Entered CNET Catalog: 10/16/2002
SKU: CNETLINDOWS2
Manufacturer: Lindows.com, Inc.
CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 08/22/2003
Setup was smooth and problem-free. If you're using Windows on the same PC, Lindows 4.0 handily mounts FAT and NTFS hard drives automatically, so you can access your Windows-created files from within Lindows. Unfortunately, the drives don't automatically appear on your desktop; you must dig for them in the file browser.
Lindows 4.0 presents a clean, usable interface that's very recognizable to Windows users. Programs are organized logically and succinctly, but some attempts at usability go astray. For example, in the Control Panel interface, you'll see the now-standard, two-pane display, with a category list on the left and details about the currently selected item on the right. However, once you choose a category, the left side of the pane displays only that submenu, rather than a Windows Explorer-like cascading menu. To return to the larger menu list, you must click Preview Menu. The biggest change in Lindows 4.0 is the LindowsCD disc, from which you can run the entire OS--without installing it--so that you can check out Lindows with no commitment. Ten minutes after inserting LindowsCD into the CD-ROM drive, Lindows 4.0 is up and running, with enough elements in place to offer a functional and useful hands-on experience.
Version 4.0 is clearly designed for the novice Linux user. A Lindows tutorial opens on first launch. A well-designed Internet Connect Tool resides on the desktop and helps you get onto the Net quickly. A life-preserver icon offers a wide variety of additional tutorials and help screens, and the Lindows button (which functions like Windows' Start button) organizes the programs nicely.
Lindows runs the KDE 3.1 desktop environment, which looks good, works well, and contains numerous widely available apps. But Lindows doesn't include the rapidly encroaching GNOME (SuSE, Red Hat, and Mandrake all offer both), which makes it less flexible, in terms of interface.
With its first release, Lindows pioneered an important feature for consumer Linux: Click-N-Run, a $49.95-per-year (or $4.95-per-month) subscription system that provides a hassle-free way to buy or download new software. Just choose Click-N-Run from the start menu, then browse a well-organized listing, much like a storefront. Simply click your program of choice to install it.
Click-N-Run unfortunately highlights Lindows' biggest drawback compared to SuSE, Red Hat, or Mandrake. Whereas those distributions cram in bundled software, Lindows 4.0 skimps. It's the only one of the four distros mentioned here that does not automatically install, for example, OpenOffice and The Gimp. You don't even get KDE's K-Office suite. You could always download and install apps yourself, but it's significantly more difficult without Click-N-Run's help.
Neither will your Click-N-Run subscription buy you all the apps you might need. Some commercial packages, such as StarOffice, cost extra (via a scheme called Click-N-Buy). When you add up the cost of the OS itself ($59.95 for the boxed version), the Click-N-Run subscription, plus the extra-cost commercial apps, Lindows starts to get expensive. Lindows recommends a minimum configuration of an 800MHz or higher processor with 256MB of RAM and a couple of gigabytes of disk space. For testing, we installed it on a 2.4GHz Pentium 4 with 512MB of RAM, as well as a 500MHz Celeron machine with 256MB of RAM. It worked fine on both, although obviously apps ran faster on the more-powerful PC. The OS even avoided fairly typical Linux problems of recognizing and working effectively with various display settings. (Note: We do not run formal CNET benchmark tests on Linux distributions.) Because Lindows offers only one standard OS package (other companies offer various levels of packaging), you can't get advanced support by paying more for the distro. Instead, Lindows offers free online support, in the form of FAQs, a knowledge base, and user forums. Once you register, you can e-mail questions to Lindows support personnel, and you can expect to receive answers within a day. You can also phone the support team between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, but this is a premium service, priced by the length of the call.
User opinions
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User Rating: 
1/10
LISPIRE FIVE-0
Pros: IT WAS A GOOD IDEA
Cons: FAR TOO MANY TO MAKE IT WORTH WHILE
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When I first purchased Linspire Five-0, it seemed like a good idea at the time. After all, who hasn?t grown weary of Microsoft? I needed an good alternative to the XP OS, so I went ahead and purchased Five-0 when it was just under $30 (it has recently gone up in price to about $45). I used Linspire Live first to check out the compatibility with my system and everything looked reasonably O.K. But when I actually installed it on my PC, I noticed that the drives that it had detected in Live mode where not operating correctly, so I uninstalled it. The clean-up process left much to be desired. It took me forever to completely rid my system of the OS. Even so, I figured that I might want to use it again someday on a more compatible PC.
Nothing at the time indicated that my Linspire Five-0 download link (on their website) was conditioned on me perpetually subscribing to their CNR (?click and run?) software warehouse, which is rather pricy if you need anything that is worthwile. I had just assumed that since I had purchased the OS, that the access to the download link would still be there when I needed it. Boy was I surprised! When I went to get the download again it was no longer there. I contacted the company and they informed me that they had removed the link because I was no longer a CNR subscriber. WHAT A RIP OFF!!
I am convinced that part of the problem with Linspire has been their change in administration. Their new CEO seems much more ambitious than his predecessor, and that will inevitably cause the rapid demise of Linspire, as just one more Microsoft-alternative aspirant.
Nothing at the time indicated that my Linspire Five-0 download link (on their website) was conditioned on me perpetually subscribing to their CNR (?click and run?) software warehouse, which is rather pricy if you need anything that is worthwile. I had just assumed that since I had purchased the OS, that the access to the download link would still be there when I needed it. Boy was I surprised! When I went to get the download again it was no longer there. I contacted the company and they informed me that they had removed the link because I was no longer a CNR subscriber. WHAT A RIP OFF!!
I am convinced that part of the problem with Linspire has been their change in administration. Their new CEO seems much more ambitious than his predecessor, and that will inevitably cause the rapid demise of Linspire, as just one more Microsoft-alternative aspirant.
User Rating: 
6/10
However.....
