Yesterday I came across an article in Government Computer News, “Ready for a Windows-free desktop?” The article reviewed SUSE Linux, Red Hat Linux, Xandros Linux, and Mac OSX 10.3.7 operating systems. The final conclusion of the article was pretty simple.
“Xandros combines simple and familiar OS navigation with compatibility. These ingredients, along with a safe Linux 2.6 kernel, automatic updates and embedded firewall, put Xandros in a position to compete with Windows XP.”
At ten pm last Thursday night I bought Xandros on line and started a download. By ten minutes past eleven pm, I was logging into Xandros.
To say I was really impressed is an understatement. Not only had the Linux installation gone exceptionally well but it had also re-sized my Windows drive and installed Xandros on the same drive as Windows.
I think the folks from Xandros may be onto something. Installation has been the biggest problem with Linux and they have done a better job than either Red Hat or SUSE.
There seems to be a maturity to the Xandros distribution that I have not found in SUSE though I have become comfortable with SUSE and find it very usable.
The year 2005 may turn out to be an important year in desktop operating systems. As much as I would like to see OS X be a winner in the operating system battle, the challenge is huge with competitors like Xandros really starting to gain some traction. As innovative as the Mac Mini is, unfortunately it still costs more than an Intel box and the economics are unlikely to change.
I think I have had enough Linux experimentation for a while so I will likely settle on using the Xandros distribution especially since it is so easy to switch back to Windows XP Pro. Of course to top all this off I have installed a KVM switch and have my G5 on the other side of the desk. It is pretty neat to be able to use all three operating systems and have everything work.
I still like OS X best but Linux keeps closing the gap. If I were a hardcore Windows user, I would be installing Xandros and using Linux to get my mail and browse the web. It certainly is easy enough to pop back into Windows whenever you need it. Then if you want to take it to the ultimate, add that KVM and a Mac Mini to handle any other computing chores.
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Update June 2
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For a number of reasons, mostly aesthetic, I have settled on SUSE Linux 9.3 using the Gnome interface, Evolution for an e-mail client, and Firefox as a browser.
You can read my latest thoughts on SUSE at "SUSE 9.3 Linux Upgrade a heavy weight compared to Apple's OS X 10.4 Tiger," where I actually have links to some screen snapshots. Other posts on my recent Linux experiences are "Getting Linux to the next level" and "SUSE Bluetooth, iPod, and Digital Film Editing Successes (?)."
Which KVM switch do you recommend?
Posted by: Stephen | February 28, 2005 at 07:18 PM