For now, the default user is root simply for convenience. This allows end-users to use their computer as a single user system as seamlessly as possible. If you don't create a password during install the OS simply loads right to KDE without even prompting you. This is the type of experience that our target market is used to -- and this is what we are giving them. There is a built-in firewall in LindowsOS. There are no running services that could be run from the outside (ftp, web, email, etc...) . There is no compiler installed by default.... and there is a bare minimum of software that is preinstalled. Two issues about LindowsOS come up over and over again --

1. Microsoft Windows users think that LindowsOS will run their Windows software. It wont.

2. Linux users do not agree with the fact that LindowsOS runs as root by default.

This was a decision that was made to facilitate ease-of-use. In the future this may change? We listen to the community and our CTO is very aware of the "root" issue that comes up time and time again. As LindowsOS matures you may see changes (currently we are only 2.2 years old). It is VERY easy to create a user account during the Lindows installation process. The installer has language next to the field and indicates that "passwords are recommended". After you have the system up and running you can go to L > Settings > User Manager and click the "New" button to create a new user. If you would rather not run as root all you have to do is to create a user account. I have been working with LindowsOS for 2 years now and I have yet to encounter anyone who has had trouble runninhg as root with their LindowsOS machine. But, this decision was made by Lindows early on to make it easier for our customers to use LindowsOS. We are not saying that this is ALWAYS how it is going to be (no matter what!).... we are just saying that this is how it is now and how it has been in the past.

so what's the true spirit of linux.?` it is what a person happen to think it is and nothing more and that's pretty subjective.

By the way, that article you suggested everybody read... its been getting better. I mean when the guy first posted it it was so full of errors and out dated information. You see, though he claimed to do the research he didn't. Since it was posted numerous Lindows users have pointed out the errors and its been edited. Not because he knew what he was talking about but because his poor reviewing and researching skills were caught.

Lindowskendall - thank you. I must admit, until I read your post I had no idea why Lindows was set to run as root. It makes sense within the framework of your target market/user base. Thanks again.

Rico16135 - no problem. Just stating the facts

The source for Lindows is available so this is entirely possible but CNR is not an OpenSource application so you would have to write your own or use an alternative method of installing software such as apt-get.

I have just started using Lindows 4.5, and I like it very much. I am becoming very disenchanted with Microsoft and i am looking forward to switching over completely to Lindows probably by the end of 2004.
I know that you died in the wool Linux folk look down theri noses at Lindows, but think about it! It is the perfect place for a person to start who has never used anything but Windows.
I just want an OS that works, that will pick up my NIC, my video card, my soundcard, my printer, scanner etc. and Lindows does that very well.
I have no interest in learning to be a programmer or having to learn all the root commands needed in Linux Distros.
Just give me something that works well and isn't made by M.S.

no problem at all

Quote:

Originally posted by edcouch I have just started using Lindows 4.5, and I like it very much. I am becoming very disenchanted with Microsoft and i am looking forward to switching over completely to Lindows <...> I have no interest in learning to be a programmer or having to learn all the root commands needed in Linux Distros. Just give me something that works well and isn't made by M.S.

This is just what I expect some people will feel, and there's nothing wrong with that. Just make other users to protect root permissions.

Well hello there. I am new to this forum but I am active in the Lindows community and I just thought I would mention that you are mistaken on some of the things you mentioned in your post.

Lindows is a real Linux distro and it is based on Debian Linux.

You certainly can install linux software on Lindows just as you would any other distro. You can use apt-get and load till your hearts content if you know your way around linux. However CNR is just an optional service that Lindows provides which makes installing software a breeze. It is not required but certainly recommended.

For a newbie, Lindows is a great option as there are so many aspects of the system that allow a newbie to get up and running quickly with little to no linux knowledge.

Lastly I would strongly recommend you at least give Lindows a chance and see for your self first hand what Lindows has to offer. It is really a great community as well.

Hope that may have cleared up some of your confusion in reference to Lindows and I hope to see you sometime in our Lindows forums running the upcoming Lindows 5.0 which is sure to please.

