“Everyone, it seems, wants it both ways. Computer users who are
sick of Microsoft’s monopolistic and bullying actions are seeking a
viable alternative to Windows, so they naturally turn their
attention to Linux. But these same users are accustomed to the
Windows graphical interface, the relative ease of use in installing
Windows, and the raft of applications available for Windows users.
So when they come to Linux, they’re expecting the best parts of
other operating systems, without any of the drawbacks. They want it
both ways.”
As does Red Hat Software. On the one hand, Red Hat Software has
proven adept at positioning Red Hat Linux as a superior server OS,
bringing out the best of Linux and convincing the corporate world
that Red Hat Linux belongs at the center of corporate Internet
planning. In addition, Red Hat Software has added a raft of
features that make installing and configuring Red Hat Linux a much
easier task. But Red Hat Software wants it both ways: Red Hat Linux
is also positioned as a powerful desktop OS that’s a worthy
competitor to Windows.
That’s why evaluating Red Hat Linux is such a challenge:
only Corel and (to a lesser extent) Caldera position their Linux
distributions as being user-friendly and appropriate for almost any
level of user. As a server-based operating system, Red Hat
Linux excels on every level. As a desktop operating system, Red Hat
Linux must be judged both against other Linux distributions as well
as Windows and the Macintosh. Is it up to the task? This review
should provide you with the information you need to make your own
conclusions; ours will be presented at the end.
[Editor’s Note: Just follow the ‘Obtaining Red Hat Linux’
link at the bottom to keep reading this story.]