OpenMandriva is a Linux distribution that has been a staple for years. With the latest iteration of the OpenMandrive, the rolling release candidate for the latest iteration of ROME, OpenMandriva is once again making waves in the Linux community. What sets OpenMandriva apart from other distributions is the way in which it approaches the desktop environment. While other distributions may use GNOME, Xfce, KDE Plasma, Cinnamon, Mate, Enlightenment or Pantheon, OpenMandriva does things a little differently. Rather than focusing on the desktop environment, OpenMandriva focuses on making its desktop as simple and user-friendly as possible.
For new users, this is of utmost importance. When users are new to Linux, they don’t care which desktop environment is used, they just want a desktop that is simple, reliable, and can help them be productive or entertained. That’s why the OpenMandriva version of KDE Plasma is so inviting to new users. With the help of one of the best welcome apps in any operating system on the market, the OpenMandriva Welcome app, users can review all aspects of the desktop, get quick access to various settings and tools, configure networks, displays, printers, themes and icons, install more applications, and even contribute to the cause.
What’s more, the OpenMandriva Welcome app is one of the best on the market. From the welcome app, users can learn all about the different aspects of the desktop, and they can easily get started with any configuration or customization that they need to do. For those familiar with KDE Plasma, you’ll notice that OpenMandriva doesn’t include panel icons. Instead, OpenMandriva relies on the Favorites section of the menu. Thankfully, it’s easy to customize the dashboard to make sure that it matches the lighter interface.
When it comes to pre-installed applications, OpenMandriva doesn’t disappoint. Users will find the likes of Chromium, Falkon (web browser), KMail, KDE Connect (for phone sync), LibreOffice, Kontact (contact manager), Krita (image editor), VLC Media Player, Kdenlive (video editor), SimpleScreenRecorder and tons of different types of tools and implements.
But most importantly, OpenMandriva just works. During my testing period, I encountered no issues or complications. And those new to Linux will be happy to know that they don’t have to touch the command line once. Everything is done via well-designed and easy-to-use GUIs. This is particularly important when it comes to finding and installing a printer driver. Installing a printer driver can be a significant or complicating factor, but with OpenMandriva, this process is just as easy as if you were using Windows or MacOS.
One of the things that sets OpenMandriva apart from other distributions is its use of rolling release deployment. Ubuntu, for instance, offers two major releases per year, .04 and .10, and in between these they will offer point releases, such as .04.01 and .10.02. OpenMandriva takes a different approach, offering a rolling release candidate that is updated more frequently. This means that OpenMandriva always has the latest and greatest software installed, and the operating system is updated as well. This is particularly good for new users, who can simply let the rolling version stay up to date rather than doing point upgrades when they’re released.
There are those who argue against rolling release candidates, but I’ve never encountered a rolling deployment where an update caused problems. Combine the rolling version of OpenMandriva ROME with the latest KDE Plasma desktop and all bundled software (which includes Flatpak apps supported in Discover), and you have the makings of an ideal Linux desktop distribution for users of all levels.
In summary, OpenMandriva is a Linux distribution that is making waves in the Linux community, thanks to its focus on simplicity and user-friendliness. It’s welcoming to new users, with one of the best welcome apps on the market, and it just works. With a rolling release deployment that keeps the operating system and software up to date, OpenMandriva is an ideal Linux desktop distribution for users of all levels. Download a copy of OpenMandriva ROME, install it on a spare computer, and you’ll see just how user-friendly and elegant a desktop can be.
