Concerning a review of the newest Lindows OS release...

[dlausevic]

I just finished reading a review of Lindows (http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,3973,1134574,00.asp). The reviewer talked about the OS's origins <debian, I didn't know that> and their click-n-run software. After reading it, I am in agreement with the reviewer's opinion that the default installation lacks crucial software. I mean, openoffice.org is available as long as you subscribe to their click-n-run software service? Sure, it's free for the first year, however, I find it in bad taste to charge people for the ability to download GNU software with an easy GUI. If they think they're going to steal the windows market from M$, the least they could do is include some of the flagship OSS's like openoffice.org. I agree that anyone can go to openoffice.org, download, install, and run it. Inversely, more seasoned users can use apt-get <which they actually include>. One can argue that it's better that M$. After all, no default install of 'doze includes office, but one way to draw new users is to show them what free OS's can offer. Hell, even Redhat provides Openoffice.org by default. I should know!

Further along, I read that the install of the os was absolutely painless. I'm glad to hear that. General users dread the notion of installing an OS. The pictures of the gui make it look streamlined and fisher-pricey. Giving the default install a windoze-like-look is a great strategy if one hopes to capture the market. Having worked a number of years in IT <server, networking, and desktop support>, the normal user will want that look because they don't really understand the OS and how it works.

...and additional add-ons such as VirusSafe and SurfSafe are now available as separate purchases ($49.95 and $29.95 respectively).

I don't know about the SurfSafe thing, but I've never felt threatened about viruses while running linux <as I'm completely reliant on linux>. I've received scripts and viruses via email, but linux simply won't execute them, so... Maybe they're feeding on newbie naivety?

The following quote bothers me. Perhaps someone can chime in on why...

The cost of a basic Click-N-Run membership is now $49.95. You can either pay it all up front or opt for a monthly payment of $4.95. For your money you get access to about 1500 different applications plus discounts on other products as well as system updates. If you prefer not to subscribe you can simply buy certain applications such as StarOffice ($75) on an ala carte basis.

Again, if one want's to grab market share from M$, it has to be understood that the usual user doesn't want to pay extra for system updates. Especially when the updates include bug fixes. And who would want to pay $75 for staroffice when you can download openoffice.org for free? I suppose the existence of choice makes it agreeable.

Now, the VPN issue is real and valid. Unless someone runs a small company, configuring a system for VPN access to a corporate infrastructure is usually reserved for the IT guy. How do I know? I've configured laptops aplenty for managers who can't escape work during the weekends or while away on business trips. I have yet to find an easy solution for running VPN in Linux. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Overall, I'm pleased Lindows passed the reviewer's 'mom test.' I just can't help wondering what she would've done if openoffice.org weren't installed <she looked for M$ office>. After all, they decided to install openoffice.org before she took a stab at the OS. If it were my mom, there would be NO WAY she would've gone into click-n-run to install openoffice.org. She would've dusted the monitor and walked off. I'm not ****ting you on that one.

[mrBen]

They're not dead yet, therefore I think they will help the movement.

Although some of their tactics have been a little, well, controversial, their strength of marketting can't be doubted. My only hope is that they do put some of their work back into the community, so that all distro's can work together to make Linux accessible to all.

[joelc]

I think Lindows will ultimately fail because they have mixed their marketing schemes: they're going after the ultra cheap computer market ($200 for a new pc) but then the expect the same people who buy so cheap to shell out $50/year for a subscription. It won't work that way. But if they want to screw themselves that way, that's their problem

My problem with the lindows machines that I've seen for sale is that they are also underpowered in certain places. I can see a lot of people buying a lindows machine because of the pricetag, and then being completely soured for linux for the rest of their lives, not because of linux performance, but because the machine only has 128Mb of RAM! For $12 (just checked pricewatch) add at least another 128mb to the machine please! They'll still beat anything with winblows on it by nearly $100.

[Raoul_Duke]

Apparantly, Lindows has a contract with SCO that protects them from whatever's going on ATM :eek:

Is that fish i smell :confused: :p

[spiderbaby1958]

I've never used Lindows, never seen Lindows. All I know is that I hate the name. The name says: "Almost as good as Windows, but cheaper". For me, the name is unattractive. I want to think of myself as a Linux user cause I'm smart and cool, a rebel, all that vain crap. "The name 'Lindows' says "not real Linux", or maybe "Linux for idiots". Using Lindows isn't going to help me get women. Believe it or not, using Mandrake already has.

On the other hand, a comparable experience for a lot less money with the source code openly published is a good idea-- and someone who is more practical and less vain than I just might go for it, goofy name and all. The subscription software plan seems like a good idea, if the install is easy and the software good.

