Libra Systems LibraNet 2.7 Review

Overall Rating

Fast, flexible, extensible, excellent

Libranet is one of the most effective software computer operating systems you can get for a PC. It is relatively inexpensive to purchase, yet it has one of the most complete sets of software that could possibly be crammed into 2 CDs of software. But if that's not enough, it is a relatively easy matter to locate stable, testing, or unstable Debian network sources and obtain the software you want. In the Debian world, when they say testing or unstable, that doesn't necessarily mean "doesn't work", though there may be some issues that haven't been completely resolved. In my experience, what that means is flexibility. Libranet begins with a really solid base of stable Debian 3.0 software from the Woody release, then they add additional software. Libranet calls their software a complete system instead of a distribution, like most Linux vendors, because what they sell is a complete system that just works. Libranet doesn't have a fancy graphical installation system. Instead, it has a fast, flexible text menu based installation system. Nothing about it is difficult, but it does ask you many questions, in order to provide the exact kind of system you want and need. If that doesn't bother you, then this is one of the best systems you can get anywhere. IF that does bother you, chances are this is not the kind of software you want to use. I've yet to find any problems with using Libranet 2.7. It installs rapidly, works well, and can be easily upgraded. It does not come with much documentation. You only need documentation if you are new to software installations. The small printed documentation provides some good guidelines, and the online Web page and Email forums provide help, just in case you're not sure about something or you happen to run into a problem. I've found the forums and the developers extremely responsive. In the past I've made product suggestions and my ideas have been taken seriously and adopted and put into practice. I'd recommend this software for anyone except someone who's afraid of installing software and can't figure out what "computer messages" mean. For such people, this software might still work, but that might be the one audience better served by something else. Nevertheless, this is one of my absolute favorite packages of software, and as for me, I give it my highest recommendation!