Mint #1 distro on Distrowatch in the last 7 days

I have said it before. I will say it again. People want their codecs. I know many Linux users that get so sick of having to thumb through repositories trying to find just the right combination of codecs to get OS to “just work.”

Ubuntu is a good distro however, Mint 2.0 Barbara based on Ubuntu is far better due to the fact that it provides a more complete out-of-the-box experience by including browser plugins, media codecs, support for DVD playback, Java, and other components. You still for now have to install the Mplayer's browser plugin, but Synaptic makes that an easy process. I hear Mplayer will come standard with the next version of Mint,as well as some graphical updates.

If you have MP3's, download Exaile which is a media player similar to KDE's AmaroK. Like AmaroK, Exaile also includes a built in shoutcast directory browser and tabbed playlists. It's GTK+ based, so it runs more smoothly in GNOME.

Even the Ubuntu developer community has decided that with the next version of Ubuntu, Feisty Fawn, it will be including some proprietary drivers.

All you Ubuntu fan boys will be really impressed with Mint 2.0 Barbara . It just works, and you guys should highly recommend it to people that you're trying to convert to Linux since there's very little tweaking necessary. Mint has one of the best out-the-box experience around.

Novell Makes a Critical Error:by Tim Patterson

After the Q&A segment it was clear that the patent agreement was a defacto acknowledgement by Novell that Linux violates MS patents. Ballmer made it clear that the patent agreement protects ONLY users of SuSE Linux. When questioned about wether the patent agreement covered technology which will be developed or if it covers MS patents already existing in Linux the attorney made it clear that the agreement protects existing Linux in the form of SuSE.

So MS has found the big Linux vendor foolish enough to "legitimize" a patent claim on Linux by Microsoft. This makes it easier for MS to claim that Linux infringes their "IP" and claim that Novell recognized this "fact" and struck a deal.

Now it's only a matter of asserting claims against all distributors except Novell thereby thinning the herd and finally, deal with Novell SuSE last.

Nice going you Novell morons.

After using SuSE for years it looks like it's time for a change.

GNU/Linux is what it is

Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Vista operating system, which ships this month after five years of development and will arrive with only a small percentage of its original marquee features.

I am sure every one has read that. So what can MS give the public that GNU/Linux can't? Photo ShopCS2, iTunes, Quicken 2007? Not even the great Gates him self can take credit for that group of killer apps. They are from Independent software vendors, who write programs for the Windows platform. An OS is only as good as its ISVs (Independent software vendors). If Linux ever got native programs like: Photoshop CS2, Photoshop Elements 4.0, Autocad, Dreamweaver, iTunes, Macromedia Studio, Quicken 2006, TurboTax, and maybe Lotus Notes; Microsoft would lose market share over night.

Linux is starting to make its case as a viable alternative to Windows. The desktop has an Office suite built off the Open Office project, and it includes the Firefox browser, the Gaim instant messaging client and the Evolution e-mail and calendaring client, which integrates with Microsoft Exchange Server. What about that thing known as xgl, a 3-D animated user interface, called the Spinning Cube by some, which can be rotated to show many work spaces or windows. Can't live without MP3, AmaroK is the ticket. You can rip your favorite songs from your CD collection, then put them on your MP3 player and have music on-the-go. Computers are great for organizing your entire music collection, and you can even make mix CDs from your computer for use in your car. Want to burn CD/DVDs look to K3b, which was created to be a feature-rich and easy to handle CD/DVD burning application with LightScribe Labeling. Only have dial-up access. The KDE program that gets you connected to the Internet with a 56K modem is called KPPP. Kppp is one the useful utilities included in KDE. Kppp can make establishing your Internet connection easy -- and easy to modify. A dialer and configuration application, Kppp works with pppd -- the Point-to-Point Protocol daemon.
If you only need basic productivity tools and a browser to be productive, Linux maybe the way to go.Best Easy Linux OS

Linspire
Mandriva
Freespire (Free)
PCLinuxOS (Free)
Ark Linux (Free)
MEPIS

Novell Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise
Xandros Desktop OS

If you're looking to buy an affordable desktop system that comes with Linux and a whole bunch of key free and open-source applications already installed, look to: Open Sense Solutions LLC, sub 300.com, sub 500.com, GigabytesNetwork Computers, and www.koobox.com. Also check out Sears.com,K-mart.com, and Walmart.com.