A few years back I lost interest in RHEL/Fedora (still the best server) as a desktop and switched to Gentoo and Ubuntu. I have become interested in Mandriva for desktops simply because they offer an RHEL level product that is up to date and clean. How does the update process work? Is it pay (beyond purchase price)? How long does it last? If they add new packages do you get them with you account. It is hard to wade through their website tons of marketing etc... no actual hard stats.

I have utilized Linux almost exclusively for servers and desktops over the last 7 years or so and want to make sure this is a clean advanced OS. I do not mind paying for a good product but I do not want to get locked in without the ability to test new apps, lose update subscriptions etc...

In most cases it's just a matter of setting your repository locations to obtain the required files from the various ftp sites. The sites listed in my signature will assist you with that task. From there you can use your package manager or commandline to install available packages.

You don't have to purchase. Just install Mandriva 2007 free or Mandriva One.

As long as you have your source list setup with the required repositories, you have access to any new packages/fixes/security updates that are available on those sites.

Thanks that helps a lot. Does the free version still allow me to install all packages that can be installed on the Full version?

Yes it will, the difference between the paid and free, is with the paid you are entitled to support direct from Mandriva (with the free you have LQ & Mandriva Users.org), you get access to the latest packages before they hit the repositories and access to non-free packages (which breaks the spirit of Linux anyway). Give the free version a try, you won't be alone

While it is true that you can use the free version I have had problems with my lap tops wireless using ndiswrapper. With the club version it worked right away. Also I like the idea of supporting the distro that I use. So use the free version. If you are going to be with it a while getting a club membership would be nice.

Yes, and the free repositories are not always what they should be. It doesn't happen all that often, but there are times when they list packages that you simply cannot download. I don't know whether this is a matter of oversight or just a trick to "convince" people to go for the paid version but I have my ideas. It's a fact that Mandriva would much rather have you buy their product and that they have no intention of hiding this.