ExtremeTech is running a nice review on Lycoris Desktop/LX (formerly Redmond Linux). “I first became interested in Redmond Linux, now officially known as Lycoris Desktop/LX, back in January, when a new release of the distro was officially announced. I must admit that I wasn't expecting much more than an imitation of other distros, combined with an attempt at Windows XP graphics. To my surprise, I soon found myself using a tailored Linux operating system that was anything but that.”
“Normally, the most daunting task associated with Linux is its installation. Frankly, I must state that I hardly noticed the installation of this distribution. It was so trouble free and smooth it can be compared to the installation of an office suite in Windows. Even the “expert” mode is well documented and explained throughout the procedure. As with any good installer, the Desktop/LX installer will let you choose the size of the Windows partition for a double boot situation. If Windows and Desktop/LX were the only two operating systems you plan to have on your hard disk, then I would recommend not being overly generous to the Linux side of the fence.”
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After the first boot, you will be presented with a simplified menu system with clearly labeled entries. If you're a Windows user, you won't be shocked by enigmatic titles and esoteric interfaces. The menu structure is pleasing to the eye and organized more intuitively than on 'hard core' distros. This is not, however, an imitation of Windows menus. The initial labeling has merely been simplified or modified to reflect the task at hand. There is no obscurity here. Any user will find his way around nicely. “
Editor's note: This review seems to over look the fact that Mandrake and SuSE's respective Linux offerings have also made large improvements in both installation and fit-and-finish. For instance, the author incorrectly points out problems with non-Adobe-brand Acrobat Readers and also unfairly claims it is hard to find working software in other distributions.