MandrakeSoft today announced the availability of a new version
of its flagship operating system–Mandrake Linux 9.2 “FiveStar.”
This new release celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Mandrake
Linux distribution. Versioon 9.2 delivers many new and exciting
innovations to the Linux world and to the worldwide computing
audience.
Mandrake Linux 9.2 (FiveStar) is available in four versions
tailored for individual computer users and for small/medium-sized
businesses including a new “Discovery” pack, an easy-to-use desktop
product customized for first-time Linux users. The PowerPack is a
comprehensive bundle for Linux power-users. Also available is the
Mandrake Linux 9.2 ProSuite, a full-featured server product for
businesses and enterprises. All Mandrake 9.2 products can be
pre-ordered at MandrakeStore.com. A Download Edition is also
available. An Athlon64 version will ship at the end of October.
Mandrake 9.2 Discovery is a unique new Linux product that even a
computer novice can use. The Discovery Pack has been designed to
ensure a smooth transition from MS-Windows and includes everything
needed for a full-featured Linux desktop or laptop workstation. The
Discovery Pack includes all the best Web, Email and Office
applications, including the famous Microsoft Office-compatible
suite OpenOffice.org 1.1 (which offers substantial enhancements
such as on-the-fly PDF generation).
The Discovery Pack also provides dozens of games and multimedia
software such as a MP3 and DVD players, RealPlayer, FlashPlayer,
plus many other favorites. The Discovery Pack’s graphical installer
is simpler to use than ever, even for inexperienced users, and
allows Linux to safely share the computer with an existing Windows
installation. Suggested Retail Price: 39.00 USD/EUR. The Discovery
Pack includes 2 CDs, 1 Manual, 30-days web-based Installation
support, plus one month MandrakeClub membership.
Mandrake 9.2 PowerPack is the perfect Linux environment for
advanced PC users who need a multi-purpose product. The PowerPack
provides numerous advanced features for Linux “power-users” with an
extended collection of applications, including desktop, server and
development software. Suggested Retail Price: 69.00 USD/EUR.
Includes: 7 CDs, 1 Starter Guide, 60-day web-based Installation
support and one month MandrakeClub Membership.
Mandrake 9.2 ProSuite is an affordable solution for businesses.
The ProSuite is specifically designed for large desktop deployment,
Intranet and Internet infrastructures, and features automated
server setup. The ProSuite Edition has received numerous awards by
the press, most recently by InfoWorld and Open For Business.
Mandrake 9.2 ProSuite includes several extended support options and
provides the unique opportunity to evaluate a complete version of
IBM’s DB2 Universal Database for 90 days. Suggested Retail Price
for the ProSuite is 199.00 USD/EUR and includes 9 CDs, 1 DVD, 1
Starter Guide, 1 Reference Manual, 5 phone-support incidents for 60
days, 90-days of web-based Installation support and 3-months
MandrakeClub Membership.
All Packs include third-party applications such as Adobe Acrobat
Reader, FlashPlayer, RealPlayer, and additional drivers that
support devices such as Conexant modems and Alcatel Speedtouch
USB.
Mandrake Linux 9.2 Download Edition is the “core” Mandrake Linux
product. The Download Edition ISO images are available now to
MandrakeClub members and to the numerous developers and translators
who contributed to making Mandrake 9.2. The public release of ISO
images is scheduled for the end of October 2003, when Mandrake
retail packs begin shipping. A special 15-day offer is available
for “Silver” level Club members and above: These members can
download the first three ISOs of the PowerPack, which includes
everything from the Download Edition plus numerous additional
applications such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, FlashPlayer,
RealPlayer.
Additional information about MandrakeClub’s benefits and
subscription options can be found at: http://www.mandrakelinux.com/en/club
“Mandrake 9.2 marks a new step in MandrakeSoft’s quest to offer
easy-to-use Linux products for all computer users. We’ve put
extensive research and numerous innovations in the new 9.2 release,
and the Mandrake 9.2 product line has been revamped to better suit
users’ needs; particularly with the arrival of our first real
desktop product–Mandrake Discovery,” declared François
Bancilhon, CEO of MandrakeSoft.
Mandrake Linux 9.2–based on Linux 2.4.22 and ready for Linux
2.6.0– offers the most advanced features currently available, in
terms of technnology as well as the comprehensive selection of
up-to-date software.
In addition to recently introduced technologies such as NTFS
partition resizing, ACPI power-management, “Zeroconf” network
support and support for many of the latest WiFi devices, Mandrake
9.2 offers numerous improvements such as automatic configuration of
more printers, scanners, and multi-function devices than ever
before.
The software management utility URPMI/RPMDrake, which was
recently acclaimed in a Linux Weekly News study, now offers
built-in GPG keys management support. The Mandrake Linux 9.2
upgrade process has also been improved to be more efficient and
trouble-free.
The minimal hardware requirements for Mandrake Linux 9.2 are
listed on the features page at: http://www.mandrakelinux.com/en/9.2/features/
Continuing the tradition of making Linux easy-to-use with unique
features such as the famous “dynamic desktop” for auto-detected
devices, various new improvements have been introduced in Mandrake
Linux 9.2 such as a refined “MandrakeGalaxy” look and feel which
offers an attractive and consistent appearance in the various Linux
graphical desktop environments currently plus improved support for
anti-aliased fonts.
The various ergonomic improvements include a revamped interface
for several utilities including DrakPerm (system permissions
utility), DrakSec (security tool), PrinterDrake, UserDrake, and
contextual help for most Mandrake tools.
Mandrake 9.2 includes all the tools required for a secure and
modern operating system. For instance: security levels can be
easily modified depending upon the intended use of the system.
Additionally, Mandrake 9.2 includes a full-featured firewall tool
that can be easily used to block and stop attacks coming from the
Internet.
A new feature for entreprise environments is the new Mandrake
Linux account management system – UserDrake – which now offers
Account expiration and locking, plus password aging
capabilities.
Building upon 5 years of leadership in the Internationalization
field, Mandrake 9.2 offers major improvements with full or partial
language and font support for 63 languages.
Mandrake 9.2 also offers LSB1.3/LI18NUX compliance.
Mandrake Linux 9.2 for i586 processors will ship to more than
120 countries through MandrakeSoft’s online store at http://www.mandrakestore.com.
Store shipment and retail availability will commence at the end of
October. Mandrake 9.2 for Athlon64 will be released at the end of
October.
Additional information is available at the following
locations:
Mandrake Linux 9.2 complete specifications, screenshots and
package list: http://www.mandrakelinux.com/en/9.2/features/
Mandrake Linux 9.2 Packs, descriptions and comparisons: http://www.mandrakesoft.com/products/92
Mandrake Linux 9.2 Pre-orders (Discovery 9.2, PowerPack 9.2,
ProSuite 9.2): http://www.mandrakestore.com
MandrakeSoft professional services and complete range of
products: http://www.mandrakesoft.com