difference I saw was that some familiar games ran significantly slower under Xandros even though there were fewer programs running in the background. This difference was not noticeable in normal browsing. Updating the components was easy. From the main Xandros page individual items can be selected to update, or from the menu there is an option to update all of the components. Compact Flash memory cards in a card reader in the PC Card slot were recognized and read without any special installation. The same was true for USB drives, and CD/DVD drives. The degree of general hardware compatibility was especially remarkable because the system was installed on a Dell Laptop known for needing more exotic drivers than a more mainstream system such as a “generic desktop”. The security suite was pre-configured with a virus scanner, firewall, and system file protector installed and ready for updating/configuring/running. The OpenOffice Suite worked fine. I like the familiar look, feel, and function, and some of the “extra” features enabled at initial configuration, such as auto-complete, were useful. There is a “Reminder Message Scheduler” utility that I found useful. It was easy to configure to display text, open a file, or send an email at a pre-determined time. The printed User Guide contained an index that was very helpful. My technical support request via e-mail was responded to quickly, courteously, and appropriately.

Reviewer 4: Windows files can be migrated to Xandros, thereby making those resources available within Xandros (however, to actually enter the Windows operating system, one must log off from Xandros, then at reboot, select the Windows OS. This is a simple procedure, since at restart, the user may select to boot to Windows, Xandros or one of two trouble-shooting systems (Xandros is the default). If Windows is selected, the user remains oblivious to the existence of Xandros. In the Xandros OS, there are several features common with Windows, (some not): Helpful wizards; choice of how various multiple windows (small “w”) are to be displayed on the desk top; single window, 1 on top with two on bottom, 2 by 2 either vertically or horizontally, 2 on top, one on bottom or 4 windows; selection of universal font/size; excellent hardware detection; a security suite that includes a firewall, anti-virus program, and file protector, all with online updates. The user manual and help facilities are clear and well detailed. An active and informative forum (forums.xandros.com). A lock may be set between users, with each having a separate password. Thus far, I have installed Adobe Reader (soon to be replaced by Fox Reader if it is compatible, an impressive flow-chart program, Thunderbird, Open Office and a spell check program available for most major languages. Many other applications are available. As a last small point, an hour glass, similar to Window's, also displays work in progress, but does so more continuously, so it is clearer to the user that progress is being made.


Weak Points

Reviewer 1: Any program as large as an entire operating system with all of its thousands of lines of code and hundreds of applications is going to have weaknesses and Xandros is not without its little problems here and there. Unlike with Windows, I do not have to write a book to list them all or to explain how to work around them with “tips & tweaks.” In fact, the only “weaknesses” I found were more in the way of minor pet peeves. Very little need be done to improve it further. One flaw that I did note was in Xandros Networks where the Professional (and Premium) edition extras such as CrossOver Office, Progression Desktop, and the proprietary NTFS kernel module were not listed as “purchased.” Even though these components were installed, the option to buy them was still listed and Xandros Network did not seem to recognize the fact that they had been installed. I question how Xandros will know to update these programs if it doesn’t know that they exist and were installed on my computer? There is still no native support for playing encrypted DVD movie discs; neither is there support of Windows Media Audio and Video (WMV, WMA) files which is somewhat of an inconvenience. There are workarounds on the Internet but it would be nice to have this native support built into the operating system. There is no hardware acceleration available for Integrated Intel graphics chips which is something that, while not a major problem, is something that would enhance the systems and could be easily rectified. One other small point is that Open Office was not included on the main installation disc. Even though it is included in the second “applications disc,” it would seem to me more appropriate to have it installed by default since most home users do need and use a word processor. Also, please, no more software demos in the Xandros Network. If you can’t offer the user the full version don’t bother showing us software until you can deliver it. There was no main menu selection icon for the alternate KDE browser, Konqueror. While Firefox is the default browser, I wanted to occasionally use the alternate browser. Konqueror is there but an icon in the Internet apps would be nice. Finally, red, green, orange, purple, even chartreuse, anything but blue for Xandros’ themes. At least offer us other optional color schemes. While I understand the desire to keep Xandros familiar to Windows users, a change from the old Microsoft blue (which is their company color) would be welcomed and appreciated.

Reviewer 2: While working on this project, I came across some considerable discussion concerning Xandros a commercial product. People who had been loyal Xandros customers were particularly outraged by a recent agreement between Xandros and Microsoft. They suggest that people should move to some of the other Linux “distros”, which remain freely available from the open source community. Apart from that, I have not found too much to really complain about with this program. It is difficult to get some of the Windows “crossover” programs running, but then, they were not written to use the UNIX operating system that underlies Linux. However, this is more to do with Crossover than with Xandros. Many of the “native” Linux programs are very sophisticated and complex programs, and deserve individual attention in their own right. Some might object to the fact that Xandros bundles a lot of software in this package that is freely available on the Internet; on the other hand, one needs only install those desired.

