[ Thanks to Phil
Lavigna for this link. ]
*********************************************************************** Special -- Friday, 28 September 2001 Welcome to the Mandrake Linux Community Newsletter -- dedicated to keeping you up-to-date with the latest Mandrake-related news & info. *********************************************************************** The word is out that Mandrake Linux 8.1 is now available for download and pre-orders. MandrakeSoft would personally like to thank all of the beta testers, volunteers, contributors and developers who were essential in creating our latest offering. We couldn't do it without you. For details about Mandrake Linux 8.1, please see: http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/81.php3 -- Now that the flurry of activity has quieted down due to the release of 8.1, we'd like to comment on some issues that are important to us here at MandrakeSoft. Q. Why does MandrakeSoft first release a free Download version, then approximately one month later the retail versions become available in stores? A. The answer is simple: Mandrake Linux is released to the world as soon as it is finished and ready to use. The commercial products require an additional month to be assembled, shipped and distributed. From the beginning of our company's existence, MandrakeSoft's core value has been its firm commitment to the ideals of Free Software. This means not only following the legal requirements of the General Public License (GPL), but also respecting the Open Source philosophy and spirit. This is why we not only release all of our own developments under the GPL license, but also our entire development process is open for all. With the "Cooker" system, we are able to combine the efforts of MandrakeSoft's developers with hundreds of contributors throughout the world. This represents an incredible opportunity to create a valuable product. With this type of development model, we believe it is only appropriate to make the results of this work free for everyone. We believe it is better to have happy users and turn them into customers later, than it is to force people to purchase a new release in order to try it. MandrakeSoft doesn't support tactics such as delaying the availability of a free version until retail packs have been in stores for a certain period of time, or withholding ISO images thereby making it difficult for users to burn their own CDs. In this same spirit, many users who understand the huge effort involved in producing a Linux distribution have requested an opportunity to "give back" to the company and to the developers who have helped put it together. Here are some various ways that you can make a difference and help ensure the health of MandrakeSoft so that the distribution continues to remain free and true to the Open Source spirit. 1. Purchase products and services from MandrakeSoft. If your business or employer has a specialized Linux project, we're ready to help realize your goal. MandrakeSoft provides support, training, customized Mandrake products, and consulting for large scale projects. Take advantage of MandrakeSoft's years of expertise in the Linux world to give your business establishment the advantage it deserves. 2. Buy a piece of the company! It is crucial that MandrakeSoft stock remains in the hands of people who share our focus, priorities, and who understand the value of Free Software. MandrakeSoft recently conducted an IPO to raise money, and to provide the opportunity for community members to own a piece of the company. Due to regulatory issues it was not possible during the IPO for all potential investors to participate, but now everyone is invited and encouraged to become a partner with us by investing. Remember: a company that is 60% owned by Mandrake users can be quite different than if 60% owned by financial investors. VMS-Keytrade is a highly recommended online broker. 3. Make a financial contribution. MandrakeSoft gladly accepts monetary donations. If you don't need all the goodies of a boxed product, or if you just prefer using the free Download version, please consider making a financial contribution. This is an ideal way to get the most "bang for your buck" since donations go directly toward Mandrake Linux development without being redirected through sub-contractors and middle-men (manual printers, CD-ROM pressing, etc). You can even target your contribution for a specific project. In closing, all of us at MandrakeSoft hope you enjoy using Mandrake Linux 8.1 as much as we enjoyed producing it. Once again, we'd like to thank everyone who has contributed their time or money to Free Software projects. ----------------------------------------