| Mandrake 10.1 official release now available |
Oct. 27, 2004
Mandrakesoft has released version 10.1 of its Linux desktop, following successful feedback from the early release of its community edition. The latest version of Mandrakelinux boasts improved hardware and mobility support, including support for BlueTooth and Intel Centrino wireless networking, PDA data-syncing, and improved laptop power management features.
Mandrakelinux 10.1 ships with both Gnome 2.6 and KDE 3.2.3 (or optional KDE 3.3) desktop environments. The distribution also includes the Mozilla Internet browser, OpenOffice.org, GIMP graphic image manipulation software, and the Mandrake integrated package management system that automate software updates.
Mandrakesoft will release three new products based on Mandrakelinux 10.1 -- Discovery, PowerPack, and PowerPack+ -- which include various mixes of documentation and services. Details of each product are available here.
Mandrakesoft also provides a service to keep users up to date, Mandrakeonline, which includes security patches, bug fixes, and errata notices for specific hardware configurations and various software environments. Mandrakeonline is available from US $21.95 USD / 19.90 EUR per year.
Retail software will begin shipping in mid-November and pricing starts at EUR 44.90 / US $49.50. Members of Mandrakeonline can download it now as part of their subscription.
New desktop technology spawns more products
Mandrakesoft has focused on a number of advances in technology, especially improved mobility. In August, it teamed with French hardware maker LaCie in introducing a USB-powered mobile hard drive. The 40GB hard drive attaches to a system's USB port, allowing users to use their PC as a Linux desktop without modifying the host computer. Also, a new "Live CD" version of Mandrakelinux called "Move", lets users test Linux and allows them to store up to 1.5 GB of data.
Consumers are also increasingly seeing Mandrakesoft's Linux desktop showing up on PCs and laptops. Earlier this year, the company collaborated with Europe's largest retailer, Carrefour, to offer PCs preinstalled with Mandrakesoft's Linux desktop. Mandrakesoft also partnered with HP on a line of low cost business notebooks and on a concept multi-user desktop PC for "emerging markets" said to cut acquisition and maintenance costs in half. The PCs ship with OpenOffice.org, educational software, developer tools, and custom interfaces.
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