xandros - little white lies

[SyCo123]

I understand Xandros is trying to increase their user base, which in turn increases the spread of Linux in general, but their FAQ's stretch the truth ... a lot.

From their FAQ's
http://www.xandros.com/products/faqs.html

I thought Linux is free. Why does Xandros charge for its software?

It is true that Linux is free. You can download the core Linux operating system through the Internet at no cost. But installing and using Linux can be very difficult, especially for a non-technical user and free Linux distributions are not packaged with the additional software that you will most likely need.

Xandros has built upon the Linux base to develop an operating system that is an open-source alternative to Windows. Anyone familiar with Windows will be able to start using Xandros right away, unlike the free version of Linux. While Xandros does charge for these additions, its Linux base enables it to offer you an alternative to Windows at a significantly lower cost.

Free version of Linux, that would include Ubuntu, right? Mint includes even more which is free too.

I expect this kind of misinformation from Microsoft's 'Get The Facts', but from another Linux distribution? That's not right.

[p_quarles]

Mint is free as in beer, but not as in speech.

Flash, Opera, Java, MP3 and DVD codecs: none of that stuff is free, and is expected by most PC users.

[Vadi]

It's just marketing.

What matters is this (click (http://www.google.com/trends?q=xandros%2C+ubuntu)).

Edit: Filled in a support ticket, will let you know the outcome.

Hello,

I'm interested in trying out Xandros, so I was reading through the FAQ that you offer. I came upon this:

"It is true that Linux is free. You can download the core Linux operating system through the Internet at no cost. But installing and using Linux can be very difficult, especially for a non-technical user and free Linux distributions are not packaged with the additional software that you will most likely need."

What do you exactly mean by the "additional software that you will most likely need" and is "not packaged"? I'm unsure myself, because I already gave several other distributions a try, and was more or less satisfied with the choice of programs offered.

I'm want to know what does Xandros offer that others are missing out - thank you for your time!

[SyCo123]

p_quarles - xandros is not referring to a lack of freedom of speech, they charge for their distro, so it's not free, as in money. Flash, Opera, Java, MP3 and DVD, I understand the propriatory nature of these things but still, I didn't shell out any cash to get them so they are, in monetary/beer terms, free.

Vadi - sweet idea, please post the response :)

I'd like to see Xandros sell themselves on the quality of their product and of their support, without the need to lie.

I'd like to recommend a distro to a total noob without becoming their support person (I like to help but you know what I mean?). Xandros could have been that distro, but there's no way I could recommend a company with poor business ethics. It's one of the reason that drove me away from Microsoft in the first place.

[p_quarles]

p_quarles - xandros is not referring to a lack of freedom of speech, they charge for their distro, so it's not free, as in money. Flash, Opera, Java, MP3 and DVD, I understand the propriatory nature of these things but still, I didn't shell out any cash to get them so they are, in monetary/beer terms, free.
Yeah, but my point was just that you can't legally distribute those things along with an OS without getting a license, and that gets passed on to the buyer.

It's the same thing with Linspire. I don't care for either, frankly, but they're not lying when they claim that they are distributing proprietary stuff in a way that's more legitimate than distros like Mint.

[SyCo123]

Most of those you list are simple agreements to an EULA, which still doesn't incur an actual cost. Those covered by patent issues is different and you're right they would incur a cost to be truly legit, but $40 for the home edition seems a little high to me.

Even so, the statment "free Linux distributions are not packaged with the additional software" is simply not true.

I have no issue with the explanation of the legal ramifications of installing propriatory software without the correct agreements or acquired licenses, but they don't. They could explain that they have to charge because they want to include patented software, but in this FAQ, they don't. They just say it's isn't being done by free distros, which I have no doubt they know to be a lie.

[Mateo]

i got tired of the xandros quirks on the Eee and switched to eeexubuntu. Xandros is a sketchy put together OS. For example, it preinstalls Firefox into the /opt/ directory. Why in the world would an OS install anything into the /opt/ directory?

