Telstra has revealed the addition of almost one million new mobile services in the six months to December 2011, but Sensis revenues plummeted 24 percent in 12 months.
I think the built-in Xandros Linux operating system is pretty good; by default it boots in a simple easy-to-use mode with bold icons leading you to your web browser, mail client, music player and other key apps. This is terrific for new computer users, including children and the elderly and anyone in between. You need have no knowledge of Linux whatsoever – or even care that it uses Linux – in this mode.
If you’re a bit more of a power user, then you really ought to check out the more advanced mode. This isn’t available by default, but it is easily enabled with a couple of commands. This “trick” works by switching on more of the KDE graphical user environment than is installed by default, and literally transforms the ASUS Eee from a locked-in specialised appliance to a genuine, if miniscule, Linux workstation. I think this is well worthwhile doing. There’s no risk; you can easily switch back to the default mode if you wish.
And you needn’t fear consuming disk space – once you’re in advanced mode you have full access to the Xandros software repository allowing you to add or remove packages. There are items you might like to add – for instance, project management software, programming languages, web servers and what have you – but you can also remove pre-installed items you do not need. I removed the Chinese language dictionaries and Acrobat readers from my system; Chinese readers may perhaps wish to remove the corresponding English language items themselves.
This software collection cannot be underestimated: the ASUS Eee PC runs Xandros Linux, which is a full version of Linux and which comes with a vast and rich suite of software that can be freely downloaded – both “free” in terms of price and “free” in terms of availability. This contrasts starkly with other operating systems and their reliance on proprietary commercial software for extra functionality. It also means, apart from memory cards, your ongoing running costs, so to speak, are nil.
Of course, you might hate Xandros; I don’t think it should be presumed that one size fits all when it comes to Linux distros – or operating systems in general. A quick Google search ejaculates forth bold experimenters who have loaded ever-popular Ubuntu Linux instead, as well as those who have installed the surprising, but robust, choice of MacOS X.
You needn’t look far to find those who have opted for the safe choice of reverting back to their familiar Windows XP – this has been pre-empted by ASUS, who ship the device itself with a CD of XP drivers. Here, the 4Gb solid-state drive proves a little small but with a bit of work using software like nLite you can trim out all the fat to make a streamlined little XP install. With more dedication and drive to push things to the limits, you’ll find those who have squeezed Windows Vista onto the Eee.
Software isn’t the last frontier; read on to see some of the amazing hardware mods that the dedicated have worked out.
David Bass
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