Editorial Review:

Item Description:
- Marketing Information: Xandros Desktop Home Edition Premium is a complete Linux desktop operating system that also includes the applications needed to work, communicate and play. Built on the stable and reliable Debian Linux platform, Xandros Desktop allows you to enjoy your digital lifestyle, the way you want to, without the hassles of viruses, spyware and other security threats. Xandros is fun and easy to use. It installs in just 4 clicks, and does not require any Linux or technical know-how. Discover how easily you will enjoy the benefits of Linux and bring security and stability you can count on to your PC with Xandros Desktop. Product Information - Software Sub Type: Client - Software Name: Desktop Home Edition Premium - Complete Product - Features and Benefits: Run Windows Programs: - Continue using your favorite Windows programs, including Microsoft Office and Intuit Quicken, and existing files for a smooth transition from Windows to Xandros Music Management: - Import and organize your music, podcasts and audiobooks in to the Music Manger - Listen to your playlists and music collections. Create MP3s and audio CDs and sync your iPod and MP3 players Photo Management: - Import photos from your digital camera - View, edit and organize your photos into albums and slideshows - Post them online or print at home Firefox Web Browser: - Browse the web faster with your personalized version of the popular firefox Web browser - Eliminate frustrating spyw

---

---

Rating: - * A refreashing release ...
Well I have been very interested in Linux for a very long time. i have tried several different releases of Linux from Redhat to Misc. Debian flavors to Linspire.

I found Redhat very adaptive and technically on top of their game but they were lacking in Hardware support. Linspire was very, very easy to use however they just weren't there in wireless networking support.

Now I came accross the Xandros Version 4 Release and was very interested. I installed it and was able to use my wireless internet connection with very, very little hassle. I was able to use my Microsoft drivers via the Crossover software and now I am up and running.

I am not a computer genious nor am I a newbie but I was able to get up and running within a few hours and very, very happy about it. I started with a dual boot Win XP / Xandros then I just formatted and went straight Xandros.

I am happy with the outcome and I look forward to the future that Xandros has to offer.

---

Rating: - * Good system but don't diddle with it. ...
This OS is very, very stable and easy to use. You really cannot mess it up, but know that what it comes with it what will work with it without any trouble.

Install it with all the devices you have connected to the computer turned on. The OS sees them, and sets them to to install. Epson Printers, all in ones, are significantly supported while HP printers.. all in ones, are merely supported. One way or another.. it works and well.

A suggestion. Wipe a small disk (20 gigs).. nothing on it... start with the installation disk, select custom, and when asked, tell the OS to take over the disk. It will install with your goodies on it, and you will have a very fine and stable OS.

You have a list of programs you can select from and install in the Xandro icon. I prefer Star Office to open Office, but both are excellent. However, there is a text editor in there that is really, really good, easy to use, and posts to the Net without formating code included. And it has a spell checker.

It is really good if you are busy and don't ..play.. with your system. More than that, it is very stable and hackers don't get a easy shot at your system.

---

Rating: - * Xandros Desktop Home Edition Premium V4 ...
Xandros is OK but much to technical for a Windows user. It requires a knowledge of Linux. The first thing they tell you is don't use Root. Most Windows users wouldn't know what you are talking about. Linspire 5.0 is a much better product for this type user. I would say if you know Linux, then buy this product. If you are coming from Windows, buy Linspire.

---

Rating: - * Making linux [mostly] work for you ...
It's among the most pricey of linux distros. Is it worth it? You could get Ubuntu for free. Oh, but then you have to run out and buy an external modem to run in Ubuntu.
Like most distros these days, Xandros can resize your NTFS Windows partition. Like a few, it can write to NTFS partitions. There is no need to create a FAT32 Windows partition for file sharing. I already have Partition Magic, but for a simple Windows and Xandros system you can probably do without it. Of course linux writing to NTFS could be a mixed blessing. In theory you might be able to destroy critical Windows files without the warnings Windows would give you. I have not tested this theory.
Xandros comes with a nice instruction manual. So does SUSE. I think Xandros is clearer and mostly more helpful.
Software registration is highly recommended. Unlike Windows, Xandros won't self destruct without it, but you will need it to access Xandros Networks for updates and additional software.
My computer is shop-built. It has an NVIDIA graphics card and a hardware controlled PCI internal modem. (Most new computers these days have PCI Winmodems.) Xandros recognized the modem as easily as Windows. MEPIS works with it, but it had to be manually set to ttyS4. I could not get Ubuntu configured for it. Xandros claims to work with some Winmodems, but I have not tested that. MEPIS 6 has shown that it can work with my laptop's Winmodem. Some distros offer excuses and a scavenger hunt for Winmodem drivers.
Xandros came bundled with 3D support for my NVIDIA card! SUSE and MEPIS don't. I have tried in vain to install that in MEPIS. Does it matter? Well, in Xandros it's not obvious. Planetpenguin Racer and Tuxkart don't come bundled. You can get Planetpenguin Racer from Xandros Networks, but you have to enter a search for it. You can apt-get Tuxkart from Debian unsupported. Experienced users may enjoy the hunt, but it's strange for a distro that otherwise appeals to beginners. To use apt-get from Console (Administrator) you must be connected to the internet and have Debian Unsupported selected in Xandros Networks. The book tells you how to select it. Synaptic Package Manager, a GUI version of apt-get bundled in many distros, is not provided in Xandros. You can apt-get install synaptic in Xandros. The only way to open it is using the Terminal Program icon from the panel while logged in as Root. There's a reason why they call it Debian unsupported.
CrossOver Office makes it possible to run some Windows programs. I was able to install MS Internet Explorer. This virtual Windows may not have full Windows functionality. In real Windows XP I can use IE to ftp files to my webpage. IE in linux lacked that ability. A good linux tool to do that job is gFTP. It's provided in MEPIS but not in Xandros. It can be installed in Xandros by apt-get.
Windows is still the champ at playing MIDI files. Xandros is not bad for a linux distro. MIDI Player comes with piano and guitar and plays all notes. There are actually useful instructions in the book to download and install the goemon library of instruments. Some instruments are so-so, but all notes are played. MIDI Player seems to automatically repeat, and I could not find a button to change that. By comparison MEPIS can work with Timidity and Freepats, but if an instrument is missing, notes are not played.
Xandros worked fine with my floppy drive. Most other distros do too, although MEPIS is an underachiever on that feature.
Kooka would not work with my Epson 4490 scanner in Xandros. Other distros that I have tried have not done better.
In conclusion, linux still cannot completely replace Windows unless you have scaled-back wants. Xandros 4 does seem to come closer than other distros that I have tried.

---

Rating: - * Product activation ...
Users must activate this product with Xandros support in order to unlock some of the functionality of the product and receive critical product and security updates. Without product activation, users will not receive access to such updates. Should the user activate beyond a certain number of installations, they will be denied new activation codes until they have contacted Xandros support and explained themselves. Support may or may not then grant further activation codes.

This activation system is currently not documented anywhere on the main Xandros website, and users are not alerted to it during the purchase procedure or in the End User License Agreement.