forums.xandros.com

[cipheroid]

I downloaded Linspire 5.0 on their "freespire" offer and installed it on my test PC for comparison to Xandros.

My impressions of Linspire: The default application feature set is not as well-rounded in Linspire as in Xandros; Mozilla is the default web browser, not Firefox, and is labeled "Linspire Internet Suite"; CUPS printing support is not part of the default installation; default user is Administrator (i.e., root, ostensibly to make package installation more straightforward); video mode at boot time was not properly sensed; there is no "convenience login" option (auto-login); the GUI is fairly well-designed overall.

However, the single feature that makes Linspire a non-starter in my view is the pay-for-use CNR feature, Linspire's equivalent to the Xandros Network. Requiring Linux users to pay for access to a software repository seems wholly contrary to the philosophy of Open Source. I just won't do it. Yes, it is possible to use apt-get or Synaptic to install Debian packages in Linspire, but these might damage parts of Linspire that control its look and feel. If I wanted an OS that could be corrupted by installing new software, I'd stick with Windows XP.

Xandros provides a much more intelligent balance between ease of use and expert control, so I've reinstalled it on my test system. Xandros is also my OS of choice on another of my production PCs which acts as a print server, file server and scanner controller.

[tacoduck]

However, the single feature that makes Linspire a non-starter in my view is the pay-for-use CNR feature, Linspire's equivalent to the Xandros Network. Requiring Linux users to pay for access to a software repository seems wholly contrary to the philosophy of Open Source. I just won't do it. >>>

So did you pay for Xandros? or just go for the free download? They charge for an ftp download although bit torrent is free, so I guess you used that. They also have extra options requiring payment on the "official" versions and on Xandros Network. Some downloads ar available only if you are a member of the Xandros Premium Membership. That is $39 a year, while click and Run is only $19.85! I don't hear you complaining about that. K Office is included in this bunch of items. K Office - now how much more frfee can you get than that?

Just because you don't feel required to pay for something does not mean someone else shouldn't. Linspire isn't the only distro that charges for the service. Did you ever hear about the Mandriva Club? That costs too, but it doesn't make it wrong.

I love all this talk about "free" relating to Linux, but I am quite sure you wouldn't and don't work for free. What makes coders or Linux companies so different and therefore wrong? You could do it all by yourself but you are paying for a service. Do you take your own ingredient to a restaurant and then want them to fix a meal for you for free? You are paying for a service with Xandros, Linspire, Libranet and all the other Linux companies that charge a fee somewhere.

So if YOU want to work for free just let me know. I'm sure I can find something for you.

(And by the way, the logging in as root on Linspire is a worn out wrong argument from people who have not researched the issue. Ever hear of Slackware? It is a well respected distro, but you have to make your own user as well - it's just not as easy as with Linspire because there are no GUI icons.)

[cipheroid]

It's true that Xandros has fee-based customized versions of packages available through the Xandros Network, and I don't have a problem with that, because it's not mandatory that I use those versions. XN lets me access and install uncustomized Open Source packages in generic Debian .deb or RPM-based format, and they will be integrated into my system without complaint. OpenOffice 2.0beta and GAIM are two packages I've installed as alternatives to the Xandros offerings.

The point is, Xandros lets me modify my system to my liking without placing any restrictions on me. By contrast, I'd have to pay to use CNR to access and install third-party Open Source packages, or risk corrupting the Linspire desktop with an out-of-environment installation. That's a philosophical disconnect that I can't support.

Look, I'm not dogmatic about all software needing to be free. I use Windows XP in my day-to-day work and I'll pay for software that delivers a unique value-added benefit. But program installation isn't one of them, IMO. Even Microsoft doesn't charge for Windows Update, and the Windows Installer doesn't require an end-user fee.

Final correction: I never said anything negative about Linspire configuring the default user as root. I just mentioned it as is. I can see where it wouldn't make a difference for a single-user system for the lone user to be logged in as root all the time. But that runs counter to the Linux security model of having a level of separation between a superuser and normal user, especially on machines that are connected to the outside world via the Internet.

