On Mon, 04 Apr 2005 Rony Bill wrote :

Abhishek Daga wrote:

...

To be able to use linux successfully as a desktop for non power users, these are the barriers I faced. a) Plug n play for devices such as USB Web cam, USB Hub, USB Card Reader. b) Internal Modem Dlink 560i+++ installation woes and lack of a versatile dialer to just click n connect for non root users. c) Winmodem detection and configuration woes.

The question is: Which linux distribution can I use which will act as an effective desktop for home users which will overcome atleast most of the difficulties faced above.

I am in the same boat too, looking for a viable linux alternative for my clients. I have used RedHat 8 (in my old pc), Xandros Personal, RedHatEL WS, EduMorphix, SuSe Server (was an older version, so no GUI compatibility) and PCQ Linux 2005 on my P4. The only distro that detected my internal DLink modem was Xandros Personal. This distro is the closest to Windows in looks and ease of use and even the webbsite advertises it as its USP.

http://www.xandros.com/

Regards,

Rony.

Another important aspect which I have experienced is that all these desktops require powerfull PCs. I could very easily run Win SE/Me on a Celeron 333 MHz, with 64Megs of RAM, but could not run any of the linux desktops on this config. I believe KDE & GNOME are heavy. Some lighter X-managers like XFCE are good, but one loses the extensive menus etc.

Pls correct me if I am wrong or I have missed any aspect.

I too am looking for a good desktop which would run smoothly on a Celeron 333 / P-II 220 / AMD K6 433 type PCs with good gui menus & functionality.

I believe CDWriter, Sound, Web camera & Modem are all that a regular PC user at home and office would require.

Thx. Vai