Pros: Easy install, detects hardware easily, familiar GUI
Cons: Networking problems, skimpy help
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I actualy bought & istalled this on 2 of my machines. It takes a while to boot (oh well) it gets you onto and surfing the net very quickly & even has it's own IM clients for AOL/Yahoo/etc, etc... HOWEVER.... getting the 2 machines to recognize each other on my home network was somewhat troublesome. you also cannot share any files or dirrectories unless they are in the /root dirrectory. since any secondary storage drives or devices aren't in /root, if you want to share what is on them you must make a copy of all that data in /root. not sure if I'm doing something wrong or just missreading the scant help files, but I just couldn't get it to do what I need it to do. also since there are some apps that I have that don't have a Linux counterpart I can't completely walk away from the OS Goliath. I'm not going to throw this away either (since I paid for it) but it will give me something to putz around with and learn when the weather is bad. If you are trapped by the Matrix and that's all you have ever known in computers this is not your red pill, but it is an alternative.
User Rating: 6/10
LindowOS 4.5 Brilliant
Pros: I can't see how it is said to be pricey. $49.95 for a Download and $59.95 +p&p for a CD-ROM. How much is MS Windows? One hundred and what! (In the UK) You can get a cheeper version, but I don't like the Home Edition. It's fast and as easy as Windows.
Cons: Lacks utilities. You have to join Click N Run to get software. Not too bader price, but if like me you have not got the funds, it restricts you.
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User Rating: 
7/10
Resurrected an old junker PC with it
Pros: Price Flexibility of license Apparent stability I got this as a free download from Lindows during a promotion that they were running. I only downloaded it because it was free, but once I had it, decided to try installing it on an older PC that had been
Cons: Unavailability of software....There just aren't as many Lindows programs out there. The Click-N-Run warehouse is an innovative idea on how to match consumers up with applications for their Linux box though.
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User Rating: 1/10
ripped off hangs the system no support.
Pros: great lip service but that it..
Cons: been a suse man for many of years.loaded lindows cause thought give it a try. package deal with star office which I do like. but have found out that they double bill you for the star office and lin-4.0.. my 60 dollar buy is now at 240 dollars.. if i opt o
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User Rating: 
8/10
Easy install,drivers keep coming
Pros: I installed Lindows 4.0 in about 10 minutes and it couldn't be easier. Best of all, it's the only OS I could find that automatically detected my Wireless PCMCIA card and PCI Adapter (Belkin f5d6020 and f5d6000) Couldn't be happier.
Cons: Hardware/Software Support. Getting better everyday though.
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User Rating: 
10/10
Lindows is GGGGREAT!
Pros: I installed Lindows on a Dell with a 1 ghz Pentium 3 and 128 mb. I also run Windows XP pro on the same machine. I was curious to see how fast each OS started up. Here are my results. LindowsOS 4.0- 2min and 39sec. Windows XP Pro-7min! I decided to get li
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9/10
Easy to install and use, love it!
Pros: The install is quick and easy. It gives you the option of installing on a seperate partition. Lindows 4.0 found every single device in my PC without me having to configure anything!
Cons: Startup is slow compared to Windows XP.
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User Rating: 8/10
Excellent for Non-Power Gamers
Pros: Simple to install. There are a number of bundled software titles that are included. (which includes more than is included on your standard windows install disc)
Cons: Rerquires its own prtition or disK// if you ever re-install or upgrade off the install disc you will lose everything as the install resets the partition as part of the install.// Limited game availability.(Civ, Sim_series/First person shoot 'em ups, etc)
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User Rating: 8/10
Best Linux Desktop OS!
Pros: Easy to install Has KDE 3.1 Click N Run Open Office,Realplayer,MPlayer included Automounts CD's Plays DVD's USB Support Hardware Support
Cons: Pricey Uses alot of resources Charges people for software that is freely available
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User Rating: 8/10
Very Stable Easy to use !!!
Pros: It is very plug N play, little need for drivers. Even Main board drivers. 2 steps and your on the net.Super cool screen savers and sound effects. BooKoo games and downloads. Star office really does handle microsoft files. Amazing !!! NO BLUE SCREEN, AME
Cons: Sucks memmory like, 256 is barely ok, reccomend 512 for nice comfort. While tech support is free. it does take a day or so for them to get back to you. would be nice to get a beginners guide on unix commands for those who want to do little DOS like explo
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User Rating: 8/10
Try Lindows 4.0 CD. No install needed!
Pros: Just get Lindows 4.0 CD from http://info.lindows.com/lcd/ Then tell your PC's BIOS to boot from CD and restart with LindowsCD inside. In less than 5 minutes you will be running Lindows OS 4.0! No partitioning your hard disk, nothing to install or setup. I
Cons: Costs $29.99 but then again who works for free. And they deserve the money since they worked hard to create the easiest Linux ever.
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User Rating: 
2/10
MUCH NOISE, NOTHING ELSE
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I am guilty, I did not listen and bougt Lindows, I have TWO hard disks in my PC, I told Lindows to install itself in the SECOND hard disk according to the choices I had, Lindows took BOTH drivers and erased ALL windows data!!!!! This was a mess, I spet about one week putting everything back. After this ordered SUSE 8.1, SUSE really works fine, obeyed all settings and I am working with two OS, I use linux to learn, maybe one day somebody will create applications like ACCESS for linux.. I hope so.
User Rating: 8/10
Microsoft is on the RUN
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What most of the people with the thumbs down don't know is almost every part of Windows they love is a "free" part of any Linux OS. The internet you use, our government, amazon.com, and HP are just among a few who use Linux for their every day computing. As far as Lindows goes, it's very easy to use, not to mention the fact that it installs faster, loads programs faster, uses by far less disk space, and Windows networking capabilities are unparalleled to those of Linux. Microsoft has come a long way since 3.11, but with every new OS there are bugs. Noone on here can truly say that their system with Windows never messes up, hangs, blue screen's, etc. Lindows OS still has some hurdles to overcome before being a mainstream operating system for the best PC, yet the hurdles it has overcome already, in less then 10 years, are more more then Microsoft has done in it's entire run.
