DistributionWatch Review: Libranet 1.2.2 - page 5

Introducing Linux by Libranet

After examining the Libranet distribution on the surface, it could be safe to say that this is really Debian with all the options loaded. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as the many proponents of Debian will no doubt attest.

When you look at this distribution a bit closer, however, you can see that Libranet has integrated all of these applications into a very smooth package. The distribution runs with little conflict and a lot of speed, regardless of which applications are running. The addition of the adminmenu, even though it could use some refinement, further differentiates this distribution from Debian. Libranet is a new Linux distribution, but it is a near thing.

The question is: is Libranet worth the extra money, compared to just downloading Debian and installing all of these packages yourself? Since little in the Linux world is black and white, it comes as no surprise that the answer depends on a few conditions. Experienced users will likely not find anything to write home about in Libranet, since they are skilled in beating all of these applications together anyway.

Libranet is a good distribution intermediate users or any user who just wants to use Linux--not spend a lot of time hunting and gathering applications and configuring their machines. I would also recommend Libranet for new users, provided they can get past the clunky installation program. If Libranet is to be positioned for the new-user market, then the installation program is going to need to be streamlined, the documentation improved, or both.

This will not be the last time we see Linux distributions repackaged and sold in a different and slicker form to appeal to a broader market. Even at $39, new and intermediate users should end up saving enough time to make up for the cost by getting Libranet with all of its extras, as opposed to Debian. The year's free technical support will make the purchase price an easier pill to swallow, too. If convenience is what you seek, Libranet will fill the bill.