[karellen]

I never really cared about Xandros. or Linspire

[qazwsx]

iXandros is a sketchy put together OS. For example, it preinstalls Firefox into the /opt/ directory. Why in the world would an OS install anything into the /opt/ directory?
For example Slackware, openSuse use /opt. I think it is quite good directory for Mozilla software or OpenOffice.org.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Mint is free as in beer, but not as in speech.

Flash, Opera, Java, MP3 and DVD codecs: none of that stuff is free, and is expected by most PC users.

Yeh but Mint did not sell their souls to Microsoft, Xandros did.

[SyCo123]

Yeh but Mint did not sell their souls to Microsoft, Xandros did.

Ahhh, I didn't know that. The pieces are beginning to fit. I guess they loaned out their FUD officer to do the FAQs. :)

[jrusso2]

Yeah, but my point was just that you can't legally distribute those things along with an OS without getting a license, and that gets passed on to the buyer.

It's the same thing with Linspire. I don't care for either, frankly, but they're not lying when they claim that they are distributing proprietary stuff in a way that's more legitimate than distros like Mint.


actually you can get a license to allow distribution. Xandros offers a free open circulation edition. This also contains flash, java and nvidia and ati drivers.

All you need to to allow this is to make arrangements with the companies involved

Ubuntu makes a choice not to do this. Not because its illegal but a philosophical choice.

They decide whats best for the user and not the user. To me this is not freedom.

[PriceChild]

They decide whats best for the user and not the user. To me this is not freedom.You are free to invest your own time and effort to achieve this... go for it!!! I'm looking forward to your imminent success.

[Linuxratty]

Ahhh, I didn't know that. The pieces are beginning to fit. I guess they loaned out their FUD officer to do the FAQs. :)


Linspire and Novell did the very same thing.

[K.Mandla]

Moved to Other OS Talk.

[Vadi]

Dear sir,
Thanks for contacting xandros technical support.
Well you will find xandros different from other distributions
Xandros comes with NTFS read-write facility and crossover which the free
linux distro do not provide.
We have XN (xandros Network) from where he can download Supported and
unsupported applications and install the same with just one click
without having to compile the kernel.
Moving on to server edition we have something you have never came across
in linux distros
We have XMC (xandros Management Console) from where you can
configure,manage,Monitor almost all kind of server based services like
DNS,DHCP,Mail server(scalix) etc.
We do also have an inbuild mail server called Scalix
For more information on xandros you can visit

http://www.xandros.com/products/home/home_edition/new.html

Thanks
joy
xandros technical support
"making linux work for you"



-shrug-

[igknighted]

-shrug-

Having used the trial version of Xandros Server, I can tell you three things:

1) It is bloated unless you really go in and turn everything off. I tried to run it on a p3 1ghz, 256mb ram and it absolutely crawled.

2) It looks like crap. As in I don't think they even tried to theme it.

3) The XMC control center is really nice, although I doubt is anything super compared to Mandriva's new server control panel (which, for the record, I have not tried yet).

Overall... it's a really good option for someone with decent hardware who has little linux server experience but wants to run a linux server. But in reality, for those comfortable with poking around at a linux server to get what you need, Xandros is not what you want. Add on that it is expensive and of questionable standing in the free software community... well, you get the idea. It's a good offering for server newbs, and I'll leave it at that.

[SyCo123]

Thanks for posting the response Vadi.

If it comes with crossover standard that's $40 from the codeweavers site so if it comes on the $40 xandros version then that's not a bad deal if you we're going to get crossover anyway.. It is still pretty lame to pre-install paid for software and claim it to be an upgrade. I could just install crossover on Ubuntu, Mint or whatever for the same money and have a distro independent license.

As for claiming their xandros only software is worth buying over free software, that comes down to what you want, what you know and what you want to do with it. like you say igknighted sounds like it has a small niche, wonder if it can sustain the company?

[jrusso2]

Thanks for posting the response Vadi.