User Rating: 9/10
Compatition brings out more choices
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As a tech and consultant. It is so nice to give clients choices. I believe Linux and Lindows has a bright future ahead if they stay on track and offer consumers what they need and want.
User Rating: 1/10
Note, I used version 2.0. Not 3.0
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Man what a peice of garbage. Ok here's the deal, version 2.0 does nothing but freeze up. If you double click on the desktop it freezes. If you leave the system sitting for 5 minutes, it freezes. I have swapped out each peice of hardware used and did a re-install. Nothing changed. Its just a terrible peice of software. It even froze once when I was in the instalation process. Now, if you can get it to run to the point where you can click on the "L" (think window's "start" button) and go to the programs group, you won't find an incredable selection of valuable progams as you would in mandrake or red hat linux. You will instead see ONLY basics like "cd player" and "text editor". If you want more than that, you must click on the "click 'n run" link. They are really shoving that $99 subscription fee down your throat. If you want to do much of anything, you're going to need to download it. Forget using your machine if you wanted to manage your finances out of the box. The lindows.com site is VERY misleading. You can do almost nothing without a download (which of course requires a working connection to the internet). If you have installed mandrake, you know there is a nice 3-d game version of "tron". Very cool...but with Lindows you get a 2-D game that reminds you of something you'd see on a cel phone. And an old cel phone at that. Beleive me, this doesn't compare to the other linux distributions out there...and those are FREE. Now, I admit, I tried version 2.0. I assume version 3.0 will be better, but aproach with caution. If you want linux, get red hat or mandrake. If you want a cheaply made windows clone, and want to overpay for something that probably won't work, Get Lindows. Note, if I feel version 3.0 is a notable improvement, I will be sure to return to add more input.
User Rating: 7/10
Why Lindows you ask?
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Because we love change! We embrace it's coming at every turn! Windows? Eh. Tired old windows. I'm not saying give up windows. Just try something new. I guess you can't teach an old dog new tricks. So quit whining! If you know it's going to be different and a challenge, why bother?
User Rating: 
3/10
Need's Work
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Why trade a monopoly for a wanna-be monopoly? MS may have sneaky things...but Lindows certainly isnt better...When you look at things in the long run, you aren't saving any money. Sure, you are paying $99, but that will be a yearly event to download software that should be FREE. While I do believe that Linux will one day do very well for itself in HOME use, Lindows isnt the Holy Grail that it wanted to be. Best bet for most people, Buy an OEM windows xp for $89-$99, and donwload the plentyful FREE programs for windows. There are tons of them out there. "602pro office suite" is a great alternative to MS office for most. "The Gimp" has a Windows version. If you dont like Internet Explorer for whatever security reasons, download Mozilla, or better yet Opera. I've seen free versions of everything for windows. You don't have to empty your wallet for windows software, and you keep all the windows compatibility and ease of use. Stability wise, XP and even Millenium edition have run flawlessly for me. Only time they have ever crashed on me was when my heatsink fan stopped working and my CPU overheated. I've been running my installations of them for well over a year now. If you really want a cheap quick linux to try out, try Knoppix live linux. Runs right off a cd, without needing to install anything or even needing your hard drive unless you need to save files. Can't beat that.
User Rating: 3/10
Doesn't work with anything but itself.
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Be prepared for some work to switch back. Little support except what's on their web page. Works great if all you want to use is lindows. Will not load any other software but LINUX based material. Took a few hours to switch back to XP.
User Rating: 9/10
Goodbye Mr. Gates
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Coastal Computer Concepts and Coastal Logix(IT Consulting and Staffing Companies) have been testing Lindows 3.0 for a month so far and we have nothing but good things to say. With the better stability and ease of installation and ELIMINATING ongoing licensing fees we are recommending this new fabulous software to all of our clients. We are currently in the process of recieving a resell license for this product and are very excited to continue a strong relationship with linux and their affiliates. We recommend Lindows to the avid Windows user and novice computer users; especially since so many so called veterans of the Windows OS are still trying to figure things out, what would anyone coming from any level of experience have to lose but the headaches.
User Rating: 10/10
it seems like lindows os is running their own monopoly
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Lindows is running their own monopoly by not letting other buisnesses use their software to sell on the market. this is to their disadvantage but they are still creating a monopoly of their product
User Rating: 2/10
Why pay $200 for gui apt-get?
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This sorry excuse for software was included on my wife's machine (I knew it was there when I ordered it from walmart.com). The distro is based on Debian, and the few downloads included with the purchase price of the machine are a joke. 200 dollars for a gui front end to apt-get, and then renew YEARLY? No wonder the name is lINDOWS (they almost have Microsoft down cold).
User Rating: 8/10
Lindows love it!
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I put this machine on my home Windows network and it recognized the shared DSL and the network without any effort. A flawless install. I have moved all my web surfing and email off of my windows boxes due to viruses and general security issues. (I found 300 megs of spyware on my windows machine, then had credit card fraud.) Lindows is the system for me. It has just worked great. Due to blue screens and viruses, I have been wanting to get off windows for quite awhile, and this is the way to do it. I use Windows for windows apps (photoshop etc). I use Lindows whenever I can and the reliability and performance are MUCH BETTER. Between apt-get and click-n-run my lindows system is fully loaded with good software. I haven't had a single bluescreen since I got it. Lindows rocks!
User Rating: 
5/10
No human responce
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If you have a problem, forgetit. I can get it to work on my system. No except button,because screen is to large. No answer form lindows. Not Good Business. I know they lossing a lot customer like me.
User Rating: 7/10
Decent!
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I'm an IT person at a local financial institution. I studied Linux and Unix while obtaining my degree. I grew up in a Windows world but I must say that Linux is going to take over soon. This OS is really the first serious attempt to compete with Windows (Could have came up with a better name than Lindows) But I would recommend this to almost anyone. The file system is secure (similar to NTFS) and the compatibility is about equal to XP. Give it a try, It's worth the $100!
