Lycoris Desktop/LX Deluxe

Does this newcomer to the world of Linux deserve all the attention it is getting.

US-based Lycoris is a relative newcomer to the Linux world, but has caught the attention of many with its 'make Linux simple' approach. Desktop/LX doesn't aim to be the ultimate Linux distribution, but attempts to create a system simple enough for anybody to use.

This philosophy carries through to the installation, which was one of the easiest. The language used is straightforward, avoiding the use of technical terms where possible. We were pleased with the graphics section: a list of commonly used resolutions, together with standard refresh rates is presented, allowing you to test each before deciding the one you prefer. The hard disk set-up is rather basic and doesn?t provide the ability to resize existing partitions, but it gets the job done. As soon as the disk is set up, the installer gets to work in the background. Next are screens to enter details for the network and modem, and finally to set the time zone. Once done, Desktop/LX is unique in giving you a game of Patience to play while the rest of the installation continues.

After rebooting and logging in, you get a customised KDE desktop that has a very familiar look and feel. After using the system for a few minutes, you will notice a distinct similarity to Windows XP. Lycoris has made significant modifications to KDE as well as developing additional software to give its users a familiar environment. It?s possible many people will believe they are using XP.

The desktop has always been the complete focus of Desktop/LX, and so it's no surprise to find it's well configured. There's a narrated graphical introduction to the desktop to help get you going, though you're unlikely to need it. The menus are laid out clearly and effectively. There's a 'My Linux System' icon that offers aWindows-style view of the system's drives, and a 'Network Browser' application that lets you connect to Windows networks. Web browsing and email are done with a modified Mozilla 1.3.1, and all of the typical plug-ins are present and working. The multimedia side of things is impressive, with most files playing correctly. The Konqueror file browser is well configured, with useful shortcuts and menu entries.

Unfortunately, the onboard network card on our test PC wasn't recognised, despite being supported. Some manual hacking got the card working, but this isn't ideal for a system that aims to be simple. The rest of the hardware was identified and configured without problems. There were some other minor issues that make the distribution seem lacking in some finishing touches. For instance, the keyboard wasn't set to the correct location - this can be fixed through the control panel, but it's something you shouldn't have to do manually. There is no centralised configuration program like those from Suse or Mandrake, and there was little in the way of help for anything other than managing users.

We were disappointed with the absence of Open Office. Lycoris supplies a modified version as a commercial package and only includes KDE's less functional Koffice programs with Desktop/LX. It is possible to download and install Open Office yourself, but every other distribution here has it available. Koffice is a competent suite, but it would be good to have the choice. Some of the software is a little dated, particularly KDE, which is version 2 with some enhancements from the third version.

This distribution is purely for the desktop and there is no server software supplied, and many common Unix utilities and services are unavailable. Lycoris provides an online repository called Iris for those who purchase the boxed edition, with additional packages not available on the CD. Also provided is an automatic update program, which works flawlessly. There is no additional charge to use these services.

Desktop/LX is available as a free download, but only for personal use. Two boxed sets are available, in standard and deluxe versions. The latter includes extra CDs with development utilities and sourcecode for an extra $10.

Contact: Lycoris 00 1 425 738 6604
www.lycoris.com

System requirements:

• Pentium II 500MHz
• 128MB of Ram
• 1GB of free hard disk space

Price details:
RRP Deluxe: $50 (approx £29)
Standard: $40

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