Time To Embrace Linux: Mandriva LE 2005. Review on Mandriva LE 2005 Linux

Time To Embrace Linux: Mandriva LE 2005

Linux has come a long way from being an operating system (OS) just for the geeks to a full-fledged Desktop OS. Linux is secure, stable and totally usable for anything you can think of. Still I see many people around who fail to see this reality. Take my own case, I am a Life-Science researcher and an academician by profession. I am no computer guy. Yet I am totally on Linux. From web-browsing to word-processing to serious DNA microarray data analysis to just every thing, I only use Linux and nothing else. And believe me, from look-n-feel of the desktop to ease of use, every thing is better than any other proprietary OS on the market today. And above all it is free (free as in free lunch, almost always and more importantly, free as in freedom). I prefer freedom. And am sure everyone does so. We live in a free democratic society so why not embrace the concept of freedom for software.

For those who really want to try and hopefully switch to Linux, there is an amazing distribution of Linux, which should be tried. I have seen it evolve to its present state and the experience has been superb. Yes I am talking about Mandriva Limited Edition 2005 Linux distribution. Mandriva is in fact the new name for Mandrake Linux which has been around and is well known in all Linux circles. Whether you are a Linux newbie or an advanced user, Mandriva is the way to go. Why? Well because:

1.Mandriva is a fully loaded Linux distribution. Comes on 5 installation CDs/ 1 DVD and can be freely downloaded from Mandriva's download mirrors

2.Installation is painless, quick and graphical. Hardware detection has never been a problem for me on any kind of system that I have encountered personally so far.

3.The k-menu a.k.a. Kicker menu a.k.a start menu items are so neatly organized in logical fashion that finding anything you are looking for is always a breeze

4.Finding and installing extra/additional software can never be easier. Just add the repositories to the Software Media Manager in the Mandrake Control Centre (MCC) and the installer will not just find the right package from your keyword search, but also satisfy all dependencies and also put the software link at the right spot in the start menu. It is amazing. And I love it for this.

5.The default theme is good as well. And it looks very good with the graphical boot and shutdown. Though it is a personal choice and some people like it more than others.

6.Well not to forget the piece of mind that I am safe online from prying eyes to an extent and from viruses, worms and the nasty spyware. Well this is true for Linux in general irrespective of the distribution you are using.

Ratings(Scale: * to ):

1.Ease of Installation:

2.Boot Time:

3.Ease of Use:

4.Peace of mind:

5.Value for money:

Well as you can see there is nothing against this Distro. It is over all a 5-star winner.

If interested to know more about Linux in general check out this Linux FAQ page:

https://geocities.com/sunnylug/LinFAQs.html

Wish you all happy Mandriving !!!