User Rating: 
4/10
Tried it, got my money back
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I am sorry but if you have never used Linux before and are coming from a Windows world you might better ask yourself if you have lot's of time. The support was ok with the forum but you had to wait for someone to answer your question or read through the millions of posts of others not being able to get this to work or that to work. I guess when they get it working and the hardware companies and software companies make installation disks for lindows so you can add the software and plug your product in and it works then it might be worth the money. I just wasted 3 weeks trying to figure out how to use it. Got my money back though and waiting on a format disk to come in the mail so I can wipe this clean and get windows on it..
User Rating: 6/10
Its worth the try
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I found Lindows worth the try, In the main the system works well and after a learning curve the OS is easy to use. Support needs improvemt.
User Rating: 10/10
It has been said over & over again
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Do we reall have to repeat? Well here it goes. YES you CAN get Linux free. Want tech support and books and in an easy $200. Free version also do NOT have as much bells and whistles AND NO DRIVER support. Lindows is doing their trying to get all the drivers. All other version you better build the computer around the OS.
User Rating: 9/10
THE best OS out there!
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I have found Lindows to be THE best OS out there. The one complaint that I had with Linux (and Unices in general) is that they were so unuser-friendly. RedHat gave us dependency hell and installing programs from source code was best left to those who know a little about programming. Not so LindowsOS. It installed in record time, recognized all of my hardware (WinXP missed my sound card) and is rock solid. I bought LindowsOS and the Insider package just to play with in on my spare computer. Since I've installed it on that computer, my notebook, and dual-booted it on my main computer (my wife is not one for change). With its family licensing program, I do not run afoul by having StarOffice 6 on all 3 computers. I truly think it is the best operating system out there, to date.
User Rating: 10/10
RedHat, Mandrake with WiNE?
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Dreps said the following Lindows is nothing more than linux with WiNE installed. Now if you had gotten Redhat, Mandrake, or Slackware. Good luck installing WiNE. I have meesed with Every Linux product. IT IS NOT EASY TO INSTALL products. There are different installation commands that ONLY work on some Linux Distro. That is why Lindows is waaaaay better. Extremely easy installation that supports all of the formats. As for compatibilty issue well as with any Linux Distro there is NOT alot of support for harware. BUT that is where Lindows is different they are trying to get drivers for ALL hardware. I remember when MS had problems with drivers. It used to be companies made there drivers for MS OS's. Not Linux. Over time MS took those Drivers and added them to Windows. Well Lindows is attemping just that. Getting all the drivers imbeded into thier OS. This OS is not for everybody yet. This is for those who want a true choice of affordable computers with out MS watching your every move and knowing what your computer has and does'nt have. In closing if you want MS to know what hardware you have go with XP which crashes when installig and Crashes when installing SP1(Service Pack 1) If you want true privacy go with Lindows who does not ask what hardware you have and does not keep track of your hardware unless you ask them for help on a product.
User Rating: 9/10
Lindows Kicks Butt!!!
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I can sum up Lindows in one word, AMAZING!! Its the easiest Linux i have ever used, very stable compared to Windoze XP, which, in my experience was crashing at least 3 times a week. Because Linux is open source most of the software is free, and there is software to match anything you use in Windoze! whats more Click N Run makes it soooo easy to install everything. On summary, im sticking with Lindows all the way, and if you havent tried it TRY IT before you make any judgements!
User Rating: 4/10
At this price?
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Upgrading from an old Windows on an old machine?... Or maybe just got shafted by MS with WinME on a machine you bought a while back? Alright then, this may be a solution for you. But since you can get WinXP OEM on a new machine for $129 anyway with the wide hardware support, customer support and stability I don't know that I'd choose the experimental Lindows OS instead. That is though, the opinion of a person who isn't a Linux geek. When Lindows gets Windows compatability down, then we'll talk. I will give them credit on their user license though, they listened to the people, unlike Scrooge McMicrosoft.
User Rating: 9/10
Fantastic OS easy, and fun to install.
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Installs in a few minutes and you can download a lot of useful programs from the click-n-run warehouse that will do away with the need for windows and window programs.
User Rating: 8/10
Progress not Perfection
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I have been previewing Lindows for quite some time. I have seen major progress at every level. I find this is true , not just for Lindows, but Linux has grown and improved. It is indeeed "Good Enough" for the END-USER and "Cheap Enough" for the practical. Stablity has been excellent. Support has been pretty good for a pre-release product. The Linux Core.. Debian is hard to beat. How about less than 7 Minute install times? CNR works very well! As you progress with the OS you'll learn of the true power hidden behing the GUI. My personal experience with this projet has been rewarding and has led me to become more involved in the Linux Community! Not bad for a $99.00 investment. Oh! Did I mention that I still have to allot time on a daily basis to Ressucitate my Wife's XP machine?
User Rating: 9/10
I have been using it for 8 months
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I have been using LindowsOS for about 8 months now and I must say that I disagree with some of the things that the author wrote. I don't agree with his assessment of "The Bad". Let's look at them point-by-point: 1)Performance is a little flaky; I don't find this to be true at all. In fact, I find LindowsOS to be much more stable than my Windows machine. I think that this statement is a bit ambiguous. What exactly does the author mean by "performance"? I find the applications and the OS to be rock-solid and I find the speed to be quite good. What features or areas was he testing and what were the criteria for these tests? 2)software download scheme requires broadband Internet connection; This is true with just about anything decent on the Net today. You want to download MP3s? You want to watch videos on the Web? You want to check out interactive Flash sites or online games? All of these things require broadband. I think Lindows.com is very forward-thinking. They know that the future lies in broadband. Not dial-up modems. 3)can't run many Windows apps; This is a bit misleading. It is kind of like saying: "my car doesn't fly very well." And, since cars weren't designed to fly... this would be true. LindowsOS wasn't designed to run Windows apps. Originally, they intended to support this feature. But, they realized that the long-term goal of most people was to get away from over-priced Windows apps. So, they have focused on stable, low-cost Linux apps that perform the same functions as their Windows counterparts. 4)weak tech support. I find this to be totally false. I have been able to find answers to *all* of my Lindows questions. There is a great tech-support forum and an ever-growing FAQ section. Usually if I post a question or a problem in the forum there are 1-2 people willing to help me out within minutes of my post! There are also support technicians and a great "QuickStart" guide. The final version of LindowsOS hasn't even been released yet! They are still ramping up their support and I imagine that this area will be changing quite a bit during the next few months.
