What Is Ximian Desktop 2?

Welcome to Ximian^® Desktop 2. This guide will show you around and help you get started with the software you have just installed. If you are reading this guide before installation, you can visit ximian.com for installation instructions.

Ximian Desktop provides everything you need to put your Linux system to work. It includes a graphical interface based on the GNOME platform, with high-quality applications like the Ximian Evolution^® groupware suite.

All editions of Ximian Desktop add the following:

• A special Ximian edition of the OpenOffice.org office suite.
• The most advanced Linux* printing system available today, integrated with the entire desktop and based on the CUPS subsystem. CUPS supports more printers and makes it much easier to set them up.
• Extensive network compatibility for Windows* and UNIX networks.
• Easy, removable media tools, including CD burning made simple.
• A "My Computer" tool to help you navigate files, networks, and devices, designed especially for people migrating from Microsoft Windows.
• The Red Carpet^TM software management tool, which makes sure you get critical software updates quickly, easily, and securely.

Figure 1
Ximian Desktop

The Professional Edition of Ximian Desktop includes additional software and services:

• Agfa Fonts: High-quality licensed fonts, metrically compatible with those used in Microsoft* Office, to help preserve formatting and styles across platforms.
• RealNetworks* RealPlayer*: Media player for RealAudio and RealVideo formats. Works with or without your Web browser.
• Macromedia* Flash*: Browser plug-in for display of Flash vector animation on the Web.
• Sun* Java* Runtime Environment: Allows you to use the broadest range of Java software with the best performance.
• A year's subscription to Red Carpet Express, the Ximian high-bandwidth update service.
• 30 days of personalized Web-based support at support.ximian.com.

IMPORTANT:  Before installing this software, you agreed to abide by the licensing terms for each component. Make sure that you own the licenses before using, and especially before altering or redistributing, any software. A copy of the licensing terms is available on the Ximian Web site. See About Software Licensing for more details.