Getting Started - Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Xandros Web site. As a first-time visitor, you may have some questions about the company and its products. The questions and answers below should help you answer many of your initial questions and direct you to the location of the Web site that will best meet your needs. Click on a question to view its answer.

What is Xandros?

Xandros is an operating system, just as is Microsoft Windows. An operating system is the software that allows you to control your computer’s hardware, including the monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. It also provides the foundation on which applications including your Web browser, word processor and e-mail client run. When you purchase a Xandros product, you receive an operating system and a suite of software.

Xandros is based on Linux, which means that you can use it for the same activities you use Windows for, but with added stability and security benefits that Linux provides.

Xandros products are built with the Windows user in mind. The look and feel is immediately familiar, which means you can use Xandros the same way you use Windows. Best of all, you do not need to know anything about computers, software or Linux to use and enjoy the full benefits of Xandros.

What is Linux?

Linux is an open source computer operating system. This means that no one company owns the intellectual property behind it. A community of software engineers continuously devotes time to improving Linux and enhancing its capabilities. All of Linux’s underlying source code is available to the public and anyone can freely use, modify, and redistribute it.

I thought Linux is free. Why does Xandros charge for its software?

It is true that Linux is free. You can download the core Linux operating system through the Internet at no cost. But installing and using Linux can be very difficult, especially for a non-technical user and free Linux distributions are not packaged with the additional software that you will most likely need.

Xandros has built upon the Linux base to develop an operating system that is an open-source alternative to Windows. Anyone familiar with Windows will be able to start using Xandros right away, unlike the free version of Linux. While Xandros does charge for these additions, its Linux base enables it to offer you an alternative to Windows at a significantly lower cost.

Do I need to know Linux commands to use Xandros?

No. Xandros has a graphical user environment that is immediately familiar to Windows users. You do not need to know any Linux commands, or have any programming skills.

Why should I switch to Xandros from Windows?

Xandros is a more stable and secure operating system. Due to the fact that Windows is the operating system used by the majority of consumers, almost all of the malicious software (like adware, viruses, and spyware) is targeted at Windows users. These programs cannot infect a Xandros computer. In addition, Xandros offers an anti-virus application and security suite for its products.

Xandros offers a lower total cost than Windows. While Windows may have come pre-installed on your desktop or laptop, you need to purchase the vast majority of the software that you use, like the MS Office Suite, or an antivirus program. MS Office retails for over $370 USD and most antivirus programs cost around $60 USD-$70 USD, plus an ongoing subscription fee. Xandros includes all of the software that you will need to accomplish the key tasks for which you use your PC.

Will Xandros run on my computer?

Here is the list of system requirements for Xandros Home Edition and Home Edition - Premium. To see if a specific piece of hardware (like a wireless card) is compatible, visit supported hardware

To see the system requirements for our Business Desktop, Desktop Management Server, and Server OS, follow the links below:

• Business Desktop
• Desktop Management Server
• Server OS

Processor:

Any Intel Pentium or Celeron processor.
Any AMD K6/II/III, Duron, Athlon, Athlon XP/MP processor.
At least 450 MHz recommended.

RAM:

Min 128 MB required, 256 MB recommended.
1.5 GB available space on hard drive, 3 GB available space recommended.

Additional Requirements:

Bootable CD-ROM.

Do I need to delete Windows to install Xandros?

No. Xandros can run side-by-side with Windows in a dual-boot configuration. This means that each time you turn on your computer, you will be prompted to select which of the two operating systems you would like to run. This dual-boot feature allows you to easily switch back and forth between Xandros and Windows.

Do I need to purchase new software to run on Xandros?

Xandros includes a complete suite of open-source software that enables you to do all the same things you do in Windows. As soon as you install Xandros, you are ready to surf the Web, send e-mail, work with documents and spreadsheets, edit photos, use instant messaging, and more.

Additionally, Xandros Networks enables you to browse through a library of hundreds of additional applications that can be installed onto your computer with a single click.

The Home and Professional Editions of the Xandros Desktop also include CodeWeavers CrossOver Office software, which allows you to run many Windows applications right in Xandros.

Will I be able to share files and printers with Windows users?

Yes. Xandros is built to maximize compatibility with Windows. With Xandros you can share your folders, files, and printers with Windows computers, as well as access those items being shared by Windows machines.

Xandros comes pre-installed with the OpenOffice.org application suite (Sun StarOffice in Professional Edition), that includes word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, and graphics software that is compatible with Microsoft Office. This means that you will be able to open any Word, Excel or Powerpoint file that is sent to you and you will be able to send documents you have created to users who work with Microsoft Office.

Does Xandros offer technical support?

Yes. One of the areas that we focus on is our technical support. For Home Edition and Home Edition - Premium of our OS, you receive 60 days of free installation support. You also receive free access to our knowledgebase, hardware compatibility list, system requirements list, moderated user forums and a variety of additional user guides. With the Home Premium Edition, you also receive a .pdf or printed User Guide.

One of the major reasons that both Linux users and Linux reviewers have such high praise for Xandros is our customer service. Our team is dedicated to making sure that you get the most out of your Xandros product and that any questions you have are answered quickly and completely.

Can I see what Xandros Desktop looks like before I purchase?

Xandros looks and feels a lot like Windows. We have designed the user interface so that any Windows user will be able to navigate through Xandros. View the screenshots for Home Edition and Home Edition - Premium for more details.