User Rating: 6/10
Easiest Linux for those new to and want to see what Linux is all about.
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Although the general release isn't out yet, scheduled for mid November, so really we're reviewing a beta OS right now, but so far I've been very impressed with Lindows OS 2.1. The idea of Click-N-Run is an excellent one and I hope it blossums to be the real "meat and potatoes" of the OS. Anyone curious about Linux but has zero experience with it will have an enjoyable first encounter with this distro. I hope the development team stays true to course with Click-N-Run. If they do Lindows will be a major player in the Linux desktop for the consumer.
User Rating: 10/10
Give Lindows a chance
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I have tried all Linux OS's out there. With the Free Downloads you GET NONE ZIPPO NADA Support. Sure you can go through 1000's of How To's pages that may or may not have what you want. Still the free version or Boxed set are horrible. Lindows is so super easy. Who cares abouts Microsoft products on Lindows. Star Office is waaaaaaay better anyway. I have always used Star Office on my Windows machine since they used to give it away for free. Those here with negative comments please remember that Lindows is still a new OS. I remember when windows 95 first came as beta. It was horrible. And after it was released it still did'nt work right. Windows did get better but they had a chance to improve. Basically give Lindows a chance wait for the General release. However if you do not become an insider now you'll miss out one 1000's of software pluse Lindows 3.0 for just $99.00 How much does XP cost with all the office suites? You do the math.
User Rating: 10/10
The Best OS!!!!!
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I've noticed that most of the negative posts come from people that have absolutely no actual knowledge or hands-on experience with LindowsOS. How can you rate Lindows.... or any other product if you are not a user? It comes with a 30 day money back guarantee so try it before you knock it! It makes me wonder what your evaluation of Ex-Lax would be without trying it first!!! Many Linux operating systems are available free but then consider the fact that this is the 5th Linux distro I'm messing with. Some years ago, I messed with RedHat 5.2, 6.0 and 6.1, Corel Linux and TurboLinux; I always had problems installing, partitioning, configuring and setting them up. Those were all bought boxed versions except for the 6.1, which I just purchased the CD's only. I wasn't exactly happy to pay $99 for the LindowsOS beta as it was the first time that I ever paid for a beta but I'm *very* happy with the Lindows distro. I guess Linux wasn't my thing until now! I spend $1000's each year on OS's and software so $99 in reality is just a drop in the bucket compared to that. BTW, I haven't purchased any software since I got Lindows; the license is for all my computers. The install was flawless and under 10 minutes on a computer with 98SE that I set for dual boot. On 2 computer I have Lindows only. Right now I'm messing with Lindows 2.0 and Windows XP on another computer. When I go to the "Click-N-Run Warehouse", it automatically scans my system for updates, updates my warehouse catalog and installs updates if there are any. When I selected programs in the "Click-N-Run Warehouse" (StarOffice 6.0, RealPlayer 8.0, IBM Java, Gimp and Gimp add-ons, FreeAmp and TuxRacer Deluxe) by clicking on the icons of the programs, it self-installs with no interaction on my part with the exception of me answering if I want a desktop icon and if I want to start that program on startup and/or now.... and *no* reboot!!!! I don't believe that any window programs are required with such a vast library of 1675 softwares in the "Click-N-Run Warehouse". BTW, I have no Windows programs running on *this* computer and I don't see a need for any Windows programs so far!!! There are 10 support groups for Lindows users that I know of. My computers are on 24/7 (DSL, router, power switch) except for whenever I'm away for 1 or 2 weeks, I leave 1 (Windows) computer on to collect the email but it's always crashed when I return. Recently I was away again and I left 2 computers running this time, this one with Lindows and one with Windows. Upon my return the Lindows computer was still running fine and the Windows computer was crashed, as usual! Wal-Mart sells the Microtel 800 MHz computer with Lindows installed for $199. TigerDirect sells the Wintergreen 1.3 GHz computer with Lindows installed for $229. How much are computers with Windows XP??? *...*´¨¨)) -:¦:-*...*´¨¨)) -:¦:-*...*´¨¨)) -:¦:-*...*´¨¨)) -:¦:- ¸.*´ .*´¨¨)) ¸.*´ .*´¨¨)) ¸.*´ .*´¨¨)) ¸.*´ .*´¨¨)) ((¸¸.*´ ..*´ ((¸¸. Gene ((¸¸.*´ ..*´ ((¸¸.*´ ..*´ -:¦:- ((¸¸.*´*-:¦:- ((¸¸.*´*-:¦:- ((¸¸.*´*-:¦:- ((¸¸.*´*-:¦:- List Owner/Moderator - Build_A_Computer A Technical Support Alliance Charter Member http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Build_A_Computer/ ~~~~~©~~~~~
User Rating: 7/10
Easy to use Linux for windows users
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Very well im also an insider rounded and nice looking OS with all the features of windows except software and some hardware it need some work in them areas but over all for a beta i would say AWESOME!!
User Rating: 8/10
Very stable for a beta
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Never had a problem installing. A few problems with hardware compatability, but those have been resolved with the later releases. Can't wait for the general release.
