Wal-Mart and Mandrake-Linux

Just a thing I learned from reading the threads. It seems like a lot of threads seem to leave the topic, and turn into a discussion on random events. This is also why alot of people seem to get negative points. I do not want to see that happen, and that is why I posted a link to the discussion of this topic, and because there was a full blown copy of the article, and I have seen a post recommending not to perform such activities. I also mentioned that. Is there anything about the Mandrake PC's that WalMart is selling that would be of interest to anyone in here? This would be a great topic to discuss. I know HP is starting to release Linux installed PC's, and besides for the price difference. I would like to here your honest opinion on why we should be interested in the Mandrake PC's from Walmart. I am not trying to start any conflicts. I would just like to see this thread put to use. Thank you for hearing me out.

The one problem with this is the computers they are going on. Have you seen these Microtel's? They are a throw back to the days of the Apple IIGs. They are a CPU/Monitor unit. That right there might be the down-fall. But that's just MHO.

As for linux being pre-installed on a system, it might be a good idea. However when installing Windows there isn't too much customization you can do, but with a distro of Linux a user has so much flexability as to what they install on their computer. Linux is quite versatile as an operating system both as a desktop and a server. With Windows pre-installed systems you know you're basically getting the same thing no matter what - a basic desktop system. I have been using Mandrake for about a year now alongside my windows machine and I have always preferred to install my own system on my terms, with the packages that I want and how I want it configured. And that's okay because I know a little bit about the OS and computers in general. It might be good for some people to get acquainted with Linux, but to be honest, Joe User might find it quite frustrating that there are so many things to choose from. Like I said before, Windows is pretty limited as to what comes with it and the populus is comfortable with it, but Linux is a whole different side of the coin. Who knows it might be a good idea, but for now I'll continue to build my own systems and install the OS myself.

-the eeshman

My 2 c/p

Don't they also sell "naked" boxes? Now this is also a good thing. Wooo Hooo now mainstream users don't get forced to buy a new copy of windows everytime they junk an old machine, and buy a new one.

(i have had 5 PCs in the last 3 years, and bought 7 Windows OS's)

but I digress

I think it's great that there is now a real opportunity to go out, and buy a linux box from a mainstream end user supplier. even if 75% of the users who buy the boxes then go out, and buy a copy of windows, they will still have had an exposure, and the remaining 25% will get a high quality reliable operating system for a fraction of the cost of windows.

I agree with the point about welcoming such users, even when they pop up with seemingly stupid questions that get asked over, and over again. As long as the seasoned Linux users who participate provide friendly and productive feedback / assistance (Even if it is through gritted teeth) then Linux gets that little bit of a lift.

The upshot of this is, as the new (esp the young) users today get exposure then they will go on to become the IT directors, and managers of tomorrow. This benefits the Linux fans as they will see better support, and who knows, maybe oneday we will start to see Linux becoming the mainstream Operating System of choice.

Another benifit is there will eventually be less MS Virus Farms (TM) about to send me copies of Klez

I'm not a huge Linux fan myself, but then the world needs saddos like me too.

Regards

its defenatly nice to see that people have a choice now. Nothing like paying for a computer wich includes the cost of an operating system that you dont even want

Hi all,
I think this is a great thing. Mandrake is a great distro for newbies with Windows experience.
You can point and click and drag and drop enough to get most basic functions done. The only
problem is that some of the software that comes with the distro may take some time and
some patience on the part of newbies (I still am a Linux newbie myself) to figure out. I hear
people talk about how easy Mandrake is. After you get used to it, it is. But when you first
get started some things are frustrating.

Still, I think this is a good thing (as Martha Stewart would say). I think the Linux distros should
play up it's virus resistance as a major selling point. This would be one way they can make some
major inroads into the Windows market.