The Verdict on Novell

 
 
By Jim Lynch  |  Posted 2004-11-22 Email Print this article Print
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Linux Desktop 9"> Our overall impressions of NLD are positive. Although very new, its based on a solid distribution (Suse), provides most of what is necessary for corporate desktops, and could, if necessary, be used by non-corporate users who just want a solid distribution for their personal use. The major issue for this distro, given that its targeting business desktops, is to add easy VPN support as soon as possible. Although we liked NLD, we wont be using it on our own systems. Theres just nothing in it that we cant get from Ubuntu, Suse, or Libranet. If youre curious about NLD, we recommend that you download the evaluation version and make up your own mind.

Product:
Novell Linux Desktop 9
Company:
Pros:
Includes Red Hat & Yast2 management tools—uses Yast as the installer; comes with Citrix ICA Client.
Cons:
Not quite as much software as Suse Professional; still lacks built-in VPN client.
Summary:
NLD provides a solid corporate desktop based on the Suse Linux distribution.
Price:
$50.00
Rating:


 
 
 
 
Jim manages the PC Magazine and ExtremeTech forums, and is responsible for building community in the forums on both sites. He started managing PC Mag's forum on ZiffNet on CompuServe many years ago. He then transferred the staff and expertise to the Web. He left ZDNet when it moved to San Francisco and came back to Ziff after the split from ZDNet, right before ExtremeTech launched. You can get more background at his personal site: www.jimlynch.com/profile.htm.

His favorite movies include Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Three Musketeers (1973 version), Dune (Sci Fi Channel version), and gobs of others. He can't live without his iPAQ Pocket PC—,he uses it at the gym and everywhere else—,and his DVD collection features more than 200 films. His favorite game is Tribes (PC), which is more than three years old but he still plays it all the time.

Jim likes interacting with the folks in the forum and the content. 'I Love both of 'em,' says Lynch. 'It's what makes the job fun and interesting.'

You're welcome to visit Jim's site for more information about him.

 
 
 
 
 
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