User Rating: 9/10
7 minute install, beats Win XP by miles
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Episode I: Installed Lindows on a new, unexpensive, 1.1 GHz Duron computer. Time: 7 minutes. Trouble: none. Time to configure Spanish keyboard: less than 1 minute. Unpacked a brand-new Pentium 4 HP with Windows XP. Time to go through all the questions and wait for the OS to get set: more than 1 hour. Could not set it to the Mexico-City-Tegucigalpa time zone: it just retuned to the pre-set time zone. Everytime I started something for the first time (Music-Match jukebox, Norton Antivirus), had to go through a long questionaire, and then had to repeat it later because the first time I was not connected to the net and it did not register my answers. Worse: tried to read files from an HP CD-RW; the CD asks to install UDF reader, I say yes, and after reboot Win XP tells me UDF reader will make it unstable; I try to get more info, and find that I have to buy and download some software to be able to read my CD-RW (took half an hour to find how to unistall UDF reader). So, I burn a CD-R that does not need UDF reader, insert it into the CD device... the expensive PC hesistates... freezes for a moment... then crashes. Yes! An ordinary CD, made with an HP CD burner, crashed the Pentium 4! Yes, it reboots quickly, and then recognizes the CD directories, but every time I put the CD into the machine it crashes. Now, this is the Windows XP "much more stable" OS from Microsoft. I won't write down my experiences with Win 95 and Win 98, because they would fill several volumes. Suffice it to say that during an ambitious development project in 1996 I lost 80 hours of down time with Win 95, because it could not handle PowerBuilder and a couple of other products at the same time. Episode II Place: the PC lab at a high-school in the middle of the High Sierra Mazateca, in the State of Oaxaca, Mexico. We are kilometers away from the nearest phone. One of the pupils starts a quite new Compac Pentium 4 with Windows 2000, and tries to go into a fully licensed, legit Office program. Sorry: you need a validation code (which has to go through Internet); Office will, from then on, work in read-only mode. Episode III You need a local data base product in Win XP? Use Access, of course. It comes with the Proffesional (more expensive) Office version. Cost for several dozens of machines: a lot. You need a local data base product in Lindows? Readily download MySQL or PostGreSQL from the CNR Warehouse. Cost for several dozens machines: free, if you release your development under GPL (GNU Public License). Need a development tool for your XP? Get VB, or Delphi, or PowerBuilder... Cost: a lot. Need a development tool for Linux? Kylix has a free version, which you can use if you are releasing under GNU. Don't just stick to the glitz: see the real essence of the matter.
User Rating: 10/10
Lindows is still a beta only product.
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When the General release comes out(soon) you will no longer need a broadband internet connection. Lindows will include an express CD with many of the large and popular programs on it. Who needs to Emulate Windows Apps, when you have native open-source alternatives that cost little or nothing and have the same or better functionality? I don't know about their over the phone tech support, but they do have a large community forum that the users and Lindows people regularly read and respond to.
User Rating: 9/10
Best and easiest Linux
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I am a Windows user, I have been for the last 20 years, until 2 months ago that I became also a Linux user thanks to LindowsOS. What I like about it: the best and easiest installation of all OSs - up, running and connected to internet in 5 minutes. Very stable, nice applications, easy to use, nice interface, and it includes the best way of installing programs (Click-N-Run). And also -in my case- the adventure of learning something new. Expensive? for $ 99.00 I got the OS, and all the updates for the next 2 years, more than 1700 programs, libraries, utilities, documents through Click-N-Run. StarOffice 6, Good support, you will 'see' in the forum the president of the company answering questions!!! etc, etc. I could go on and on. But really the best of all... friends, and I mean good friends, through the Lindows Forum. and for me that does not have a price. This is the first OS with friends included !!!
User Rating: 8/10
Great for Development
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I've used several different distributions in the past. I found that they were filled with so much software that I never could determine what was the best. With the CnR, I am able to see the most popular products at the top - I know that these are the good ones. For development, its great to work on something that is light weight, and doesn't have a huge number of factors to worry about. Lindows install is fast and small. In about an hour of searching for all the software I need, I can have a full development box set up the way I need it. With the CnR, its simple to update dependancies, and keep track of what's installed.
User Rating: 10/10
LindowsOS 2.0 rocks!
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I've been an "Insider" (LindowsOS beta-tester) for about two months, now, and have beta-tested every release since 1.1.1, released last July. Each new release is dramatically better. Although LindowsOS 2.0--the release reviewed in this article--is still a beta release, it is better, faster, and more stable than Windows XP. Most users will never have to use the Linux command environment at all; they may not even know it's there, until they need it. The article says that tech support is limp. This is because the writer didn't check out the Members Forums, where tech support from Lindows "Insiders", and from Lindows engineers when necessary, is available on a 24/7/365 basis. Instead of paying $25 per minute to talk to one person who can help you, you pay $0 to talk to hundreds of people who are polite, helpful, and will tackle your problem using many different approaches, simultaneously. To me, that's *strong* tech support! For people who are used to Windows, LindowsOS is a great, easy-to-use, bridge from the world of Windows to the world of Linux. For most of us, learning to use LindowsOS is quick, easy, and problem-free. For those who want to learn how to use Linux, while still being able to do the things they bought their computer to do (you know--surf the net, send and receive email, write letters, pay bills, manage bank accounts, etc.), LindowsOS is the ideal solution! And if it's the ideal solution now, while it's still in beta testing, just wait until the General Release (LindowsOS 3.0) comes out! Look for it, not next year, but this month!
User Rating: 9/10
Well Rounded Operating System
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I am a Lindows Insider, and have been using it since 1.x.x times. I saw it grow and mature, and I think it has a lot of potential. It's CNR and ease-of-use set it apart from other Linux distributions. It is my primary OS.
User Rating: 7/10
Excellent Operating System!
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I have been an insider for about a month and I have to say that Lindows is the best OS I have ever used. I have tried Windows 98 & XP, Lycoris, Mandrake 8.2 & 9.0, and SuSE and none of them are as good as Lindows.
User Rating: 10/10
The Easiet Linux Distro
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I have been a Lindows insider for several months now, and I have to say their OS rocks! It is far more easier to use than other Linux distros, and it is much more secure, inexpensive, and stable than Windows. It also looks nice. Click and Run is the bomb for LindowsOS. It is very easy to use. You can install LindowsOS on any number of PCs at your house, and you can download many great software from the Click and Run Warehouse. Oh, and they're support is excellent. The bottom line: Lindows combines the easiness of Windows and the stability and security of Linux. I also have a site about LindowsOS at http://lindowsguide.com if anyone wants more details or screenshots (also has a link to a Lindows forum).
