Mandrake 9.2 announced

By Matt Whipp

Posted on 15 Oct 2003 at 14:32

Mandrake's latest Linux version is now available, with an officially stamped consumer desktop offering.

François Bancilhon, CEO of MandrakeSoft, said: 'Mandrake 9.2 marks a new step in MandrakeSoft's quest to offer easy-to-use Linux products for all computer users. We've put extensive research and numerous innovations in the new 9.2 release, and the Mandrake 9.2 product line has been revamped to better suit users' needs; particularly with the arrival of our first real desktop product - Mandrake Discovery.'

The desktop offering, entitled Discovery Pack, is designed to wean consumers off Windows, with a simplified graphical installation, NTFS partition resizing to allow the OS to sit easily alongside Windows, automatic configuration for more peripherals and support for more hardware, including WiFi kit.

There is also a complete range of applications: from OpenOffice.org to MP3 and DVD players and games; plus there are drivers for devices such as modems, including the Alcatel Speedtouch USB broadband modem often distributed with UK broadband packages. It costs £27.30 and offers 30 days support for installation and a month's membership of MandrakeClub.

Power Pack, at £48.24, offers a more advanced software suite and an additional 30-days' installation support.

ProSuite is aimed at the business end, with 90-days' installation support, three months' membership of MandrakeClub and five phone support calls for £139.13. It is designed for roll out across corporate desktops, intranet and Internet layouts and offers automatic server set up.

There is also a Download Edition available to MandrakeClub members which is a bare bones version.

A 64bit version for the Athlon64 will be available at the end of the month, as will retail boxes.

Mandrake 9.2 will be shipping with systems from HP and Shuttle in the coming months.

For more information, visit mandrakelinux.com.