Mandrake Linux 9.1 Retail Packs Available

Mandrake 9.1 Press Release

Mandrake Linux 9.1 is available: Try it, you'll stick with it.

Altadena, CA; Paris, France; March 25th 2003 -- MandrakeSoft, a leading provider of Linux solutions for the enterprise and for individuals, today announced the immediate availability of Mandrake Linux 9.1 "Bamboo" for x86 processors. This new release is one of the most advanced and powerful Linux systems currently available, with cutting-edge features such as Apache 2, NTFS partition resizing, ACPI power-management, "Zeroconf" network support, WiFi support, and much more. 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.

The "core" version of Mandrake Linux 9.1 is now available for download. Complete retail packs may be pre-ordered at MandrakeStore (http://www.mandrakestore.com). Choose from:

- Mandrake 9.1 Standard (US recommended price: $39.90 USD), a customized Linux system for desktop workstations

- Mandrake 9.1 PowerPack (US recommended price: $69.00 USD), a full-featured Linux package for power-users

- Mandrake 9.1 Prosuite (US recommended price: $199.90 USD), a comprehensive solution for small & medium-sized businesses

MandrakeStore.com introduces a new tracking system allowing customers to monitor their orders every step of the way. Retail packs will begin shipping mid-April.

The ideal complement to any Mandrake product is a membership to the MandrakeClub. Club membership provides a wide range of benefits such as download access to more than 50,000 applications that run on Mandrake Linux, including proprietary software, plugins and drivers. http://www.mandrakelinux.com/en/club

* Linux made easy

Linux has always been known as a powerful and stable operating-system; MandrakeSoft was created with the specific goal of making Linux easy to use for all computer users -- Mandrake Linux 9.1 is the finest achievement of this goal to date. With a new simplified installation procedure, automatic hardware recognition and a redesigned look and feel, Mandrake Linux 9.1 has all the potential to finally deliver Linux to the widest audience of computer users.

To make everyone's Linux experience even more enjoyable and productive, Mandrake Linux 9.1 introduces a new "MandrakeGalaxy" theme, the result of a collaboration between MandrakeSoft employees and designer Everaldo Coelho, plus beautifully rendered anti-aliased fonts in most desktop applications. Browsing the Web or typing a letter in Linux has never been so enjoyable.

"Mandrake Linux 9.1 is the embodiment of great enhancements in the usability and user interface departments, making it one of the most consistent and easy to use Linux-based desktop solutions. Installing the operating system is now easier than ever, as the Installer has been overhauled with important new features such as NTFS partition resizing. Additionally, painless online updates and the legendary Mandrake Control Center all add greatly to the overall user experience. This release is an important step for MandrakeSoft in the desktop OS market." said Eugenia Lori-Queru of OSNews.com.

Mandrake Linux 9.1 of course still includes two unique features: the "dynamic desktop" that immediately creates desktop icons whenever peripheral devices are plugged into the system, and "Supermount" which enables transparent access to removable media without having to mount them explicitly.

* Technical improvements

Mandrake 9.1 is based on Linux kernel 2.4.21 and includes XFree 4.3, KDE 3.1, GNOME 2.2, OpenOffice.org 1.0.2, Mozilla 1.3, Apache 2, and Samba 2.2.7.

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

- ACPI support for better power management with laptops

- NTFS partition resizing

- 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

"Mandrake Linux 9.1 delivers an impressive set of new features to prove that MandrakeSoft is one of the most innovative Linux companies in the industry. It is important to note that most of these features have been requested directly by our users, especially in the enterprise area. This new release truly has the potential to greatly extend Linux adoption throughout the world.", declared Jacques Le Marois, President of MandrakeSoft.

Mandrake Linux 9.1 also offers the highest level of internationalization available in Linux so far.

* A pack for every purpose

A complete range of Mandrake Linux packs are available to answer every need:

- The Mandrake Linux 9.1 Standard Edition is ideally suited for desktop use. It comes with 2 CDs packed with thousands of 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(r) player, Acrobat Reader(r), RealPlayer(r), as well as NVIDIA(r) 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 need more than a Linux desktop system. This pack includes 7 CDs, an Installation Manual and User Guide, plus 60 days 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).

Note: All packs also include third-party applications such as Zope, Jonas, and additional drivers that support devices such as Conexant(r) modem and Alcatel Speedtouch(r) USB.

- Mandrake Linux 9.1 full specifications, screenshots and package list http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/9.1/features/

- Mandrake Linux 9.1 Pre-orders (Standard 9.1, PowerPack 9.1, ProSuite 9.1) http://www.mandrakestore.com

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

* Mandrake Linux products and services

Mandrake Linux 9.1 is only part of MandrakeSoft's wide range of products which also includes server, security and intensive computing products.

In addition, a comprehensive range of services associated with Mandrake Linux products are also available, including Consulting offers, Support, Hardware & Software Certification, plus Tailor-made OEM solutions for PC manufacturers and system integrators.

Additional information about MandrakeSoft service offerings is available at: http://www.mandrakesoft.com/businesses