User Rating: 8/10
Best Linux for Windows users
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If you are use to Windows, you'll love LindowsOS. Their Click-N-Run feature for adding new software works wonderfully and really sets this OS apart.
User Rating: 3/10
One more ***** in the armor of MS.
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Lindows - Good marketing + Good mass distribution + Good financial backing = A good intermediate step in the breaking of the MS strangle hold on the industry. It reminds me of early Win95. It installed well, looked good, did not "see" many of my additional componets. Needed coaxing to work with them when it did "find" them. The only place Win95 won is in support. If they expect to make a real difference, Customer Service is where it is at. Right now, they loose. As for applications, people seem to have very short memories. WinXP Home is a prime example of an application that does not like older applications. Also, just like Win95. The office documents passed well from my various machines running Win2000 and WinXP Home running Office 2000, SuSe Linux with Star Office. Only complicated macros and sub-routines failed to pass. I would like to see a midsized database application like MS Access in the package. Not all of us want to become DBA's or Programmers. In reference to the "Insiders", you may like living in a dictatorship of an OS. Some of like choices. Competition is what makes better products. Without it, we all loose. Last but not least, the cost is too high. It needs to be around $49.00 USD. Perhaps the King of discount stores will figure out that if you are selling an entry level car with under a new brand, you cannot play with the established brand on the same field. People will not buy your product. Remember Hyundai? They entered the American market low and honest. They are just now after many years starting to play with the big boys, for good reason. They needed to get the public's support and build an external support structure. Wally seems to be missing that point.
User Rating: 3/10
Will not work with Boot Magic / No telephone support
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I should have checked the Lindows website more carefully before buying. They have no tech support phone number (or any other phone number) anywhere. A big tipoff that you won't get useful or timely help. If you attempt to install Lindows on a computer that has Windows XP anywhere on it, even if on another drive, Lindows will overwrite the master boot record and render XP invisible and inaccessable. That cost me a day of formatting and restoring my machine. Don't even think about useing Boot Magic, as Lindows blows that away as well. Lindows has NO useful technical documentation and their on-line FAQ's shallow and useless as well. I'm going to try to get a refund.
User Rating: 5/10
"Dude!" "get a Lindows!"
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I haven't used, seen, or tried Lindows yet. But I really want to. What Lindows needs now is some strong support from PC manufacturers. This is where MS has a good foothold. Also, Wwo are these MS robots to cut on Lindows when they haven't tried it, nor can they spell Linux right! Try it before you deny it.
User Rating: 6/10
A much needed step
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A really easy Linux. This was about time. While the installation isn't easier than that of a MacOS it is certainly easy enough for the average user. More comfortable than a Winows installation at any rate. The big issues will be peripheral support and, alas, games. Besides, it's a *nix and that means stability and Internet compliance. With Apple touting a Unix system and Linux getting real easy, Windows is on the receiving end as far as reliability and interoperability are concerned. If market share can be gained in the corporate world, there may be a future for this. The real issues with a lot of people will be games and messaging. The real strength of customizability etc. will be more for the geeks.
User Rating: 8/10
Excellent for the family!
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My kids have done everything from high school and college research papers to instant-message chats to multi-player games on Lindows and have never had it lock up or crash, their most frequent complaint with Windows. A real bonus is the almost complete lack of Lindows or Linux viruses, but being able to "click-and-run" whatever new software they need, such as the "GIMP" graphics suite, without even stopping work on whatever else they're doing (and at no extra cost!) is an immense advantage. No more of the "Close all your work; Windows needs to restart your machine" boogie! With Lindows we have finally been able to equip each of our children with a fast and powerful computer system, and because Lindows comes with pro-quality networking built in it cost us next to nothing to let the entire family safely share the "good" printer, the internet, and other resources. We've left the old Windows machine on the network, but it's become little more than a file and print server these days and will probably be upgraded to Lindows (at no additional cost!) soon. Even for those who currently find it impossible to leave Windows themselves, I highly recommend Lindows for the rest of the family.
User Rating: 5/10
Back in the real world
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What an interesting set of comments by all. However, common sense still must prevail. I have used all the Mac OSes since 7, and Windows since 2 (except ME). I've never used Linux, but that does not disqualify me from making comment. Question: Why on earth would you want to buy an OS that has to emulate 90% of the software you use? That is what OS 10.1.5 has done, and I hate the thing. for most of us living in the real world, we want all the functionality of what we have on our Windows machines without all the "fiddling" to make it work. No, Windows is not perfect. No, neither is Mac. Point is, why swap one set of headaches for a complete new set? As "what is the point?" has mentioned already, there really is no point in dabbling in this unless you are a serious computer nerd, and then only if you have nothing better to do with your life...
User Rating: 3/10
What? Lindows? your mad!
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If your really interested in linux Download Debian, If your new to linux and want a sound and easy install download RedHat or even SuSE all are Free and offer more than lindows, Support open source and tell Wally and lindows to take a hike!
User Rating: 2/10
Affordable, yes, Inexpensive, No
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The author of the review seems to think that Lindows is a bargain for $99. If Lindows is a bargain, what is Windows XP Home, at $ 99 or less for the update version. You say you're not updating? Your neighbor has a copy of Win 98 or ME. Borrow it for 10 minutes. So why is Lindows such a bargain and Win XP not such a bargain? Of course, Lindows allows you to place it on more than one machine, so I guess it is cheaper - if you really want to put it on more than one machine. But I tend to believe that once you've placed it on one computer, you'll probably decide not to put it on two.
