Mandrake Linux 9.0 (Dolphin) released

Altadena, CA; Paris, France - September 25th, 2002 - MandrakeSoft today 
announced the release of Mandrake Linux 9.0 (Dolphin), a new-generation Linux 
operating system for servers and desktop workstations. Mandrake Linux 9.0 
combines all the power & stability of Linux with many new and unique features 
plus the famous "Mandrake touch" which has a long tradition of excellence and 
leadership on the desktop.

It includes the latest versions of the premiere Free Software packages, 
including the newest stable releases of Linux Kernel 2.4.19, KDE 3.0.3, GNOME 
2.0.1, OpenOffice 1.0.1, Mozilla 1.1, GCC 3.2, CUPS 1.1 -- over 2000
packages in all.

The Mandrake Linux 9.0 Download Edition is immediately available as a free 
download from many Internet locations. Mandrake Linux retail packs (Standard 
9.0: $30 USD/30 EUR, PowerPack 9.0: $69 USD/65 EUR, and ProSuite 9.0: $199 USD 
- 166 EUR) - all including support plans -- are now available for pre-order at 
MandrakeStore http://www.mandrakestore.com. Availability of the retail packs 
is planned for mid/end October.

The Mandrake Linux 9.0 ProSuite Edition has been Linux Standard Base (LSB 1.2) 
certified on Sept 25th, 2002.

* A major step toward global IT solutions *

Mandrake Linux 9.0 is the result of over four years of work to offer the most 
powerful Linux operating system and world-class applications to the public. 
With the growing power of PC hardware and widespread adoption of Internet 
protocols, the distinction between 'server' and  'desktop' has begun to blur. 
Server implementations now generally require a polished graphical desktop, 
while many desktop workstations routinely include professional features such 
as a firewall or a small FTP/webserver.

Mandrake Linux 9.0 answers all these needs with a unique solution to satisfy 
the widest range of uses. At installation time, the system easily adapts to an 
individual users' needs and expertise without requiring any difficult 
configuration choices or options. As a result, individuals receive the best 
set of desktop features, and corporate users benefit from the most powerful 
server features.

* What's new and unique in Mandrake Linux 9.0? *

Mandrake Linux has a long tradition of excellence on the desktop: Four years 
ago we were the first Linux distribution to focus on the "human factor" with 
Linux. Since that time, MandrakeSoft has continually introduced solid 
improvements for desktop users and has become widely imitated. As a result of 
our years of experience and expertise, Mandrake Linux 9.0 offers highly 
polished graphical environments and many newly redesigned graphical desktops 
and configuration utilities with the highest level of features and quality.

Unique features make unique products: The Mandrake Linux desktops are dynamic. 
This means, for instance, that when a new software package is installed or 
removed, the corresponding icon will appear or disappear instantaneously in 
the application menu. This same "dynamic" feature also applies to hardware 
devices: Plug in a USB scanner or WebCam and a corresponding icon appears 
automatically on the desktop.

Another unique feature in Mandrake Linux 9.0 is "supermount" which lets users 
access removable media (CD-ROM, floppy, Zip, etc.) instantaneously and 
transparently without using the traditional "mount/umount" commands.

Additionally, MandrakeSoft is proud to release one of the most advanced Linux 
systems in regards to hardware recognition. Most of the "latest & greatest" PC 
devices and protocols -- such as USB 2.0 -- are recognized and configured 
automatically in Mandrake Linux 9.0. Mandrake 9.0 is the first Linux 
distribution to natively support NTFS partitions and the WebDAV protocol (for 
editing and managing files on remote web servers).

Last but not least, Mandrake 9.0 takes the important issue of security to a 
new level. In early 2000, MandrakeSoft first introduced the concept of 
"security levels" to the Linux world; in Mandrake Linux 9.0, that concept is 
expanded with the integration of professional Intrusion detection tools and 
utilities, encrypted communication support, encrypted filesystems, secured 
authentication, and more. Even regular desktop users will appreciate the 
ability to send & receive encrypted email with Mozilla, KMail and Evolution.

* Providing choice *

Each user is unique, therefore different users prefer different applications 
for the same task. Following a long-standing MandrakeSoft tradition, Mandrake 
Linux 9.0 doesn't impose any applications as so-called "standards", but 
instead provides the widest range of choice for all. "Choice" never means that 
Mandrake 9.0 is a "bloated" Linux distribution since it's extremely easy to 
install and remove software packages with the greatly improved "Software 
Management" utilities.

Since people have different levels of knowledge and expertise, most 
Mandrake-specific tools & utilities are available with an attractive graphical 
interface for point-and-click ease, yet are also fully functional from the 
command line for power users.

Since Linux is truly a worldwide phenomenon, Mandrake Linux 9.0 supports 
nearly 60 different languages - from Afrikaans to Welsh!

Mandrake Linux 8.2 was the first Linux distribution to become certified by the 
Linux Standard Base (LSB 1.2). MandrakeSoft implements LSB compatibility in 
Mandrake Linux 9.0 as an option during the installation. This important 
standard ensures that Mandrake Linux will be compatible with a greater number 
of leading enterprise-class applications such as Database, CRM, Accounting. 
Last minute: the Mandrake Linux 9.0 ProSuite Edition has officially been Linux 
Standard Base (LSB 1.2) certified on Sept 25th, 2002.


* Comprehensive support & services for all *

Mandrake Linux 9.0 is an outstanding product on its own, but a complete range 
of associated services makes it an indispensable product for all occasions. 
MandrakeSoft offers a comprehensive range of services:

- Support for corporate and individual use is provided through 
MandrakeExpert.com and by our team of experts.
- Software update and security advisories are delivered through MandrakeOnline
- Hardware and software certification is available on demand in MandrakeSoft 
testing labs.
- Consulting teams are ready to answer & assist with any Linux deployment.
- Tailor-made OEM solutions are available for PC manufacturers and system 
integrators.
- High-quality Linux training is available via a network of Training Centers 
located throughout the globe.

For additional information please see:

- Mandrake Linux 9.0 Pre-orders (Standard 9.0, PowerPack 9.0, ProSuite 9.0)
    http://www.mandrakestore.com

- Mandrake Linux 9.0 full specifications, screenshots and package list
   http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/9.0/presentation/

- Mandrake Linux 9.0 Packs, description and comparatives
   http://www.mandrakesoft.com/products/90/

- MandrakeSoft service offerings
    http://www.mandrakesoft.com

Press contact:
press@mandrakesoft.Com


About MandrakeSoft

MandrakeSoft provides a trusted interface between users of information 
technology and Open Source developers. The company offers its enterprise, 
government and educational customers a complete range of GNU/Linux and 
OpenSource software and related services, plus user-friendly and highly 
competitive information technologies. Additionally, MandrakeSoft offers 
technologists committed to Open Source software and courseware a trusted 
channel to offer their services.

MandrakeSoft has technologists in over 20 countries, and is traded on Paris 
Euronext Marche Libre (Euroclear code: 4477.PA; Reuters code: MAKE.PA) and the 
US OTC market (stock symbol MDKFF). "Born on the Internet" in late 1998, 
MandrakeSoft has established headquarters in the U.S.A., Montreal and France. 
Please visit the website: http://www.mandrakesoft.com for more information.