In a previous article I wrote entitled: "Trial & Error: Mandrake Installation" I described the various events I encountered during my attempt to load Mandrake Linux 8.1 on my Main Box, which had Windows 2000 Professional loaded previously. Everything was fine with the exception of Mandrake Linux recognizing my Modem and Sound Card. Several Mandrake users had written me to explain to me where I can find the resolve to the particular problems I had encountered in my installation. I thanked them and yes, the resolves were stated by the Mandrake installation procedure as well. What I was trying to illustrate was how a first time or even an intermediate user of any operating system would fare in loading Mandrake Linux right from the box. How would Mandrake Linux fare compared to an automated install that MS gives home/small office business users? It is true, seasoned veterans of Linux could have handled the installation work-arounds with no problem. When you're trying to determine if Linux (or any distribution) would work for a staff of former MS users or first time users of any computer operating system, what results could be expected?

Having made the above clarification of the setting for the scenario of this procedure and platform, allow me to continue with this evaluation based on the premises I have set in the first paragraph of this writing.

Previously I had Red Hat Linux 7.2 loaded on my Trainer, which is a Compaq Prosignia 200 Server. This unit has 3 - 9.1 SCSI hard drives (which allows me to load many different operating systems without interfering with other loads), with 80mb of Ram, running a Pentium II 266 processor. I had thought many times of upgrading this unit with more memory, especially the video, since this unit only has a 1mb Video Controller made by Cyrix. But in my trials and errors I've found that this very setup has proven to be a great one for testing various operating systems and programs. Why? With the Video memory being what it is, it's very sensitive to the amount of memory required to run GUI applications. This has allowed me to see visually the effects of different programs, their video requirements, and how they appear, work and function. KDE is very high in required resources as compared to GNOME. Fact. I don't care what all the fancy dancy benchmarking programs tell you this is an actual hands on, eyes viewing, working with scenario. Having said all that I hope this will slow down any flames one cannot refrain from sending. If you would only read the whole article you would have seen the premise used for this evaluation. For those who just have to put in their two-cents worth without comprehending the entire article please illustrate to the world in the Linux Business Week User Forum your enlightened comments. *S*

I had been using Red Hat Linux for almost a year. It was my favorite, kind of like your first love. However, as a serious minded user I wanted to let go and base my desire on what works and would make the time I spend on the computer not only productive but less frustrating. Note the choice of words. There were several things in my Red Hat that just didn't work right. Now this may be due to the CDs that were included in my "Red Hat Linux 7.2 Bible" more than the certified CD distribution from Red Hat so please take that into consideration. Onward: I inserted my purchased Mandrake Linux 8.1 version into my machine, rebooted. I always get this overwhelming sensation of anticipation every time I load something different or even load, period. It's like magic to me in many ways. So up comes the installation screen. You can visit www.mandrakelinux.com online and view the screenshots they provide for you there, including the installation ones. I went through the menus of options, selecting all that I wanted, needed and well, just wanted to see what they looked like or what they would do. I used the DrakeX formatting / partioning tool which I found to be the easiest partioning tool I have ever used in any operating system.

I finished loading my Mandrake Linux 8.1, rebooted and wha-la, more magic. I found Mandrake to be a pleasure to load and use. I always create two users (in addition to the root);I load one user with KDE Desktop and the other with the GNOME Desktop. The results are startling.

In summary: I still feel partial to Red Hat, however Mandrake outperformed Red Hat on my machine. BTW, if you have the Video memory you have to check out that "Evolution" program. For those of you that have used any MS e-mail program you will feel at home. For those using it for the first time I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the function and configuration available to you. Not to mention the eye pleasing formatting they use in their layout. However I still like my KMail for Linux. Hard to beat IMHO! Avoire'