Mandrake Linux 9.1 released

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® player, Acrobat Reader®, RealPlayer®, as well as NVIDIA® 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® modem and 
Alcatel Speedtouch® 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

Press contact: press@mandrakesoft.com

About MandrakeSoft

MandrakeSoft is the publisher of the popular Mandrake Linux operating system, 
one of the most full-featured and easy to use Linux systems available. The 
company offers its enterprise, government and educational customers a 
complete range of GNU/Linux and Open Source software and related services. 
MandrakeSoft products are available in more than 120 countries through 
dedicated channels and from MandrakeStore, the company's online store.

Number 1 in several countries, MandrakeSoft has been awarded many times for 
quality and the technical innovation of its products. "Born on the Internet" 
in late 1998, MandrakeSoft has established headquarters in the U.S.A. and in 
France. MandrakeSoft is traded on Paris Euronext Marche Libre (Euroclear 
code: 4477.PA; Reuters code: MAKE.PA) and the US OTC market (stock symbol 
MDKFF).

Please visit the website: http://www.mandrakesoft.com for more information.