Raiden's Realm: Review: Ark Linux H2O 2007.1

Review: Ark Linux H2O 2007.1 (Page 1 of 4)

Written by Steve Lake
Posted on: Sep 19, 2007 at 08:52am
Section: Reviews
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Ark Linux is a distribution that strives to provide the end user with the easiest possible install and the greatest ease of use. Indirectly derived from Red Hat Linux, it really strives to set itself apart as the preferred distribution for the new user to Linux. But exactly how user friendly is Ark Linux? Is it friendly enough for a new user to use and install? Well, let's look at what it offers and what the desktop can do.

Installation

Upon booting up the install cd, I came across what I believe is a rather funny opening screen. Its not that it asks you how you want to install Ark, but rather it's the way they do the screen that's funny. The screen gives you a simple list of quick install, advanced install, and expert install. That's pretty typical of most distributions. The part that makes it so funny is what it does next. If you notice the screenshot below, Ark actually has the audacity to tell you how to use your mouse. That's the part I found funniest. But in an odd way, that can also be good because since they're targeted towards the new user, giving them a little nudge in the right direction can't hurt any.

After selecting your language, of which Ark appears to cover a wide number of them, you're immediately on your way towards having a fully installed Linux system. That's actually quite impressive given that most distros ask you enough questions during install, even in the easy install mode, to make an IRS agent proud. Not all, but a fair number do. Even in expert mode, the number of questions you're asked is utterly minimal. This distro has to have one of the simplest install systems I've seen in a while. Another funny I ran into was that while the system is installing, the installer offers you a game of Tetris you can play to help keep you occupied while the installer does its work. The odd part is, you really never get time to enjoy the game because the install is so short. It took just under twenty minutes to install the full system An impressive achievement by any stretch of the imagination.

The developers were even nice enough to include an option that asks you if you want to finish your game first, or reboot now at the end. Kind of funny, but oddly appropriate I guess. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to give up your game right away. Especially if you were winning.