And regarding that issue-- the quality of Lindows-- I don't really know who to trust. It seems to me that Lindows puts itself in a position where if you're a Windows user, it's not going to measure up, and if you're a Linux user, it's not going to measure up, either. I don't think I ever see anyone in any of the Linux Forums who is willing to admit to running Lindows, but I do see a lot of disdainful comments from people-- many of whom, I'd be willing to wager, have never seen it. And I'll bet a lot if it has to do with that name.

So lose the name, guys! A few suggestions:

The People's Linux

Redmond Linux

NuLinux

Gooey Linux

These names may be dumb, but they all sound better to me than Lindows

On the other hand, I may be wrong. The name is, after all, totally descriptive, and may appeal to a less pretentious market.

I guess my answer is that whatever they call it, if Lindows manages to stick around long enough to iron out the bugs ( I'm assuming there are bugs; I have no first-hand knowledge) and establish a reputation, I think it should find a niche.

And if they change the name to something a little sexier, I might consider running it myself.

[Anomaly]

Of what I have read... they have got the right idea.. but are basically turning more like Microsoft, the more they grow!

Dont hold me with that though!
Its 50% pure speculation and another, of what I have read...

[serz]

I think that it would help but.. who uses Lindows? Honestly...

[spiderbaby1958]

You know, the reason why no one ever logs into these forums who uses Lindows may be that Lindows computers are so easy to run that the owners never need any tech support!

Nahhhh....:)


Hey! I just came up with the perfect alternative name for Lindows

"McLinux"!!! :cool:
and so, an empire was born...

[dlausevic]

Originally posted by spiderbaby1958
So lose the name, guys! A few suggestions:

The People's Linux

Redmond Linux

NuLinux

Gooey Linux

These names may be dumb, but they all sound better to me than Lindows

I agree that Lindows is an awful name. I have a few to add:

Winux 95/98/NT/ME/2000/XP

Bill's Thorn OS

[mrBen]

Lindows is a perfect name, IMHO. It expresses quickly and easily the impression they want to give - Linux for Windows users.

These are the people that will use Linux - Windows users. Plus, we need to remember that we are here to support them, because these are also the people who are tentative. The next time I see a Lindows question answered with 'Get a better distro' I think I will go mad. :mad:

[Anomaly]

Its not the distro.. Its the company policies IMO.

Why would they charge for updates and bug fixes!?
Sounds more like the thinking of the Microsoft to me!

[El_Cu_Guy]

So lose the name, guys! A few suggestions:

The People's Linux

Redmond Linux

NuLinux

Gooey Linux

People's Linux
Already taking and used by numerous wannabes and neverweres distros as a marketing campaign. Hell Dux Linux even uses it. Kinda sounds like a Russian distro from the Cold War days.


Redmond Linux
My guess is you've never heard of the GNU/Linux distro Lycoris.
Lycoris, Desktop/LX, ProductivityPak, GamePak, the Lycoris logo, Desktop/LX logo, ProductivityPak logo, GamePak logo and Desktop/LX InterConnect logo are Trademarks of Redmond Linux Corp. © 2001, 2002 Lycoris All Rights Reserved

NuLinux
French distro

Gooey Linux
Sounds like something the "geek" character would use in an "adult film".

[3eyes]

Originally posted by Anomaly
Its not the distro.. Its the company policies IMO.

Why would they charge for updates and bug fixes!?
Sounds more like the thinking of the Microsoft to me!

That's exactly how I feel about it too. In fact, as a 2-year Windows user I can testify than MS doesn't charge for updates but just doesn't release nearly enough updates (except for DirectX, there's a new one every time I turn around).

Now, I'm still a Linux newbie and I'm shooting to learn the more powerful distros. But if it weren't for the fact that lindows charges for updates I'd be supportive for them, but I think that's a ripoff.

Advice for people considering Lindows: Try Lycoris instead. Very easy to use and once you get to know it (not much of a steeper learning curve than Windows) you can delve into downloading some Linux software to deversify it or go to a more powerful distro.

[kedman]

[i] The next time I see a Lindows question answered with 'Get a better distro' I think I will go mad.

HI All
I did install lindows for a mate once kinda worked ok was nice and goey and was quite painless ( not like removing it and trying to get redhat back on!!)
In the end its another Linux and if it helps someone wean of MS thats a step forward for us all, thing is a lot of the users might not know about this site being new to Linux
Cheers
Kedman:)

[deanrantala]

In my experience trying to install: It never installed a bootloader. - I still have the cd, but you get no boot loader.

It is a very easy to manage OS. I think more distros should start aiming to do what they have done so more common people will be comfortable using linux.

Apple did it...:D

[kedman]

Originally posted by deanrantala
In my experience trying to install: It never installed a bootloader. - I still have the cd, but you get no boot loader.


Now that you mention it that was why I had such a hard time I assumed it installed a boot loader!! and I could just re-install RH
Cheers
Kedman