Reviewer 3: The Desktop “Help” had a Contents and Glossary tabs but was lacking obvious Search or Index functions. There is a search function, but it was tucked in the toolbar menu next to similar icons and I did not immediately find it. Navigation to some components was difficult. I particularly wanted to investigate the options to backup the system. In the manual I found that a tool to do this, Xandros Server, was included in the professional version we were evaluating. Finding it was a different matter. I first looked under the applications portion of the “Launch” button but it was not listed there. I then went back to the Applications CD to see if I had not installed it, but it was not listed there either. For some reason, the date on my computer under Xandros was initially shown as 2 months ahead of the current date. Correction of this was easy, and it was possible to adjust settings to automatically synchronize the time with Internet time servers. However, Xandros’ Anti-Virus definitions were updated before the date was set back. Therefore, the security warning continued to flash on my toolbar because the date of the last update was out of sync with the current date. File management is very different and felt far more restricted under Xandros compared with Windows. In Windows you can select a drive, partition, or directory and display its contents, with the exception of hidden files or system directories. In Xandros, you can either choose to use Xandros File Manager as a user or as an administrator with a different scope of privileges and range of files permitted. In either case, viewing the system drive is an altered experience. I could view the contents of non-system drives in the traditional directory structure of Windows, but the contents of the C and D drive appeared either empty or they displayed the contents of my secondary, not-system drive. To someone accustomed to a Windows-style directory structure, this was quite confusing. The root drive is viewable in detail when viewing it as an administrator, but not as a user, and I found the structure difficult to use effectively or efficiently.
The constrictions on file usage also carry over to the options for file opening and saving in programs such as Writer. One can freely open and save documents to and from the designated areas of the user account, but in order to save a file to a removable disk it was necessary to find the way back to the root directory, click on the 'disks' directory, and then click on 'removable'. At that point, I could save the document on my USB drive if I chose to overwrite an existing document, but could not save the file under a new name.

Xandros’ Desktop Product Manager replied: Windows users will not be familiar with the Linux file system, but a look at the differences reveals fundamental benefits of Linux over Windows. For example, when you go to the root ( / ) folder (the Linux equivalent to C:\in Windows), you will see various subfolders in which system files are installed. Linux is strictly organized in this respect, and does not allow you to write to these folders unless you open file manager in its administrative mode (Applications > System > Administrator Tools > Xandros File Manager), and enter the administrator password. Not only does this lessen accidental or malicious access to your system, but it also prevents the types of slowdowns and conflicts which arise when Windows puts thousands of files in its single system folder, and then allows users to alter them, or accidentally save data amongst them. In other words, the root folder is off limits in normal Linux use. The user also needs to know that their "My Home" folder is organized in much the same way as their "Documents and Settings" folder in Windows (Click View > Show Hidden Files to see your user settings). The inherent multi-user capabilities of Linux and the legacy of the "My Home" vs. "Documents and Settings" can be a bit confusing, and we plan to simplify the transition in future desktop releases. (We will also make it easier for users to find their way back to their My Documents folder should they go astray.) As for those C: and D: drives that appear in File Manager, Xandros is the only Linux distro that went to the effort in to label your Windows partitions in the same manner as Windows, and allow you to easily navigate their folders. (Other Linux distros require the manual entry of a "mount" command, and their C: and D: drives are likely to appear in some obscure /dev/hda... folder.) Furthermore, Xandros Desktop Professional gives you the ability to read and write to Windows NTFS partitions, to complete the best combined Windows-Linux experience on a single computer. In Xandros, you can find your Windows data right where you left it in your folder on C: or D:, and then edit those documents and presentations in OpenOffice.org or even Microsoft Office, installed using CrossOver Office.

Reviewer 3 had two other issues for which we require additional information: "... the contents of the C and D drive appeared either empty or they displayed the contents of my secondary, not-system drive." "... in order to save a file to a removable disk it was necessary to find the way back to the root directory, click on the 'disks' directory, and then click on 'removable'. At that point, I could save the document on my USB drive if I chose to overwrite an existing document, but could not save the file under a new name." We are not seeing issue 1 here at Xandros. Is he selecting the C: and D: nodes in Xandros File Manager? For issue 2, we need his steps to try to understand the problem he's experiencing. Please include the application name and the path he used to save the file.

Reviewer 4: In order to access the Windows OS), it is necessary to log out of the Xandros system entirely. It would be convenient to be able to gain access without this, if possible. Perhaps not to be considered a weakness, but an annoyance, is that when the system opens, the num lock is off. I had become accustomed to having it default to “on” in Windows. It seems to take slightly longer to load and to close this system than it does for Windows. Of more concern is that my Toshiba laptop usually requires a finger swipe to gain access. Now, since Xandros has been introduced, I am no longer asked for the finger swipe, which I primarily rely on rather than a name/password combination. Unless I find a way to correct this, I'll have to resort to the d\ name/password combo again. Speaking of name/password, it is also annoying to me that Xandros does require an actual password to enter its portals. It may not be left blank as I prefer. I believe the user is one that should determine the security requirements his/her own choice. If my environment and practices do not require heightened security, I'd rather do without the inconvenience of recording or remembering any more information than needed. I also found that after connecting a plug-in USB cable and attaching a cat 5 cable adapter, I could not go online to the Internet while using Xandros.


