Mandrake Linux 9.0 (Dolphin) is available

Mandrake Linux 9.0 (Dolphin) is available

Altadena, CA; Paris, France - September 25th, 2002 - MandrakeSoft today announced the release of Mandrake Linux 9.0 (Dolphin), a new-generation Linux operating system for servers and desktop workstations. Mandrake Linux 9.0 combines all the power & stability of Linux with many new and unique features plus the famous "Mandrake touch" which has a long tradition of excellence and leadership on the desktop.

It includes the latest versions of the premiere Free Software packages, including the newest stable releases of Linux Kernel 2.4.19, KDE 3.0.3, GNOME 2.0.1, OpenOffice 1.0.1, Mozilla 1.1, GCC 3.2, CUPS 1.1.15 -- over 2000 packages in all.

The Mandrake Linux 9.0 Download Edition is immediately available as a free download from many Internet locations. Mandrake Linux retail packs (Standard 9.0: $30 USD/30 EUR, PowerPack 9.0: $69 USD/65 EUR, and ProSuite 9.0: $199 USD - 165 EUR; prices are given before taxes) - all including support plans -- are now available for pre-order at MandrakeStore http://www.mandrakestore.com/. Availability of the retail packs is planned for mid/end October.

The Mandrake Linux 9.0 ProSuite Edition has been Linux Standard Base (LSB 1.2) certified on Sept 25th, 2002.

A major step toward global IT solutions

Mandrake Linux 9.0 is the result of over four years of work to offer the most powerful Linux operating system and world-class applications to the public. With the growing power of PC hardware and widespread adoption of Internet protocols, the distinction between 'server' and 'desktop' has begun to blur. Server implementations now generally require a polished graphical desktop, while many desktop workstations routinely include professional features such as a firewall or a small FTP/webserver.

Mandrake Linux 9.0 answers all these needs with a unique solution to satisfy the widest range of uses. At installation time, the system easily adapts to an individual users' needs and expertise without requiring any difficult configuration choices or options. As a result, individuals receive the best set of desktop features, and corporate users benefit from the most powerful server features.

What's new and unique in Mandrake Linux 9.0 ?

Mandrake Linux has a long tradition of excellence on the desktop: Four years ago we were the first Linux distribution to focus on the "human factor" with Linux. Since that time, MandrakeSoft has continually introduced solid improvements for desktop users and has become widely imitated. As a result of our years of experience and expertise, Mandrake Linux 9.0 offers highly polished graphical environments and many newly redesigned graphical desktops and configuration utilities with the highest level of features and quality.

Unique features make unique products: The Mandrake Linux desktops are dynamic. This means, for instance, that when a new software package is installed or removed, the corresponding icon will appear or disappear instantaneously in the application menu. This same "dynamic" feature also applies to hardware devices: Plug in a USB scanner or WebCam and a corresponding icon appears automatically on the desktop.

Another unique feature in Mandrake Linux 9.0 is "supermount" which lets users access removable media (CD-ROM, floppy, Zip, etc.) instantaneously and transparently without using the traditional "mount/umount" commands.

Additionally, MandrakeSoft is proud to release one of the most advanced Linux systems in regards to hardware recognition. Most of the "latest & greatest" PC devices and protocols -- such as USB 2.0 -- are recognized and configured automatically in Mandrake Linux 9.0. Mandrake 9.0 is the first Linux distribution to natively support NTFS partitions and the WebDAV protocol (for editing and managing files on remote web servers).

Last but not least, Mandrake 9.0 takes the important issue of security to a new level. In early 2000, MandrakeSoft first introduced the concept of "security levels" to the Linux world; in Mandrake Linux 9.0, that concept is expanded with the integration of professional Intrusion detection tools and utilities, encrypted communication support, encrypted filesystems, secured authentication, and more. Even regular desktop users will appreciate the ability to send & receive encrypted email with Mozilla, KMail and Evolution.

Providing choice

Each user is unique, therefore different users prefer different applications for the same task. Following a long-standing MandrakeSoft tradition, Mandrake Linux 9.0 doesn't impose any applications as so-called "standards", but instead provides the widest range of choice for all. "Choice" never means that Mandrake 9.0 is a "bloated" Linux distribution since it's extremely easy to install and remove software packages with the greatly improved "Software Management" utilities.

Since people have different levels of knowledge and expertise, most Mandrake-specific tools & utilities are available with an attractive graphical interface for point-and-click ease, yet are also fully functional from the command line for power users.

Since Linux is truly a worldwide phenomenon, Mandrake Linux 9.0 supports nearly 60 different languages - from Afrikaans to Welsh!

Mandrake Linux 8.2 was the first Linux distribution to become certified by the Linux Standard Base (LSB 1.2). MandrakeSoft implements LSB compatibility in Mandrake Linux 9.0 as an option during the installation. This important standard ensures that Mandrake Linux will be compatible with a greater number of leading enterprise-class applications such as Database, CRM, Accounting. Last minute: the Mandrake Linux 9.0 ProSuite Edition has officially been Linux Standard Base (LSB 1.2) certified on Sept 25th, 2002.

Comprehensive support & services for all

Mandrake Linux 9.0 is an outstanding product on its own, but a complete range of associated services makes it an indispensable product for all occasions. MandrakeSoft offers a comprehensive range of services:

Support for corporate and individual use is provided through MandrakeExpert.com and by our team of experts.
Software update and security advisories are delivered through MandrakeOnline
Hardware and software certification is available on demand in MandrakeSoft testing labs.
Consulting teams are ready to answer & assist with any Linux deployment.
Tailor-made OEM solutions are available for PC manufacturers and system integrators.
High-quality Linux training is available via a network of Training Centers located throughout the globe.

For additional information please see:

- Mandrake Linux 9.0 Pre-orders (Standard 9.0, PowerPack 9.0, ProSuite 9.0) http://www.mandrakestore.com/

- Mandrake Linux 9.0 full specifications, screenshots and package list http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/9.0/presentation/

- Mandrake Linux 9.0 Packs, description and comparatives http://www.mandrakesoft.com/products/90

- MandrakeSoft service offerings http://www.mandrakesoft.com/businesses

Press contact: press@mandrakesoft.com

About MandrakeSoft

MandrakeSoft provides a trusted interface between users of information technology and Open Source developers. The company offers its enterprise, government and educational customers a complete range of GNU/Linux and OpenSource software and related services, plus user-friendly and highly competitive information technologies. Additionally, MandrakeSoft offers technologists committed to Open Source software and courseware a trusted channel to offer their services.

MandrakeSoft has technologists in over 20 countries, and is traded on Paris Euronext Marche Libre (Euroclear code: 4477.PA; Reuters code: MAKE.PA) and the US OTC market (stock symbol MDKFF). "Born on the Internet" in late 1998, MandrakeSoft has established headquarters in the U.S.A., Montreal and France. Please visit the website: http://www.mandrakesoft.com/ for more information.