Overview: BeOS is a very fast and user-friendly operating system, makes a very nice workstation, but it does lack some features. I've been been testing lots of different operating systems in the past few months, and BeOS is one of the very best.

Installation: The installation is very fast, and very easy. Pretty much, point and click, point and click. It detected most of the hardware automatically, and installed all the software, and the operating system in less than 10 minutes.

First boot: The system booted in 0.14 minutes. All the default configuration was absolutely perfect, I didn't need to touch anything (note: that was my first time booting BeOS, in my life). The interfase was easy to understand, and didn't hurt my eyes, which is quite shocking, considering the fact that it has a lot of bright yellow in it.

First problem: BeOS only detected 64 MB out of my 256 MB RAM, or so it says... I was a newbie, so I really had to idea how to fix it... time to call their support... gooodie.

Support: Love it. I called the support, I didn't stay on hold for over 3 minutes, no one bounced me around between the support people, and they had the answer right there. Problem solved.

Playtime: Now that BeOS detected all of my RAM, I decided to find out what software I can download, that would I would find entertaining. None. There is not enough software for BeOS out there... and that's the only problem with the operating system. I'm sure in the next few years there will be much more software out for the system, then it will be absolutely perfect.

Bottom line: Anyone who wants to get out of the Windows world can use this operating systems, it is a great alternative, and it's far more stable that Windows is. But no Linux user should bother making this operating system as something permanent on their PC.



Recommended: Yes