PR: MandrakeSoft Announces Availability of Mandrake Linux 8.2 Retail Packs

Altadena, CA – April 22, 2002 – MandrakeSoft
(http://mandrakesoft.com) today announced the availability of the
boxed versions of Mandrake Linux 8.2 through a number of retail
outlets worldwide and also online from
http://www.mandrakestore.com. The latest release of MandrakeSoft’s
popular operating system marks a new step in addressing the special
needs of enterprise users while continuing to ease the adoption of
Linux by all. Mandrake Linux 8.2 for PowerPack and ProSuite are the
first Linux distributions to include StarOffice 6.0, the new office
suite, which is compatible with Microsoft Office documents.
Customers are provided with three packaged versions of Mandrake
Linux 8.2 to choose from: ProSuite ($149.99), PowerPack ($69.99)
and Standard ($39.99). OEM versions, targeted at hardware
manufacturers, are due out later this month.

Mandrake Linux 8.2 is the best “all-in-one” solution for saving
time and money with personal computers: installation couldn’t be
easier with MandrakeSoft’s world-famous graphical installer, and no
post-configuration hassles means that every MandrakeSoft system is
immediately ready for work or for play. Depending on the user’s
requirements, Mandrake Linux 8.2 can be installed as a
full-featured & powerful Linux server, or as a highly
productive personal workstation.

“Mandrake Linux has long been the preferred Linux distribution
for individuals, but Mandrake Linux 8.2 marks a new step in our
penetration of the corporate environment. The features and
unparalleled ease of use make 8.2 an incredibly efficient and
affordable alternative to UNIX and Windows 2000” said Jacques Le
Marois, CEO of MandrakeSoft.

New server features include the ability to use an encrypted
filesystem for protecting sensitive data; “kernel-secure” adds
important security features to the default Linux kernel; and an
“Enterprise” kernel delivers SMP (Symmetric Multi Processing) and
Hi-memory support (above 1024 MB) for high-end servers. Mandrake
Linux 8.2 also introduces a quick and efficient way to set up
printers and scanners; a new file sharing feature for easily
sharing files and directories in a networked environment; and
improved “hot-plug” support that lets users install new devices
quickly and painlessly without having to reboot the system. A new
remote desktop utility, RFBdrake, is extremely useful for
controlling machines remotely within a LAN or securely through the
Internet (works with Linux/Unix systems and with Windows 2000/XP
“Window Terminal Services”). The reworked version of MSEC, a system
for configuring the security level of a machine (Standard, High,
Highest, Paranoid) is more powerful than ever.

New desktop features include a completely redesigned Mandrake
Control Center that serves as a central location for
MandrakeSoft-specific tools and utilities, as well as many new
configuration wizards. Desktop users will appreciate the
task-oriented menus in GNOME and KDE, which greatly simplify
locating applications by categorizing them into common “tasks”.
MandrakeFirstTime is an easy-to-use wizard that helps setup a
desktop environment (KDE, GNOME, etc.), choose a theme and
configure email settings. DrakNet, the Internet connection and
network utility, efficiently helps users configure all types of
network connections, from common dial-up modems to DSL and cable
connections. Also included are the latest stable versions of KDE
and GNOME which both offer some great new features and applications
such as anti-aliased fonts and Evolution (an Outlook-like email
client and personal information manager).