Mandrake Linux 9.2 celebrates 5 years of Innovation
Altadena, CA; Paris, France; October 14th, 2003 - MandrakeSoft, a leading Linux producer, 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. Version 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.
An updated range of products
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, RealPlayerTM, FlashTMPlayer, 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 & 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 DatabaseTM 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® ReaderTM, FlashTMPlayer, RealPlayerTM, 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 [ http://www.mandrakeclub.com/ ] 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® ReaderTM, FlashTMPlayer, RealPlayerTM.
Additional information about MandrakeClub's benefits and subscription options
can be found at:
http://www.mandrakelinux.com/en/club?pr20031013
"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.
Most advanced Linux features
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 technology 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/
Unequaled ease of use
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 & 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.
Top security features
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 firewalll 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.
Internationalization and Linux Standards
Building upon 5 years of leadership in the Internationalization field, Mandrake 9.2 offers major improvements with full or partial language & 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/
About MandrakeSoft
MandrakeSoft is the publisher of the popular Mandrake Linux operating system, one of the most full-featured and easy to use Linux systems available. The company offers its enterprise, government and educational customers a complete range of GNU/Linux and Open Source software and related services. MandrakeSoft products are available in more than 120 countries through dedicated channels and also from MandrakeStore.com, the company's online store. Number 1 in several countries, MandrakeSoft has been awarded many times for quality and the technical innovation of its products. "Born on the Internet" in late 1998, MandrakeSoft has established headquarters in the U.S.A. and in France. MandrakeSoft is traded on Paris Euronext Marche Libre (Euroclear code: 4477.PA; Reuters code: MAKE.PA) and the US OTC market (stock symbol MDKFF).