Root Prompt -- Nothing but Unix (original) (raw)
Feature: Interview with Jon Danzig
In this article I interviewed Jon Danzig, the President of Libra Computer Systems, the makers of Linux by Libranet.
"We believe that we can produce a first class Linux desktop system that almost anyone can install and use enjoyably. We expect to be the distribution of choice for a large segment of the Linux community and a good choice for those arriving to Linux."
Interview with Jon Danzig, President of Libranet
Who are you and what is your background?
Jon Danzig. President
I have been involved in the UNIX world since 1984. With SCO Unix, HP/UX and Solaris and of course, Linux. The primary activity has been installing, building applications, and supporting Unix multi-user systems.Who and what is Libranet?
Libranet is a small group of people who enjoy being involved in the world of Linux.
What does Libranet mean and why did you choose it?
Libra Computer Systems is the name of the company. libra.com was taken, so we added net to libra to fit our vision of a worldwide 'network' of Libranet systems.
What are Libranet's goals?
We believe that we can produce a first class Linux desktop system that almost anyone can install and use enjoyably. We expect to be the distribution of choice for a large segment of the Linux community and a good choice for those arriving to Linux.
Why did you choose Debian to base your distribution on?
Debian is our choice for a number of reasons. I like the fact that it is a non commercial distribution. The enthusiasm and dedication of it's developers makes Debian a pleasant place to be. The sheer size of the distribution gives us a large choice when assembling our desktop. I also like the openness of discussion among the developers and also among the users.
What makes Libranet different than Debian?
I think it is more accurate to say that Libranet is a Debian system. It is the assembly of a desktop using mostly Debian components. We have customized the install to be almost automatic and made a step by step install guide simple enough for new users. We have left out none of the complexities of the system. We just handle it for the user without hiding or preventing advanced users from being able to reach the innards.
Has Libranet made any contributions to Linux, Debian or open source in general?
Not yet, although our distribution is in itself a contribution to the Linux effort. In a sense we are creating a user involved distribution. We ask for and listen to users' comments and suggestions and have already incorporated some of their ideas.
If our Linux drivers petition is successful in helping to bring manufacturers to work with open source developers, this is a good contribution.
How successful has the Linux Drivers Petition?
We are hoping to get 200,000 signatures, so far we have 67,000. The impact it is having is to add to the awareness of manufacturers that there is a large demand for Linux drivers.
What are your future plans for Libranet and Linux by Libranet?
Quite simply we intend to bring out improved versions of Libranet continually. When we become firmly established as a desktop system we expect to expand into the commercial arena.
Where do you think Linux is going from here?
I think Linux will have ups and downs for quite a while. Until PC manufacturers get involved in providing specs for their boards etc., it will continue to be difficult to keep up with new products.
What is the difference between Linux by Libranet and Stormix or Corel who are creating Debian based distributions?
We think we have done a great job of providing a simple to install, application packed, well integrated Linux system. Well ... that's up to the users to decide.
(Submitted by NoelMon Oct 2, 2000 ) Comment on Article [Email this link]
Comments
- Misfits(Score: 1)
By: proof (User Info) ( 2 Oct 2000 19:20 ) ( reply to comment )
Now if this had ben Glen Danzig, President of Libranet that would have been something. =) Little joke.
- Libranet 1.8(Score: 0)
By: Anonymous ( 2 Oct 2000 19:16 ) ( reply to comment )
I have started to use Libranet 1.8 a couple of weeks ago. I really like the Distrobution. I have previously installed Caldera eDesktop 2.4 and Mandrake 7.1, but was looking to use a Debian based Distrobution. I have used technical support by Libranet and have been very implressed with the help I have recieved. I look forward to a long relationship with Libranet. I am a member of LUGOD (Linux Users Group of Davis at http://www.lugod.org) and I am still fairley new to the Linux World, but I have been re-energized about computing since getting invovovled with Linux as a whole.
Roland Minden
clownsinc@home.com
- Libranet Support(Score: 0)
By: Anonymous ( 4 Oct 2000 12:49 ) ( reply to comment )
Have used/tried Mandrake, Redhat, Caldera, SuSE, FreeBSD and a lot of lesser knowns. Subscribed at one time or another to lots of mailing lists. Installed Libranet six months ago.
I have never seen anybody go to the lengths the folks at Libranet go to in responding to a user's question, even where they go beyond installation.
Libranet will be a tough act to follow.
- Libranet unsung(Score: 0)
By: Anonymous ( 4 Oct 2000 16:51 ) ( reply to comment )
I have been using Linux for about a year, and have touched everything from Redhat 6.0 in Chinese (I'm an American here in Taiwan) to Debian 2.1r3, to Mandrake 7.1 and SuSE 7.0. In the last year I've ran over a hundred installs of Distro's well known and Distro's quite obscure. What can I say, I like Linux and like to try everything new.
But when I tried Libranet Linux 1.2, I was impressed beyong SuSE or Mandrake. Here was Debian, in all of its stable glory, yet so easy to install and completely open to what "I" wanted. All of the most needed and wanted apps, all on ONE CD. Geez. Including quake. So when it was available I bought Libranet 1.8 for $15. For that piddly sum, I got Helix Gnome 1.2, Star Office 5.2, and a Debian system up and running in 20 minutes. And when I needed help getting my SB Live! running, they gave me 1-2-3 instructions that worked to THE LETTER. Their Tech support is the best in ALL of the computer industry, bar none!
In short, if you want Linux. If you want it your way. If you want easy and clean yet with complete power over it, then Libranet is the Distro for you. This is Linux up-to-date and like it is supposed to be.
Patrick Ennis