Editorial Review:

Amazon.com Item Description:
The Mandrake Linux 8.2 PowerPack Edition is designed for enterprise and home users who need a full-featured Linux workstation. PowerPack 8.2 includes everything needed to perform a full range of computing tasks, including office productivity, multimedia, and Web development applications. Easy-to-use wizards and configuration utilities ensure that you will be up and running in no time.

The PowerPack edition features 7 CD-ROMs packed with thousands of the best open-source and commercial applications, an installation guide, plus a detailed reference manual. Support is also included with this package: you'll get 60 days of free, premium Web-based support via MandrakeExpert.

Create office documents with StarOffice 6.0, the Microsoft Office-compatible Linux office suite. Manage your personal finances with GnuCash (Quicken compatible), and read PDF documents with the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Access the Web securely with Mozilla or Konqueror, and edit images and photos with the GIMP, powerful graphics manipulation software. You can also create and enjoy MP3 and Ogg files using Grip and XMMS, or burn CDs easily with Gcombust. Mandrake Linux 8.2 PowerPack Edition also includes the latest development environments (Kdvelop, QTDesigner, and Glade), and the latest programming software and choice of programming languages (C, C++, JavaPerl, PHP, Python, and Fortran).

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Rating: - * Customer support? ... I've been running linux on my machines for several years, and mandrake is by far the best distribution that is available for those who are new to the linux experience. A lot of these reviews complain about customer service. I, for one, have never even thought to call someone for help with linux. If you want customer service, then perhaps Linux isn't for you. There are billions of places on the internet to find the answers to your questions without calling some poor geek in California who just started learning the OS and asking him your obfuscated questions and expect to get a clear, concise, fix everything that's wrong with your installation response. OK. that was a long sentence...my point is...Don't expect customer service, and don't bother those poor people. Get on the internet and search google for the answers to your woes. That's what Linux users do ;-) I've also always thought that http://krnlpanic.com was a good place for some common answers too Happy Linux'ing! Rating: - * highly recommended by a beginner in linux ... easy install on a dell 8200 pentium4 w/santa cruz sound card w/nvidia 4, viewsonic digital lcd, wireless logitech keyboard and wheel mouse via ps/2, old panasonic dot matrix. all working under linux mandrake v8.2. and automatically configured my dsl connection. soon to kiss mr gates goodbye. my computer came with win xp on it and it froze on the first day. wiped it out and put on win98 until i could find a linux distro that would work for me. try it, u will like it! Rating: - * I cannot believe there is no telephone support ... I totally agree with Elmer P. VanDenburgh's comment on this product, after buying this product you have to pay for extra cost to get extended phone service. On top of that, the customer service person at California is totally rude. Rating: - * Impossible to register ... Unless you are courageous enough to venture out on your own without any customer support, this is probably NOT the product to buy. In order to get the 2 months of free customer support the product must be registered using the serial number in the box. However, when I tried to register my purchase, I would get an "Invalid Number" error when I tried to enter the serial number. After making many telephone calls (some of which were not toll free), I was told I needed a new registration number. After many more phone calls, I was given a phone number to fax a copy of my invoice and the UPC code on the box. This I did. I have not heard a word since. Meanwhile, the time remaining on my "Two months" of free customer support is quickly ebbing away. Rating: - * Best Distribution for first timers!!!! ... Linux-mandrake is by far the best distribution for anyone who wants to make the change from windows to Linux. I highly recommend this product. It comes with staroffice 6.0 and openoffice which are extremely!!! close to Microsoft office. So if you are tired of having to buy a Windows OS, then buy Microsoft Office! Save your cash and get it all in one!!! Linux is the way to go!