Mandrake Linux 9.1 packs have arrived

Altadena, CA; Paris, France; May 6th 2003 -- MandrakeSoft, a leading provider of Linux solutions for the enterprise and for individuals, today announced the immediate availability of Mandrake Linux 9.1 retail packs. Mandrake Linux 9.1 provides an unequaled level of comfort for users with a simplified graphical installer, a brand-new "MandrakeGalaxy" theme, stunning anti-aliased fonts, and of course the new KDE 3.1 and GNOME 2.2 desktop environments.

Mandrake Linux 9.1 packs are currently available for purchase at MandrakeStore [ http://www.mandrakestore.com/ ]. MandrakeStore offers a new tracking system which allows customers to monitor their orders each step of the way.

Three packs are available to choose from:

The Mandrake Linux 9.1 Standard Edition is ideally suited for desktop use. It comes with 2 CDs loaded with the best multimedia, graphics, and productivity applications; an easy to read Startup guide; plus 30 days of installation support. Also included are popular commercial applications such as Flash player, Acrobat Reader, RealPlayer, as well as NVIDIA drivers. Suggested retail price in the US: $39.90 USD (TAX/VAT included).

The Mandrake Linux 9.1 PowerPack Edition is a customized version dedicated to Power Users who require more than a Linux desktop system. This pack includes 7 CDs, an Installation Manual and User Guide, plus 60 days of installation support. Suggested retail price in the US: $69.00 USD (TAX/VAT included).

The Mandrake Linux 9.1 ProSuite Edition is a comprehensive solution for small & medium-sized businesses. It's the perfect answer for rapidly deploying full-featured servers and desktops at the lowest cost. The ProSuite includes 8 CDs + one DVD, installation manuals, 90 days of extended support (including one incident by phone), and many third-party products such as IBM's DB2 database software (requires activation). Suggested retail price in the US: $199.90 USD (TAX/VAT included).

"It is widely acknowledged that Mandrake Linux 9.1 marks an important step on the road to widespread adoption of Linux. Both enterprises and individual users have shown overwhelming enthusiasm for this new release. The boxed versions, with included support and a host of popular applications, extends even further the value of this great product", said Jacques Le Marois, President of MandrakeSoft.

Unequaled level of comfort and usability

Offering a new simplified installation procedure, automatic hardware recognition and a redesigned look and feel, Mandrake Linux 9.1 has all the potential to deliver Linux to the widest audience of computer users.

To make everyone's experience even more enjoyable and productive, Mandrake Linux 9.1 integrates a new "MandrakeGalaxy" theme, plus beautifully rendered anti-aliased fonts in most desktop applications. Browsing the Web or typing a letter in Linux has never been so enjoyable.

Improvements to the graphical interface were made without sacrificing the operating system's speed. It's quite the opposite. 9.1 delivers dramatic overall speed improvements throughout the complete range of desktop environments. Users will be delighted to see how quickly Mandrake Linux 9.1 responds to actions and requests from the mouse or by keyboard.

Mandrake Linux 9.1 includes two additional features that further sets it apart from other distributions:
* "Dynamic desktop" -- desktop icons are immediately created whenever peripheral devices are plugged into the system
* "Supermount" -- enables transparent access to removable media instead of requiring arcane commands

New features

In addition to dramatic improvements in usability and comfort, Mandrake Linux 9.1 introduces many new features including:

- NTFS partition resizing means you can safely install 9.1 onto a hard drive that also contains the most recent version of MS Windows
- ACPI support for better power management with laptops
- Zeroconf, which allows two computers running Mandrake 9.1 to automatically configure network settings
- Support for a number of WiFi devices
- Painless and safe upgrading/downgrading between Apache 1.3 and Apache 2

Note: All packs also include third-party applications such as Zope, Jonas, and additional software drivers for devices such as the Conexant modem and Alcatel Speedtouch USB.

- Mandrake Linux 9.1 Packs, description and comparisons: http://www.mandrakesoft.com/products/91

Press contact: press@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, 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).

Please visit the website: http://www.mandrakesoft.com for more information.