User Rating: 3/10
What is the point
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Look, if it takes someone who has been in this industry for more than 25 years to say it, I will...the ENTIRE industry needs to get beyond their innate hatred of MS and accept the fact that, whether you like it or not, there is simply no OS worth running other than one produced by the folks in Redmond. You want a cheap OS that?s stable and that can run on almost anything, run Linux. But, if you actually want to run apps, play games, or do anything that real world people do with their PCs, accept the fact the Windows is the only route. I can just see the sea of poor slobs who will buy their next-to-free Wal-Mart PCs, get them home, and wonder what the hell they?re going to do next. Someone posted a statement along the lines of, ?why run MS apps at all?? Simple answer: Because the whole universe does. Want to be compatible? Want to do business? Want to actually be heard by your colleagues? Think MS. Want to be an uber-geek who needs a half dozen emulators or dual OS systems to just get by? Run something else. Please folks. This is, in fact, a basically good idea with one fatal flaw: it wants to pretend to be Windows when it?s not. And if you need proof of that, just take a look at the name. When someone builds a better OS, that will run the apps the whole world uses, and do so seamlessly, I?ll switch. In the meantime, I am committed to MS?not because I?m a fan, but because it is the reality of the universe. To those of you living on Pluto, please join us.
User Rating: 10/10
Best Linux I have tried
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I would be surprised if the detractors have ever tried Lindows. My experience has been only positive, no flakeyness at all, system has performed excellently over several months, Vmware works like a charm with a little help from one of the insiders. Click and Run by far the easiest program installation I have used. System updates via the Click and Run process, no looking for dependencies, what more could a new user want. As for not many Windows programs run, why does everybody lay the blame on Lindows, Wine is the windows emulation program and unfortunately it is a hard road to get all MS programs running, in my opinion it will never happen so why bother. Use the much cheaper or free alternatives which are available via Click and Run.
User Rating: 1/10
Not Worth It By ANY Means
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I TOO am an insider.......have been since very early in the process.....I can say with expierience that "Lindows" is NOT worth your time, aggrevation, or money! Support is non-existent, the apps that are available are low quality and you simply MUST have broadband or forget about it completely, stability is worse than even Win ME, and it is not nearly as functional as Windows. Do yourself a big favor and avoid Lindows, as mentioned above, purchase an OEM copy of Win XP or the Win XP Update and save yourself the problems and headaches as well as a little money!
User Rating: 8/10
Lindows should make MS nervous...
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Obviously, I feel LindowsOS should have been rated higher than it was. From the review, the alleged bad points of Lindows: "Performance is a little flaky; software download scheme requires broadband Internet connection; can't run many Windows apps; weak tech support" 1) Performance has not been flaky at all on my machine, at least compared to Windows XP Professional, which locked up on me tonight, causing me to do a half hour checkdisk. LindowsOS has been very solid, on par with other linux flavors. 2) LindowsOS has introduced Click-N-Run Express, which is an install scheme ideal for dialup users. Users get a CD-ROM containing programs on Click-N-Run, making downloads unnecessary. 3) Most linux versions don't run many Windows apps well. The program that allows this, called WINE, is still immature. If you want to run Windows programs, run Windows. But with so many free programs that perform the equivilent function of expensive Windows programs, my question is, "Why run Windows programs at all?" For those people who have a program they absolutely must run, a dual boot system (Windows and LindowsOS) makes the most sense. 4) Tech support for Insiders has been excellent, in my opinion. Tech support for members is also getting better. The best place to get an answer to your LindowsOS question is the Lindows forums, where members and tech people are happy to answer your question for free. Compare that to Windows which looks at tech support as a profit center. I originally bought a computer with LindowsOS on it, fully intending to wipe it, and put another OS on it. Lindows turned out to be so good, I kept it on that computer, and put it on another one. Click-N-Run rocks!
User Rating: 10/10
Forget all OTHER LINUX OS's
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I am too am an insider (Like BroGnorik) and I see a few people giving it a bad review. Well have you tried it? Like BroGnorik said it is very obvious you have'nt. The Click and Run Wharehouse is the best deal in the world. It is a one year subscription but you can get thousand of software WITH NO HASSELS AND WITHOUT RESTARTING your computer after each install. People PLEASE before you write a review at LEAST have some experience with the Product. Writing reviews on something you have not tried just makes you look dumb.
User Rating: 8/10
Best Linux Version Yet
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The people who posted negative comments obvious never tried Lindoes. I have I am an insider and I have to say BEST LINUX OS EVER. Red Hat, Mandrake, And Correll gives NO support for free versions. I have tried them all and after installation forget about trying to get additional software insatlled unless you know what you are doing. The Lindows Click and Run is waaaaaaay simple. Take it from me. I am an insider and I WILL NOT GO BACK to RedHat, Mandrake, Correll, or any other version of Linux. (Which they charge $99 or more if you want tech support) E-mail me for questions.
User Rating: 1/10
the most OS in History
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People, if you own a Mac and want to Run Windows Programs. USE VIRTUAL PC FOR MAC, if you are a Windows user, Create a New Partition and Install Red Hat Linix . If you want to spend $129.00 on a OS that is that has no Native windows programs, and want to Have your computer as your new Enemy, BY ALL MEANS GET THIS OS. For people who want to buy computers at Wal Mart for 199.00 will expect system problem beyond the Regular Version of Windows 95 (Floppy Disk Editon)
User Rating: 5/10
nonsense!
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This OS makes no sense! If you're setting up a new pc it's easy enough to get your hands on Windows XP OEM version for $89.00, If you already have a PC - Buy the XP upgrade for $99.00, or try out Lycoris or Redhat 8 - download these for free! - as for comparing this OS to Jaguar? No comparison - An Jag sells for about $129 - I tried Lindows - It looked good but showed nothing exciting...I think they'd be better off calling it Wimpdos...
User Rating: 1/10
Why would you want it?
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Initially thought that it wasa nice idea..then thought again and decided: 1. Don't remember the last time I had to pay for an OS 2. What's really important is the apps...do I really care about the OS? nope, it's the apps. 3. Kinda takes the worst of both worlds: can't run anything usefull (like papa linux) and costs $$ (like mama Microsoft) 
In summary...cool gimic to take a compay public (nothing more)...only you are 2 years too late.
In summary...cool gimic to take a compay public (nothing more)...only you are 2 years too late.
