Product Reviews

Formerly called Redmond Linux, Lycoris is probably the most Windows-like Linux around. Linux systems often bear a superficial resemblance to Windows, especially with GUIs like XPde, but theses GUIs are often unfinished, with controls that don't do anything. In contrast, Lycoris' customised KDE 2.2.2 Desktop actually works and offers features like a simplified XP-like Control Panel, remote assistance, desktop sharing and automatic web updates.

Lycoris is nearly as easy as Lindows to install, but it's also more complete. Based on Caldera's OpenLinux, it sports Caldera's Lizard installer. This may take a little longer than its Debian-based rivals, but it helps configure modems, printers and networking while installing the OS in the background. There are some other Caldera-derived niceties too, such as the choice of both text- and graphic-based system administration tools, and you

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can even upgrade OpenLinux eDesktop 2.2 or later to Desktop/LX.

The base install includes KOffice, a basic but fully functional and integrated productivity suite. Other tools include Mozilla 1.1, ICQ, AIM and IRC. There's good support for proprietary formats, with Macromedia Flash, RealPlayer, Adobe Acrobat, and xine for MPEG, DVD and DivX playback.

If you need more power, Lycoris also offers the ProductivityPak, containing OpenOffice, Palm PDA synchronisation, web editing, templates and clip-art. There's also a GamePak, and the WineX software even lets you run some Windows games on Linux. What's more, if you purchase the Desktop/LX InterConnect edition, you'll get the ProductivityPak, Ericom's PowerTerm InterConnect terminal emulation and a Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol client to access Windows Terminal Server-based apps.

The attention to detail is excellent. Right-clicking the My Linux System icon, for example, provides a file browser and options for adding and removing software. Meanwhile, the Network Browser lets you view resources on Windows 2000 and XP systems on the network without additional configuration. Finally, the Flower menu contains a list of recently used programs, just like Windows XP's enhanced Start menu.

Although still under active development, Desktop/LX is a smooth and polished product that offers loads for the money. With a free, unsupported option, it's ideal for Windows users wanting an inexpensive alternative.