RED HAT LINUX 8.0 PROFESSIONAL

The main difference between the Personal and Professional editions of Red Hat Linux 8.0 is that Red Hat Linux 8.0 Professional is aimed at those running servers and/or developing software. This version also offers a lot more paper documentation than you get with the Personal edition, including a network administrator guide. This makes it easier for those without advanced skills to start networking, serving, and developing. However, the software supplied on the three installation discs is identical in both versions.

Red Hat Linux 8.0 Professional comes without MP3 support, without RealOne Player, and without a default CD burner. It uses the same Anaconda installation program (somewhat cleaned up from earlier versions and with a more logical sequence of actions), and has the same contempt for many older PCs--especially those without AMD or Intel processors.

Hardware detection and setup is excellent for most common cards and devices, including USB devices. It's especially hot on networking hardware. However, because many hardware manufacturers still don't support Linux, new types of devices and very old devices can be problematic. If in doubt, check the supported hardware list on Red Hat's site.

Apart from missing multimedia support, Red Hat Linux 8.0 Professional doesn't do the kind of simple things that make life easier for new users. For example, most new Linux users come from Windows. Having the installation script add an icon to mount an existing Windows disk or partition is trivial and makes it simple for new users to access existing documents and files. But here, you're immediately stuck in a Linux-only universe where the first thing you have to do is edit fstab to get at your old files.

On the plus side, almost everything in Linux can now be configured from the graphical control panel, a far cry from just a couple of years ago. You may never need to edit a raw configuration file. Overall, with its far better paper documentation and wider range of installation options, Red Hat Linux 8.0 Professional is actually a better buy than the Personal edition for those new to Linux. Experts can save money with the Personal edition. --Steve Patient, Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com Product Description
New usability and server features in Red Hat Linux 8.0 Professional deliver versatility for small networks. From advanced package selection during installation to daily use with Red Hat Bluecurve, Red Hat Linux 8.0 is a user-friendly and flexible operating environment. The Red Hat Bluecurve interface is an easy-to-use, organized desktop that makes finding applications less complicated. Red Hat Linux 8.0 Professional also includes Ximian Evolution and OpenOffice. Red Hat Linux 8.0 Professional includes 60 days of installation support and a full set of documentation to ensure that users are up and running in no time.

Red Hat Linux 8.0 Professional's new interface offers a graphical appearance with fewer steps to frequently used applications and tools. Unified graphical representation simplifies installation and daily use. Discover integrated applications for e-mail, browsing, and office productivity.

Setting up a personal firewall is part of the installation process in Red Hat Linux 8.0. Choose from preset configurations, or customize your firewall for the exact level of security you need. Red Hat Linux 8.0 features Ximian Evolution, a robust open-source application including an e-mail client, contact manager, and calendar. Use OpenOffice.org to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

The Bad:
- The price is a total rip-off! Keep in mind that the ISO images (these are used to create the CD's that you pay $$$ for) for the Red Hat CD's are available through a ton of websites listed on redhat.com for anyone to download FOR FREE! I know that Red Hat as a company is trying to become consistently profitable but highway robbery is probably not the best way to do it.
- Even though the "look and feel" may be prettier, the Red Hat folks still have a long way to go with respect to human computer interaction. Sometimes you will get a notice saying there is an update to some package like libgtk++ from 2.0.1.4.2 to 2.0.1.5.2.3 which doesn't necessarily represent the version of libgtk++ itself but may be the version of the packaging of this library. What is libgtk++? What does it do? Confused yet?
- Just because it comes with a word processor/e-mail client doesn't mean you are going to want to use it!
- From the number of e-mails I get from Red Hat, I am suprised to see how many updates/patches have been released to address potential security risks. Whats also interesting is how even the smallest MS security threat will make all the tech headlines all over the internet while these warnings from Red Hat almost go unnoticed. This is something to consider if you are going to have your system connected (using broadband/cable modem/etc) continuously. Out of the box, this is not much more safer than any other product out there and tweaking it may not be as user friendly.

The Ugly:
- Updating the kernel. The way they make the kernel package (RPM) look like just another innocent update is downright mean and ugly.
- Give this OS to your parents. Now have them incorporate their favorite true type font (introduce the font to the X server). Watch as the ugliness unfolds.
- Just cant get over the pricing!!!

Just my two cents


MANY PLUSES, FEW MINUSES!   November 10, 2002
 7 out of 11 found this review helpful

Very few people would be surprised to see that this latest version of "Red Hat Linux" has most of the attributes that make "Suse Linux 8.1 Professional" thick: including OpenOffice and Ximian Evolution.
The ease with which this OS copes with a multi-system environment makes it a top bargain for anyone gunning for a Linux-based server. Its graphical interface is wonderful!
Although I'm aware that most hardware producers favour Windows more than they do Linux, I was still disappointed to discover that there is no support for MP3. There is also, no room for what should have served as my default CD Burner.


Excellent   September 28, 2002
I've been using Red Hat Linux 7.3.93 (Code Name Null) for a while and I really like the new look (Red Hat Bluecurve).
Today I just placed an order of Red Hat Linux 8.0 Professional Edition instead of Personal Edition because I really want it on DVD! (Surprise?) Also I want all 4 manuals along with Office & Multimedia Apps CD and Sys Admin Tools CD. Of course 60 days of Telephone Support Privilege is an excellent way to keep in touch with Linux Experts!


Excellent   September 28, 2002
 23 out of 30 found this review helpful

I've been using Red Hat Linux 7.3.93 (Code Name Null) for a while and I really like the new look (Red Hat Bluecurve).
Today I just placed an order of Red Hat Linux 8.0 Professional Edition instead of Personal Edition because I really want it on DVD! (Surprise?) Also I want all 4 manuals along with Office & Multimedia Apps CD and Sys Admin Tools CD. Of course 60 days of Telephone Support Privilege is an excellent way to keep in touch with Linux Experts!