A commercial Linux distribution (although a free as a beer version called "Open Circulation Edition" is available through BitTorrent) based on Debian. Xandros is worth considering especially for the newbies in the Linux world. It's goal is to make Linux as simple and friendly and Windows-like as possible. Installation is just four mouse-clicks. The OS after installing is ready for use and requires minimal customization. A very good choice for a frustrated Windows user to migrate to Linux without a trouble.

Feel free to edit the Xandros description on our community Wiki!

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Usability

The Xandros distribution, like several others, is a "commercial" distribution. In case of Xandros, the user pays money for a distribution "that just works" instead of spending his or her time "getting it to work".

Modified KDE desktop

Xandros provides a much acclaimed KDE desktop has been GREATLY modified to resemble the Windows (tm) desktop. Also, the "appearance" of the Linux file structure has been modified to resemble the Windows™ "my documents" type of file structure. The "front ends" or "skins" of most of the applications have also been heavily modified to match this appearance... This has been done to ease the transition of the new user from Windows™ into a Linux environment. However, the "experienced user" has not been left out in the cold. Within limits, the appearance and actions of the distro, the applications, etc. can be modified, and, more importantly, it can be done without crashing the distro.

Tight integration

What is more, Xandros distribution provides is a very TIGHTLY integrated suite of applications which are interlocked with the (XFM) or Xandros File Manager. XFM is a heavily modified version of Konquorer. And, the steady reports at the Forums Xandros are that…"it just works"…. From "drag n' drop" to DVD ripping and burning.

This tight integration is also the underpinning of what can only be called the rather "amazing" ability of the CrossOver Office application to run Windows™ applications in the distribution. There is a continually growing list, at the forums Xandros, of rather surprising applications which have been reported as completely functional.

Multimedia support

The Big Surprise with 4.0 was the inclusion of complete compatibility with the iPod and other music storage devices. That combined with a rock solid DVD/cd ripping/burning capability which "just works" seems to indicate that Xandros is going to concentrate its future resources on multimedia.

Read more about Xandros desktop features provided on the official product website.

Software management and security

Xandros provides distro-specific tools for managing software, security upgrades and system protection. This includes two special apps: Xandros Networks (XN) and Xandros Security Suite (XSS).

Xandros Networks

The user also gets use of the Xandros Networks, which is the Corporation's proprietary version of APT. The applications in the Networks can be downloaded with one click and also uninstalled with one click. They are considered to be "stable" with that version of the distro. The Networks also provides other commercial applications which can be purchased at a reduced price. The XN for 4.0 provides most, if not all, of the HP drivers, a lot of new apps, games, wallpapers, and other eye candy.

Security

New, with 4.0 release, is the Xandros Security Suite. Many of the migrants to Linux are here because of security problems with Windows™. Whether there is presently a very large security threat in Linux or not, Xandros is building the knowledge base to meet it when it does hit full force. XSS includes the Xandros Firewall, Anti-Virus, Xandros Networks Updates, and a rootkit checker (spyware)

Open Circulation Edition

Xandros has always provided, later in the release cycle, an Open Community Edition (OCE), which does not include the commercial applications (like Crossover Office, NTFS write support and more) and is free as in beer. The user can download many, many applications from XN merely for registration; which is how the XN keeps track of what is "on" the machine, so that it can be uninstalled with one click.

Community

The Xandros forums do not have a lot of activity. However, this is because most of the problems are hardware associated, and/or the situation of someone installing "unsupported" apps. But, there is a very friendly, dedicated and knowledgeable, group of Xandros users who regularly attend them to help people with problems… And, of course, since it is a commercial distro, the user can also get help from the Corporation.

Who is Xandros for?

An overall summary of the distribution might be comprised of two parts.

For the new user, switching from Windows, it provides an extremely stable platform which has the Windows™ look and feel and operates with point and click simplicity.

For the more experienced user; this rock solid stability gives them the luxury time to focus on increasing their knowledge of Linux with little fear of "breaking" the distro.

External Xandros resources

• Official Xandros website
• Xandros@DistroWatch
• Description on Wikipedia
• Comparison matrix of all Xandros editions

Nowości

• Official news page
• Xandros News@Distrowatch

Documentation, guides and tips

• Official FAQ

Help, forums, community

• Official forum

Reviews

• Xandros Desktop Professional: jerome.gotangco.com
• 4.1: Linux.com, Software in Review
• 4.0: www.raiden.net, OSNews, DesktopLinux, gnuman.com

Download

• Download
• Official Internet shop

Screenshots

• 4: LinuxQuestions, OSDir.com