MandrakeSoft Makes Linux Easy

Let the Linux Show Begin

Traditionally, the biggest hurdle for Linux newcomers is the dreaded installation. Earlier versions made it a nightmare to partition your hard drive, select the right packages (components of the system that you can add and remove at will) to install, and configure XFree86--the part of Linux that provides a graphical user interface. For Linux-Mandrake, installation is easy with DrakX, a graphical installer that replaces Mandrake's text-based installer.

We chose the "Automated" install option, and if you're new to Linux, you should too. With that option, DrakX makes most decisions about which packages to install, with sensible default selections.

The DiskDrake partitioning tool resized our 6GB, FAT32 Windows partition and created some 4GB of space for Linux-Mandrake. (Before you manipulate partitions, back up your data.) In Automated mode, DrakX takes care of all the partitioning for you, but if you want some control, you can have it--just select "Expert" or "Custom."

Through the Automated installation, we also set up a dial-up connection. However, if you have a network connection, you'll need to install Mandrake using the Expert or Custom installation option, or use the DrakConf utility after installation is finished.

The total installation from start to finish took about 45 minutes. Once it was complete, we rebooted and were greeted by GRUB, where you choose your operating system at boot time. We picked Linux from the list, and a graphical, Windows-like log-in screen appeared.

After log-in, K Desktop Environment loaded a graphical desktop, much like the one you see in Windows. While Mandrake installs KDE by default under the Automated option, you can switch to GNOME, an alternative desktop environment, if you prefer.

Unlike current installs of the Red Hat distribution, Linux-Mandrake customizes KDE with sensible menus and shortcuts, making it much more practical for beginners. You also get a number of graphical themes from which to choose if you're not happy with KDE's functional, but somewhat dull, default look.

Windows users will feel at home with KDE. It even includes a Windows 98 look-alike theme, should you feel homesick. And should you feel really homesick, Windows is still waiting on the other side of your hard drive. While Linux isn't for everyone, Linux-Mandrake 7.1 is an excellent place to start if you're curious about the world of Linux and open-source software.