"As Linux continues to make more and more inroads into the mainstream consumer market (i.e., Users Formerly
Known as Windows Users), an interesting trend is developing. Distributions are becoming tighter and more
packaged than ever. Many of the configuration changes Linux users could traditionally make are downplayed
or, in the case of the latest offering by Corel, hidden altogether. Linux distributors are realizing what
hardcore Linux users may not want to understand: the "average" user just wants to work on the PC. Or play
on it. Not play with it and its operating system."
"One of the distributors that fall into this new category is Libra Computer Systems, Ltd., a company out of
Vancouver, BC. Their Linux offering, Linux by Libranet, tries to take this approach to providing Linux to
users new to the operating system. Instead of presenting a lot of choices, decisions, and individual setups to
make during and installation, Libranet wants to get a working desktop environment up and running on your
PC with minimum user input. Once installed, Libranet provides customization and application choices on its
feature-rich desktop."
"After examining the Libranet distribution on the surface, it could be safe to say that this is really Debian with
all the options loaded. ... Libranet is a good distribution [for] intermediate users or any user who just wants to use Linux--not spend a lot
of time hunting and gathering applications and configuring their machines. I would also recommend Libranet
for new users, provided they can get past the clunky installation program. If Libranet is to be positioned for
the new-user market, then the installation program is going to need to be streamlined, the documentation
improved, or both."