Regards,

Atomic_Ed

LindosOS is Linux (its Debian based) and you can install away the "traditional way" as much as you like.
You don't have to use CNR, it is just a very welcome addition to many, especially to the newbe's at Linux. CNR installs the free programs in effect for a fee (service charge). A lot of people appreciate the same and why not? Most don't bake their own bread as well, isn't it? It would be cheaper though. CNR updates the system, you can Click-n-buy programs that are not free at a discounted price, CNR can remove programs you no longer need, also with one click. CNR can download a nice collection of music. A function I expect to grow fast.
With CNR one has actually full control over his/hers computer. It is a mighty tool.
Let's be honest: Did you gave LindowsOS a fair trial, did you study a bit the advances of the overal system or are you just biased. What Linux fan would prefer XP over Linux at the same price? Btw, you forget to mention in your price comparison that XP comes at a price without office while LindowsOS comes complete with office. Quite a difference. I will not nag about the 90 bucks mentioned for even that figure is wrong.

Anyway, my own experiences with LindowsOS are simply great. I am a SuSE 9.0 user (a great distro as well) but I was only able to get the rest of my family going Linux with the arrival of LindowsOS. It is that EASY that they can now solve most eventual questions and problems on their own. CNR, the great audio assisted tutorials, etc. together gets anyone going full steam within a day or so. Great stuff! I am now using it more and more myself and it looks like that I will rock on with LindowsOS from now on.
On the funny side: People looking for Internet Explorer in any Linux will be disappointed!

Someone in an earlier post claims that the cost of Lindows is the same as Windows in the end. How can you possibly think this? I believe if you get Lindows through p2p it cost 29.95. C-n-R, if u choose to use this option, is only 4.95 per month. Like I stated before this is a matter of convenience to most users of Lindows. Convenience always comes at a price. Do you think you could download unlimited free software on Windows? Hardly. Not to mention Windows only allows you to install on one PC. Once you buy Lindows u OWN it and can install it on as many machines as you want. It's up to you. I tell you I experiment with alot of distros and when I need one that I know I can depend on to get something done, it will be Lindows 70 % of the time. Why? because if I need it quick, I can get it and be on my way. Besides, keeping a service up and running to provide software 24 hrs a day costs money. So does development. And waging a war with Microsoft is a bit pricey I'm sure.

At present you can dload the full version for $25 or $49.95 for the box set..
If you like there is currently I believe still some lifetime memberships to CNR for about $99 that means you can download every updat every new release forever..
now what is the cost of Windows... now what to they charge you for the next version... work it out it is a total no brainer ! You can get a lifetime supply of every version release for $125ish then... I dont know about you but on this part of the planet i cant even buy 1 copy of WindowsXP for that... and then there is the License... Lindows License means you can use it on all your PC's in your family home...MS want to charge for for each one !!

If ignorance is bliss then stay with Windows and get blissfully ripped off and poor
I for one am sick of getting bleed dry by Bill

apt-get downloads may not be made specifically for Lindows, but since Lindows is part Debian, it should work fine.

I install MDK and RH rpm's on my Slack box using rpm2tgz and they always turn out fine, which Slack is less like MDK and RH than Lindows is to Debian.

The operative word there is should. Its an issue of dependancies. Installing with apt-get should work but it usually gets the most recent version of a program and will automaticly donwload the required dependancies. Some of these may conflict, be newer, be older etc. And if they are installed could break certain Limdows functions, especially CNR.

Lots of users use apt-get and their gius -- synaptic and kpackage -- without any problems. Again, the operative words here are could, should, and may. So the statement "your milage may very" is quite accurate.

I agree with every word of that.

As a matter of fact, I'm on Mandrake now, after using Lindows for a short period of time. I strongly dislike Lindows. It's VERY Sluggish and nothing works unless it's pre-installed. It just made me wish I had XP again.

But I found my Mandrake cds again and installed and am happy (even though I'm thinking about Slackware).


Linux is supposed to be about "Opensource" and all that, and Lindows charges you for everything.

I don't agree with every word of that.

I've used Lindows for a year and a half now. As a matter of fact, I run it on my Dell Laptop for my Real Estate business.

I don't know what is meant by 'nothing works unless it's pre-installed', I've went the apt-get and tarball routes on several programs I wanted which were'nt available in CNR.

I can't testify as to speed (compared to other distros) as this is the only distro I currently run.