For years I have known that the best alternative to Windows on the PC is Linux. However, When I tried Linux, everything just looks so technical – very technical. Installing fonts, installing new hardware, updating stuff, and so on and so forth. Even hardware configuration can sometimes be so messed up. First, I tried Redhat 9. Liked it a bit but was very slow. Looked for a way to speed it up and I came across different Window Managers. Unlike in MS Windws, in Linux, you can choose from several Window Managers – KDE, Gnome, XFCE4, Blackbox, Fluxbox, IceWM, Etc. I chose XFCE4 – fast and easy to use. But then things are still quite slow.
Furthermore, I am a strong advocate of anti-piracy in our church community. I keep on telling people that piracy is theft. It is easy for them to throw the pirated VCDs and Audio CDs but MS Windows – that would be tough. So started my search for a cool Linux distribution and I came across Xandros (Making Linux Work For You) – thanks to Reina Sison for telling me about it.
I quickly went to www.xandros.com and checked how I would download it. They have versions that are for sale and they have this so-called “Open Circulation Edition” which is free. I downloaded it – 512MB and burned it to CD. Installed it and worked! It just did! It found my network adapters, configured my network and internet automatically, found my devices, etc. Was very very great. The only problem I have for now is that my mouse (when moved) would most of the time freeze my keyboard (and mouse) for about 1 minute. Guess, I just have to change my mouse.
So what comes with Xandros? It comes with Open Office (alternative to MS Office), Kopete all-in-one instant messenger (Yahoo, MSN, AOL, ICQ, IRC, etc), video players, audio players, cd grabbers, games, etc. It’s an all-in-one package and IT IS VERY VERY SECURE. With Xandros (and Linux in general), you can say goodbye to most of the viruses and worms that plague your Windows machine.
And here’s the best. It has a very powerful file manager. One that works better than MS Explorer. It works great and fast and even has CD Burning integrated. Also, configuring Xandros is very easy because it has a GUI Control Panel.
So, are you tired of the MS Windows security issues? Is Windows too expensive? Well, Xandros might be the right Operating System for you. Try it at www.xandros.com
Screenshots? Here…
My Desktop
Web Applications
File Manager and Control Panel
