Linux.com

Mandriva has, since 1998, really paved the way for usable desktop Linux systems. Some would argue that Caldera had software earlier that provided desktop features, and others might argue that their favorite distribution did it, but from my perspective, it was Mandriva that first raised the bar of ease of use and usability for desktop Linux systems. Lycoris and Linspire have since taken different approaches and have really propelled usability in different directions. I still think that Mandriva is near the forefront in terms of a full featured, easy to use system, and I think it scales well from starting as the beginner's first desktop Linux system, maturing to a more complete system that the well versed administrator can tinker with. However, I do not see Mandriva as the most flexible system out there; I'd give that reward to one of the desktop Debian system vendors - Libranet is my favorite in that category; SimplyMEPIS is arguably the easiest software in the world to install. Mandriva stacks up well against these, rating well in ease of use and just a few steps behind in flexibility - but small steps.

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