If it comes with crossover standard that's $40 from the codeweavers site so if it comes on the $40 xandros version then that's not a bad deal if you we're going to get crossover anyway.. It is still pretty lame to pre-install paid for software and claim it to be an upgrade. I could just install crossover on Ubuntu, Mint or whatever for the same money and have a distro independent license.

As for claiming their xandros only software is worth buying over free software, that comes down to what you want, what you know and what you want to do with it. like you say igknighted sounds like it has a small niche, wonder if it can sustain the company?

Xandros has remained in business for many years now. They bought the old Corel Linux from Corel when they left the linux business. Still think that was a mistake but oh well,.

One thing that Xandros does very well is to integrate with Windows Networks. It can also log into Windows domain servers.

The file manager is awesome, wish someone else would do something similar as open source it integrates seemlessly with both samba and NFS.

Also xandros is supplying the OS for the EEE PC which are selling very well so I am sure they get a nice cut of that.

[dca]

The bottom line is the $49USD or whatever it costs pays for the licensing of the stuff they install. DVD codecs and viewing, a kick-back of that money goes to who holds the license & patents or if something like LinDVD is installed. A portion of that $49USD goes to the Germans for the licensing & patents of MP3 technology, so on and so forth...

If people are willing to shell out money for a Linux distribution for whether it be the paid support or licensed extras I'd probably put my money on SLED10SP1....

[SyCo123]

As with all things you pick what suits you. I think the paid and commercially supported distros simply give the customer someone to sue if it all goes horribly wrong! In the US that's a major factor, sad I know.

[kalwisti]

I'm new to Ubuntu and am just starting to familiarize myself with it, the GNOME desktop environment and the User Forums. I stumbled upon this thread and thought I'd contribute my .02's worth, since I've been a Xandros user for over a year.

I try to follow the philosophy that "All Linux is good" and not get bogged down in ideological squabbles / distro bashing. Xandros does have its virtues; it has a reputation of being one of the easiest distros for Windows refugees, it is stable (based on Debian Sarge [?]), has an excellent installer with excellent hardware recognition. The Xandros File Manager (XFM) has some integrated features which can make it better (for some users) than Konqueror or Nautilus. And as another user here mentioned, it does have very good interoperability with Windows networks / networking.

For those who purchase the commercial version, they get 30 days of free tech support (to help get you up and running if you have problems) and a nicely done, printed User's Manual. The Xandros User Forum is a friendly place with some knowledgeable and helpful people.

Although I was unhappy about the Xandros-Microsoft agreement, I was not upset enough to abandon the distro altogether (many active users did in the weeks following the announcement). It is not "exciting" or flashy, I would say, but it holds a special place in my heart because it allowed me to successfully install and use Linux for the first time. I can take the knowledge I've gained from using Xandros to another Linux distro, if need be.

I also use PCLinuxOS and it too is excellent IMHO. Unlike the Xandros User Forums (where Xandros management never make a post or an appearance), Texstar (the lead developer) regularly reads and contributes to the PCLOS Forums. How he finds the time to do that, I have no idea ...

I'm hoping that I soon will feel more at home with Ubuntu. Right now I'm still trying to learn how the system is organized, which programs do what, etc. I look forward to learning more.

=david

[init1]

Yep, I must agree there.
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=509933

[darrelljon]

Mint is free as in beer, but not as in speech.

Flash, Opera, Java, MP3 and DVD codecs: none of that stuff is free, and is expected by most PC users.
Most PC users expect Internet Explorer rather than Opera.

[Extreme Coder]

It's just marketing.

What matters is this (click (http://www.google.com/trends?q=xandros%2C+ubuntu)).

Edit: Filled in a support ticket, will let you know the outcome.

I wouldn't be too proud of that.
It would usually mean people are having lots of trouble, they go Google it. If you don't have any sort of problem with your OS, do you go Googling it?

[Vadi]

... I also google it when someone tells me about it and I'm interested.

Or go to the website itself. And by most of the internet website rankings that I remember, ubuntu.com is still way up.

[SyCo123]

Yep, I must agree there.
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=509933

Doh, It's me who agrees with you :)