Linspire and Mandriva have released new versions of their Linux distros to the world. You can download each from their web site. Linspire wants you to pony up $50 for their full version, or get their stripped down roll-your-own Freespire version. Mandriva has released Mandriva Linux One 2008 -- formerly Mandrake -- providing a full Linux OS on a single CD. They offer a PowerPack version for $50 that includes SQL and web development tools as well as a more complete set of proprietary drivers. In my quest for The Perfect Linux Desktop I'm drawn to Mandriva.
I've just booted Mandriva Linux One 2008 and I'm taking it for a spin on a dated test box, an 800MHz AMD Duron processor with 640M RAM and a GeForce4 video card. It seems to have spotted all the hardware, and functions impressively -- for an old Windows user, this Linux distro may well be the best one yet. I'll be testing it on other hardware, and I'll get back here later with my findings.
Meanwhile, if you have been curious about Linux and haven't tried it yet, download this One and give it a try -- it runs from the CD, and you're up and going after a few simple questions (keyboard layout, clock and timezone, etc.). Word of caution: The default selection was to disable the 3D desktop. I tried to run it and got no joy. Take the default.
(Updates Below)
10/11/07: Like all Linux distros, documentation is pretty light. But with Ubuntu comes popularity, and that means lots of forums and community written tutorials. I'm not finding that with One. The install was easier than Ubuntu, One finding all the hardware and setting everything up perfectly (I had small issues with display resolution in Ubuntu). One installs a more impressive suite of software, including a VPN and TightVNC; both have robust package managers that make it simple to go out and get more software. I think the software reviews in Ubuntu's package manager give me more information. I asked One to install Gimp and it disappeared from the package manager but didn't appear anywhere on my system -- it's not in the list of installed programs. I'm getting other errors trying to install Windows shares and network printers. My initial feeling is that One gives me a better experience out of the gate, but it quickly drops behind Ubuntu as you round the first turn. More impressions as I plod on.
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Linspire
I use Linspire and find it very very good for general office work and internet.
I also just installed a copy of SimplyMEPIS on an older Dell with a P2 and 128MB RAM. It is also very very good. Maybe not as slick a Linspire but the price is as good as it gets. Plus it runs on the older machine without a hitch.
Still if I was installing Linux across the office I think I would choose Linspire. Windows users can switch with almost no training. And installing new apps and updates is point and click easy.
I think this ease of use is a large part of what it will take to get Linux accepted by the average PC user. That and good games. In the end, it probably all comes down to computer games. When Linux gets a HL2, Halo, or Thief; or something on that order.
RE: Linspire
I'm not a gamer, so I can't speak to that -- it's a non-issue for me.
I tried MEPIS some years ago and found it lacked modem and video support -- I've not tried it again since. But, like Ubuntu, it's Debian-based, and I'm sure it's come a long way since the last time I looked.
The former CEO of Linspire is using Ubuntu. You can read the article HERE.
MEPIS
Yes MEPIS has come a long way. I have now installed it on an older Gateway and a 2 year old Systemax with no issues.
I also noticed that Linspire's latest version has had some very poor reviews. I have a 5.x version that we have used with quite a bit of success. After reading the reviews I don't think I will be installing 6. Not for the kind of money they charge. That might also explain why KC has switched to Ubuntu. Sounds like Linspire might be going sour.
RE: MEPIS
I think the single thing that most stands out about Ubuntu is the support community. Lots and lots of folks are using it -- and have been using it, even before Dell picked it up. If I have a question I can generally find someone with an answer. Quickly. The second most important thing about Ubuntu is momentum. It's moving, picking up more and more users and support. I'm interested in seeing how well their server edition does.
I'm not attracted to Linspire because I think they are losing their momentum. I don't think it's going to be one of the distros that survives. Let's see how clear my crystal ball is on that one in ten years...