Rating: 
Summary: Amazing potential
Review: Linux is what people wanted out of Windows... that being stability. WinXP started off pretty stable, but as I add more software, it keeps having new problems and it feels like the updates never stop. So when I need to get some critical work done, I swing over to Linux. Linux feels a bit like a step back graphically for most Windows users (Red Hat doesn't have MEs or XP's slick looks), but I haven't been able to kill Linux yet... It tells me when it doesn't like what I'm doin', but the only problems I've encountered were done through my own toying with hardware configuration files. Linux has a lot of options Windows doesn't, and the command-line option IS preferable for old DOS jockies like me.
KDE is a good GUI, but it isn't nearly as as advanced as XP or MAC O/S 10.1. I'd say Linux is more of a workhorse. The games for Linux are very behind the times, and it's standard processes can be confusing for those new to it. The capabilities this O/S offers professionals is amazing, however. I'm starting to like Mozilla better than MS Internet Explorer, and after I get the hang of it, I know Linux is probably going to be first choice booting up. I'll probably always have Windows running on a seperate PC, or partitioned with Linux, as Windows does support the widest range of software. Still, be aware; If you just bought a brand-spankin'-new PC, and think that your GeForce 4 and Audigy sound-card configurations are going to be a walk in the park, you're wrong. In most cases, you'll be hunting down drivers on the internet, and trying to figure out how to compile your kernel. All in all, Linux is a great O/S, but the learning curve is steep. Don't feel bad if you're a long-time Windows user, and feel like a dumb newbie again with this O/S... I've spoken to many people about it... you're not alone!
Rating: 
Summary: OK for a Workstation
Review: No problem getting this up and running as a "workstation". No more of a chore than any flavor of Windows I've ever tried. But my reason for buying Red Hat Linux is to use it as a server OS. Over two weeks into attempting to integrate my Linux server into a Windows client environment and still not being successful at it makes me think there HAS to be a better way.
Rating:
Summary: Good base, but lack of powertools detracts
Review: Overall, Red Hat 7.2 is a good distribution - the installation process is very simple, and should be easy to handle for Windows users trying out Linux for the first time. You can have a ready-to-use system in under an hour if you are fimiliar with Linux, while new users will have to do some light reading from the included installation manual. -Red Hat 7.2 is a little hardware hungry with the default install. You'll need at least a Pentium II and 64MB RAM to run it smoothly. -The loss of the powertools CD is a blow for those users who want to tweak their system a little bit, especially those that want to replace Sendmail with Postfix. Replacing Sendmail in 7.1 required a simple RPM installation. Now you get to build Postfix from source.
Rating:
Summary: Good deal, but why pay?
Review: Red hat is probably the best linux distro out there. 7.2 is one of the best versions avaliable. The included star office is sub-par and although they claim that it supports importing and exporting MS Office formats it doesn't do a great job at that you might some formating changes and similar problems. If you want to get into linux this would be a good start, but Mandrake linux is also identically to red hat and best its FREE. That is the best way to start then go red hat! Both distributions are fairly simple to install and include documentation for dual booting with windows, but some general computer knowledge is recommended
Rating: 
Summary: No need for fancy slogans.. It just works.
Review: Reliable
Secure
Easy to use
Isn't that what MS promises with each new release? Red Hat has been providing all three for years now. This release is the best so far. You don't need to be a computer nerd to know how to use it. I find it simpler to use that Windows XP! If all you use your PC for is to surf the web, e-mail, and chat, then this is for you. KDE, and Mozilla are great, and getting better all the time. If you want to be stuck in the upgrade cycle, that is windows, then stay away from this. When you use it, you'l never go back. It's all you need in an operating system and more. (Redhat comes with Star Office, and the Gimp), you get everthing that would cost you... (Office XP and Adobe Photoshop) if you went with windows. That alone is a good enough reason to try it out. You might just be surpised with what you find
Rating: 
Summary: Linux is for PC pro's only
Review: Wanted to avoid Microsoft. Did Red Hat 7.2. Death trap for anyone expecting user friendly software. (...) This IS NOT FOR CASUAL USERS. It's great in theory (free software), but it needs to be re-built to equate to MS user friendliness. Users need knowledge of DOS language. It's cheap, it's good...but because it's cheap, there is virtually no customer support. There is no money to provide support. You are on your own. EXCEPT for the wonderful 60 day support that Red Hat gives you. Look closer please....that's TWO (2) questions in a sixty day period. After two questions, you give 'em a credit card number. I spent 8 hours on the phone with "experts" just to establish an internet connection. They were unable to get me an e-mail account. I was just supposed to do without that. The e-mail thing doesn't work with ATT Broadband. That system "is not supported". This stuff is sold in mainstream stores. It shouldn't be. It cannot be used, in any way, by the average user. 20 years from now, it will put Microsoft out of business, but not now. Now it's nothing but trouble.
Rating:
Summary: Red Hat has done it again!
Review: Yes. Red Hat has done it again. They published a wonderful distribution. They've also repeated past performances in other, familiar ways. Such as, releasing pre-release software (apparently tweaked into a near-bug-free state by their own developers?) First thing you *need* to do (unless this is your absolute first time on the Unix side of life): Configure tripwire! I know this is a real pain, but it's also a must! And use ipchains or some other firewall of choice. Next, *do* get on-line and go through the up2date thing, immediately. Already there are updates, bug-fixes, security issues to be resolved and a new kernel. They are all worth the download time. After that, your experience should be exceptionally positive and pleasant. This is the *best* distribution I've used as far as hardware support. It out-supports Windows 2000 (one lone box at work). If you are a newbie (get used to that word :-) and are used to the Microsoft desktop, I recommend choosing the KDE desktop. The games that come with the Pro version are a fantastic collection. Too bad the regular (cheaper) version doesn't have them. (Our kids use RHL exclusively -- check out lokigames.com).
| 