Other Comments

Reviewer 1: Xandros is one of the few remaining Linux operating systems that are not free and thus one might ask, why pay for something that is generally free? For the individual new to Linux who is looking for a Windows replacement, Xandros really shines and offers a unique advantage over all other Linux “distros.” Its ease of use and ease of transition from Windows as well as its familiarity to anyone used to Windows makes Xandros the perfect choice. Xandros is a great desktop operating system and a much better alternative to Windows that is not for “geeks” only. As I stated as I began this review, my 83-year-old mother loves it and finds it easier to use than Windows. Of course, those cute little Penguins may have something to do with it as well.

Reviewer 2: Although I have dabbled with other versions of Linux, I have never really taken the time to explore them in any depth. I do like the fact that there are some very robust Linux systems, with a significant user base, enthusiastic supporters, people willing to help and share their experience and expertise, and they are free. Xandros Linux does cost money. However, it uses the “KDE Desktop” – another free program from the open source community) which is not all that strange to people who are familiar with the Windows GUI. Many of the shortcuts common to Windows have been incorporated into the KDE Desktop. Macintosh users will also find it to be comfortable to use. I am particularly impressed with the way in which you can use many Windows (and Macintosh) programs. Some of the other Linux versions that I have looked at are fine Operating Systems. But I need to be able to use the programs that I am “stuck with” in Windows. As much as I might like to move into Linux and leave the frustrations of Windows behind, I have years of personal data that I need to access and continue to use, and that takes programs that can access and use that data. Xandros, although it is not free, is certainly not expensive, particularly when compared with any Microsoft Windows versions and/or programs that I have had to buy. Prices vary from $40 to $100 depending on the Xandros version. The license is one which could be a model for all shareware programs: The Home, Home Premium, and Professional (Business) versions of Xandros Desktop OS entitle you to use the product on unlimited home computers of yours for non-commercial use and on one commercial-use computer. Any of these versions provide a 30-day free trial.

Reviewer 3: Installing and using a typical Linux package is a process comparable to combining a scavenger hunt with a jigsaw puzzle. There is an abundance of free modules and programs available, but the tricky part is in first finding them and then figuring out how to assemble them and assimilate them into one’s system. This package greatly simplifies that process by gathering most of the major pieces most users need and providing a guided framework for their assembly. They have made great efforts to make the transition from a Windows system to a Linux system as easy and smooth as possible. I have already discussed the interface issues above. This package also includes Crossover, a Windows-based program designed to allow Windows programs to run in a Linux environment. I tested it to install Quicken 2000. After placing the installation CD in the drive, Crossover was automatically activated to handle the installation in a Windows-simulated environment. On the Crossover Web site there is a large database of programs with their known level of functionality in the Linux environment. Unfortunately, there are less than 20 Windows programs reported to be 100% functional in this system and the rest are ranked by their degree of compatibility, or are “untested”.

Reviewer 4: My version of Quicken was “untested”, but the installation, data entry, and reports were nearly identical to those functions under Windows. However, I would be hard pressed to trust this program to run in uncharted waters with critical data at stake. Finally, a comment about a problem I experienced which I do not know whether to attribute to Xandros, Windows XP, or compatibility between them. I wrote most of this review in Open Office’s Writer under the Xandros operating system installed on a separate primary hard drive on my laptop. During the last portion of writing the review, I saved the document in Windows95 format on my USB drive. When I was finished, I closed down the system, swapped primary hard drives and restarted Windows. Although the USB drive had been used previously on this system under Windows, Windows XP recognized the drive as new hardware and when it was done with the “new hardware process”, the USB drive had been wiped clean and none of the file restoration software I had used successfully in other ventures could find any files to restore.


Will you continue to use it?

Reviewer 1: Absolutely! In fact, when the time comes to purchase a new computer I will strongly consider installing Xandros or another similar Linux operating system rather than Windows. Meanwhile, I am already using Xandros for over 70% of my computing needs.

Reviewer 2: Yes, I will continue to work with it, as it is now installed and co-existing with Win XP. Others on my network will be able to use the printer, no matter which OS I am using.

Reviewer 3: No. While I would consider installation of this package on a “fun” computer, I use all of my currently owned computers for work. I am far too tied in to Windows-specific software to migrate to another operating system at this time.

Reviewer 4: Yes. It has proven to be an interesting and satisfactory (in some ways superior) alternative to Windows and has not yet reached such equal arrogance (and expense).

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