Ximian Announces Release of Ximian GNOME 1.4

Comprehensive New Desktop Adds Innovative Software Updating, File Management Functionality, Online Support and Mozilla Web Browser

BOSTON, Mass. April 24, 2001 Ximian, Inc., the leading open source desktop company (formerly known as Helix Code, Inc.), today announced the immediate availability of Ximian GNOME 1.4, the newest version of the company's end user desktop environment for the Linux and UNIX operating systems. Ximian GNOME 1.4, built on the GNOME project's version 1.4, offers a host of new capabilities and enhancements to improve the user's desktop experience.

"Ximian continues to deliver on its goal of providing a comprehensive, easy-to-use desktop for Linux and UNIX-based operating environments," said Nat Friedman, co-founder and vice president of product development at Ximian. "Ximian GNOME 1.4 is a pioneering desktop application. With a top-notch Mozilla Web browser, Nautilus' file management functionality and the integration of Ximian Red Carpet 1.0, the new solution answers all of our users' needs."

Ximian GNOME 1.4 key features include:

• Mozilla Web Browser-- fully-integrated and continually updated for the Ximian GNOME desktop.
• Red Carpet-- an integrated software management application that lets users easily install, update and remove software from Ximian and third parties.
• Nautilus--next-generation file management functionality from Eazel.
• MonkeyTalk--online community chat support facility built into every application and staffed by trained Ximian personnel.
• GNOME Doorman-- a wizard-like application that helps users through the initial process of configuring their desktop.

Ximian GNOME 1.4 installs seamlessly into a wide range of Linux and UNIX operating environments, including multiple versions of Red Hat, Mandrake, SuSE, TurboLinux and Debian. As with previous versions, the product is highly configurable, allowing each user the flexibility to customize their desktop, while continuing to operate effectively in a workgroup environment. Ximian GNOME 1.4 is available immediately for download from the Ximian Web site at www.ximian.com, and it is fully backed and maintained by the GNOME experts at Ximian.

About Ximian, Inc.

Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Ximian (formerly Helix Code, Inc.) builds Ximian GNOME, the world's most user-friendly and cost-effective Internet desktop. In use by more than 600,000 people, the company's software adds an attractive and easy-to-use interface to the power of Linux and UNIX operating systems. Ximian is pursuing an aggressive plan of open source application development, providing technology, support and network services to the Linux and UNIX marketplace. Ximian, comprised of many of the original architects of the GNOME system, is a founding member of the GNOME foundation and sits on the advisory board. The company has secured funding from leading VC firms Charles River Ventures and Battery Ventures. For more information, visit http://www.ximian.com/.

Ximian is a trademark of Ximian, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of other companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.