Conectiva launches version 7.0 in Portuguese

São Paulo, July 2001 - A new version of the most used open source operating system in the world is available since July 30.  The product replaces version 6.0 released at the end of 2000 and it is presented in two editions: Conectiva Linux 7.0 and Conectiva 7.0 Professional Server.

The biggest innovation of this version are the tools for facilitating the use of APT, the automatic RPM packages updater.  With this exclusive and free resource of Conectiva, it is possible for the user to install only those which are convenient.

Other modifications that Conectiva prepared for CL 7.0 is the elimination of the boot disk (initialization), considering that practically all of the machines can realize the same process directly through the CD-ROM.  But, if it is necessary, the user can create their own boot disk with the utilities and images present in the first of the five CDs that are a part of the product.

In accordance with the new strategy of the company, that intends to show that Linux is already professionalized and has gained a large market, the design of the boxes have changed.  Version CL 7.0 has more simple and sharp lines than before and maintains a predominance of the color blue.  Meanwhile, the Professional Server edition also has clean lines and is distinguished by the color white.

Among the advantages of this new version are the additional support and documentation that Conectiva has added, which is more complete and directed at the user.  Conectiva Linux 7.0 comes with the ®User's Guide? and ®Installation Guide?, while the Professional Server version brings the ®Installation Guide?, ®Server Guide? and a new book ®Understanding Linux?, which presents information about the operating system through practical examples.  Aside from the manuals, the package is composed of five CDs; one for installation (operating system and applications), one with extra applications, two with the source codes of the programs in the first two CDs and one containing StarOffice for Linux in various languages.

To activate support, there are coupons included in the package which gives the user rights to two hours of telephone support and three months of support via e-mail.  When the validity of the support expires, the user can acquire more time through Conectiva's extended support program, available in two options.

Technical Characteristics

In this version, APT, the automatic RPM packages updater, is based on a more stable system and better integration with tools like Synaptic.  This time around there is a graphical interface created to further simplify the installation and to remove and update programs through APT, all without the use of command lines.  ®To facilitate the installation and update of packages, several of them were remade and divided into smaller packages, in order to reduce dependencies, economize disk space and make them more flexible?, explains Alfredo Kojima, the creator of Synaptic, the graphical interface of Window Maker and a member of Concetiva's development team.

Conectiva Linux 7.0 is also distinguished by the inclusion of the 2.4 kernel, that can significantly improve performance, especially in servers that run heavy applications and in multiprocessor systems.  This makes Linux even more useful in the corporate environment.  Beside the 2.4 kernel, the user can choose the 2.2.19 version.  The included 4.0.3 version of Xfree86, the graphic server of Linux, has new drivers for the video boards SiS and S3, both very popular in Brazil.  This update resolves stability and performance matters that existed previously.  It also brings support for 3D images and anti-aliasing, a resource for lightening fonts on the screen, making them easier to read.

The standard graphich interface of Conectiva Linux 7.0 is KDE 2.12, that now comes with various updates and improvements in terms of security.  KDE integrates a series of applications like; Kmail, email reader; the KPPP dialer, the Konqueror browser and file manager; and an office suite Koffice; among other tools.

As always, other advantages of the Linux operating system that is repeated in this new version are better hardware utilization and decrease in investments for updates.  There are four installation profiles available in Conectiva Linux 7.0: minimal, standard, complete and custom; each with a predetermined package of applications.  The standard installation occupies only 510 MB of disk space.  A small amount when compared with other Open Source distributions.  Additionally, throughout the whole installation process, the user can count on the interactive help.

About Conectiva

The company was founded in 1995 and is the pioneer in the distribution of Linux and Open Source in Portuguese, Spanish and English for all of Latin America.  Besides the customized Linux distribution for the Latin American market, Conectiva develops a series of products and additional services directed to the attendance of the market demand that seeks to adopt Open Source Tools; including books, manuals, additional software like Linux Tools and embedded systems, OEM programs, applications port, training kits and the "Revista do Linux" (Linux magazine).  In addition, the company provides consulting services, training and technical support in all Latin America through its own service centers and certified partners.