MandrakeSoft upgrades desktop Linux

MandrakeSoft has upgraded its desktop Linux operating system for machines running x86 processors, improving the installation process and adding newer versions of Linux components, the company announced in a statement this week.

Mandrake Linux 9.1 is based on version 2.4.21 of the Linux kernel and includes version 3.1 of the KDE and version 2.2 of the Gnome open-source desktop environments, version 2 of the open-source Apache Web server, version 1.3 of the open-source Mozilla Web browser and version 1.0.2 of the open-source productivity suite OpenOffice.org, the company said in a statement.

Also new with Mandrake Linux 9.1 is support for the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Standard) standard for improved power management in laptops, support for NTFS (Windows NT file system) partition resizing in the installer, support for “a number” of Wi-Fi devices and anti-alias support, which improves the way fonts look on screen, the company said.

The core version of Mandrake Linux 9.1 can be downloaded now from here: http://www.mandrakelinux.com/en/ftp.php3. Those who prefer receiving the product in a box, can place orders now. Orders will be fulfilled beginning in mid-April. There are three retail versions of Mandrake Linux 9.1.: one for regular users, one for power users and one for small and medium-size businesses, which cost, respectively, $39.90, $69.90 and $199.90.