OpenMandriva, a Linux distribution, has been gaining attention lately for its easy-to-use and inviting interface. In fact, one of the features that makes OpenMandriva stand out from the rest is its OpenMandriva Welcome app, which is considered one of the best on the market.
The popularity of any Linux distribution largely depends on how it uses the desktop environment to make it stand out from the competition. The desktop environment plays a significant role in attracting new users to the operating system, as they want their desktop to be simple, reliable, and easy to navigate.
OpenMandriva’s design and user interface are geared towards new users who may have no experience with Linux. With the help of the OpenMandriva Welcome app, users can easily access various settings, tools, configure networks, printers, themes, and icons, install more apps, and even contribute to the cause.
What makes OpenMandriva even more inviting is its rolling release policy. It means that the distribution is continually updated, so users always have the latest software installed, and the operating system gets updated as well. Instead of doing point upgrades, users can keep themselves up to date with Discover, the KDE Plasma package manager.
One of the significant benefits of a rolling release distribution like OpenMandriva is that there are no major updates or upgrades required every few months. This prevents users from having to install a new version or upgrade and ensures that their system always stays up-to-date.
OpenMandriva comes pre-installed with a range of essential desktop apps, including Falkon (web browser), KMail, KDE Connect (for phone sync), LibreOffice, Kontact (contact manager), Krita (image editor), VLC media player, and Kdenlive (video editor), amongst others. The rolling release distribution also supports Flatpak apps, making it easier to install and update applications.
The OpenMandriva version of KDE Plasma is pretty good, and it welcomes new users from the start. Instead of using traditional desktop menus, OpenMandriva uses the Favorites section of the menu, which is more like the GNOME application overview type menu.
One of the drawbacks of using OpenMandriva is its association with Mandrake Linux, which had a history of early-day challenges. However, with its latest iteration, OpenMandriva has proven to be user-friendly, elegant, and easy-to-navigate. During testing, no problems or complications were encountered, and everything was done via well-designed and easy-to-use GUIs.
OpenMandriva has all the makings of an ideal Linux desktop distribution suitable for users of all levels. So, if you are looking for a user-friendly and elegant desktop, download OpenMandriva and give it a try!