My comments were not a flame against Linspire. They were simply my own personal views of the comparative values between it and Xandros. If you prefer Linspire, more power to ya. That's the advantage of Linux -- there's a distro for nearly every taste.

[Arne Anka]

[tacoduck]

<<<The argument is not wrong. At least in earlier versions Linsipre encouraged people to run as root all the time. How ? Simply by not offering possibility to create additional accounts at install and even lable root password as "optional".

That's what the fuzz has been about Linspire (or Lindows as it was called back then). The GUI you talk about is not of much use if it is hidden or people are not encouraged to use it

Now, all that may have changed with 5.0>>>>


Since version 4.5 it has been incredibly easy to create a user account. Again Slackware does not even make it so easy, although it is not tough on any distro. It just depends if you need a reminder.

[tacoduck]

<<My comments were not a flame against Linspire. They were simply my own personal views of the comparative values between it and Xandros. If you prefer Linspire, more power to ya. That's the advantage of Linux -- there's a distro for nearly every taste.>>>

Agreed. I have purchased and use Linspire, Xandros and Libranet, as well as making a contribution to Slackware and Mepis because I support the Linux movement, and I don't expect it to be free.

[Arne Anka]

Since version 4.5 it has been incredibly easy to create a user account. Again Slackware does not even make it so easy, although it is not tough on any distro. It just depends if you need a reminder.[/quote]

The question has never been if its easy or difficult. The fact is Linspire never encourage people to create other accounts than root while all other Linux distros do. In that sense Linspire acts more like Windows, which leaves usesr with a security issue (most are probably not aware about it).

[thompson]

[tacoduck]

[lpbbear]

I'm surprised you have all missed the one major advantage Xandros has over the most serious drawback that Linspire has.

Lack of partitioning during install!

Xandros allows users to create separate partitions during install, such as "/", "/home", and "swap". Linspire does not yet do this and defaults to the same use the whole drive approach that Windows uses. This means in the event of an upgrade or reinstall in Linspire you are likely to lose everything in the /home directory. This is a MAJOR drawback for Linspire in what is otherwise a very user friendly Linux distribution.
Hopefully they will correct this issue in the near future.

[sridgway]

Linspire sells open source and you must purchase to get all the updates, therefore it is a sad shadow of windows.
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[EarthBoundMisfit]

I can use apt-get with Xandros to do my updates...if I don't feel like opening Xandros Networks.
I don't have to worry about hosing my system horrendously if I do this.
It is also a bit easier to install graphics card drivers in Xandros than it is for Linspire.
I'm not against someone making money at what they do, but taking freely commercial Linux programs, and making someone pay to install it into their machine...instead of teaching them to do it for themselves....kind of raises the hairs on my neck....I find it offensive.
Its like charging for oxygen...its free.
If you must know....Linspire got its start with Xandros code.
CNR support...is a heavily modified form of Xandros Networks...in many cases...I find their system akin to MicroSloth.
Xandros has a free version....as does Ubuntu.
Both disros get it right.....they lived up to their Debian roots....Debian files are free, as are Xandros files (there are some programs you must pay for in XN, but I have no problem with that as the programs in question are propriety software) and Ubuntu files.
Linspire is also a Debian offspring...why aren't it's programs free?
I can understand paying for technical support.
I have no problem with paying an expert to walk me thru installing or altering my system in such a way that establishes a value for services environment.
I just think that Linspire is still a flawed Linux distro...altho it does satisfactorily meet its target audiences needs.
The problem tho....is that not every linux user is a newbie.
Linspire is not a power user distro.
Glenn Condrey
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"Microsoft has encountered a critical system error and must now shut down. Better get Bill Gate$ on the phone for this one......."

[DLS12]

[bryantrv]

[EarthBoundMisfit]