The first OS to make a serious effort at an easy, integrated Linux to rival Windows was the now defunct Corel LinuxOS. However, its legacy lives on - Corel sold the OS to Xandros, which employs several former Corel staff, including project manager Ming Poon. So Xandros Desktop is essentially Corel LinuxOS 3.
It also has a family resemblance to Lindows, as both are based on Debian. This has its pros and cons: Debian is notoriously hard to install and configure, but also boasts the most sophisticated APT (Advanced Package Tool) installation system.
Xandros also provides its own easy-to-use installation program. This requires little user intervention, but you can shrink DOS or NTFS partitions to free space for Xandros, and choose optional components or create user accounts. The installation CD also has a recovery mode to repair damaged installations.
However, Xandros goes further with its Windows Explorer-like File Manager, which lets you access Windows, Unix and Novell NetWare network resources, plus local files. The Desktop is a customised version of KDE 2.2, but a separate CD with KDE 3 is included. There's also a graphical tool for downloading and installing updates and new software, and this can handle Debian packages as well as Xandros' offerings.
These can be downloaded from the Xandros Network, which is similar to Lindows Click-N-Run Warehouse. However, the full OpenOffice suite is already included, as are RealPlayer, Acrobat Reader and AOL Instant Messenger. There are also Palm synchronisation tools, international spelling dictionaries and more.
Other interesting additions come from CodeWeavers in the form of CrossOver Office and Plugin. These are both derived from the Wine Windows emulator and are tweaked for better compatibility with popular products. For example, CrossOver Office can install and run Microsoft Office 97 or 2000, Internet Explorer 5.5, Quicken, Lotus Notes and other programs, whereas CrossOver Plugin allows Linux browsers to use plug-ins like QuickTime and Shockwave.
They aren't perfect, but they're useful for accessing content and data that's otherwise inaccessible. Windows migration is further eased by Xandros Desktop's ability to join a Windows NT domain, which allows registered users to log in without a Linux user account.
Even the US$39.95 price is reasonable. Xandros may be in its first version, but it's the sleekest and most refined Windows replacement we've seen.