From:	 Gael Duval <gduval@mandrakesoft.com>
To:	 lwn@lwn.net
Subject: MandrakeSoft Announces the Immediate Availability of Mandrake Linux 8.2 Retail Packs
Date:	 Mon, 22 Apr 2002 21:59:56 +0200

Altadena, CA - April 22, 2002 - MandrakeSoft (http://www.mandrakesoft.com ), a 
leading provider of Open Source software, today announced the availability of 
the boxed versions of Mandrake Linux 8.2 through a number of retail outlets 
worldwide and also online from http://www.mandrakestore.com . The latest 
release of MandrakeSoft's popular operating system marks a new step in 
addressing the special needs of enterprise users while continuing to ease the 
adoption of Linux by all. Mandrake Linux 8.2 for PowerPack and ProSuite are 
the first Linux distributions to include StarOffice 6.0, the new office suite 
from Sun Microsystems which is compatible with Microsoft Office documents. 
Customers are provided with three packaged versions of Mandrake Linux 8.2 to 
choose from: ProSuite ($149.99), PowerPack ($69.99) and Standard ($39.99)*. 
OEM versions, targeted at hardware manufacturers, are due out later this month.

Mandrake Linux 8.2 is the best "all-in-one" solution for saving time and money 
with personal computers: installation couldn't be easier with MandrakeSoft's 
world-famous graphical installer, and no post-configuration hassles means that 
every MandrakeSoft system is immediately ready for work or for play. Depending 
on the user's requirements, Mandrake Linux 8.2 can be installed as a 
full-featured & powerful Linux server, or as a highly productive personal 
workstation.

"Mandrake Linux has long been the preferred Linux distribution for 
individuals, but Mandrake Linux 8.2 marks a new step in our penetration of the 
corporate environment. The features and unparalleled ease of use make 8.2 an 
incredibly efficient and affordable alternative to UNIX and Windows 2000" said 
Jacques Le Marois, CEO of MandrakeSoft.

New server features include the ability to use an encrypted filesystem for 
protecting sensitive data; "kernel-secure" adds important security features to 
the default Linux kernel; and an "Enterprise" kernel delivers SMP (Symmetric 
Multi Processing) and Hi-memory support (above 1024 MB) for high-end servers. 
Mandrake Linux 8.2 also introduces a quick and efficient way to set up 
printers and scanners; a new file sharing feature for easily sharing files and 
directories in a networked environment; and improved "hot-plug" support that 
lets users install new devices quickly and painlessly without having to reboot 
the system. A new remote desktop utility, RFBdrake, is extremely useful for 
controlling machines remotely within a LAN or securely through the Internet 
(works with Linux/Unix systems and with Windows 2000/XP "Window Terminal 
Services"). The reworked version of MSEC, a system for configuring the 
security level of a machine (Standard, High, Highest, Paranoid) is more 
powerful than ever.

New desktop features include a completely redesigned Mandrake Control Center 
that serves as a central location for MandrakeSoft-specific tools and 
utilities, as well as many new configuration wizards. Desktop users will 
appreciate the task-oriented menus in GNOME and KDE, which greatly simplify 
locating applications by categorizing them into common "tasks". 
MandrakeFirstTime is an easy-to-use wizard that helps setup a desktop 
environment (KDE, GNOME, etc.), choose a theme and configure email settings. 
DrakNet, the Internet connection and network utility, efficiently helps users 
configure all types of network connections, from common dial-up modems to DSL 
and cable connections. Also included are the latest stable versions of KDE and 
GNOME which both offer some great new features and applications such as 
anti-aliased fonts and Evolution (an Outlook-like email client and personal 
information manager).

About Mandrake Linux 8.2, they are saying...

"If you are looking for a way to move even the most staunch Macintosh or 
Windows users over to Linux, giving them a taste of Mandrake certainly would 
be a good way to do so. (...) Overall: A+" -- Timothy R. Butler, 
Editor-in-Chief, Open for Business.

Mandrake Linux 8.2 Pack details:

* Mandrake Linux 8.2 ProSuite Edition -- "The Linux Server Solution" -- 
includes everything needed to deploy powerful and affordable services for the 
Internet and/or Intranet. The ProSuite Edition includes eight CDs (including 
two special server CDs), one DVD, and two comprehensive manuals. Included is a 
comprehensive support plan that covers two technical support phone calls plus 
90 days of premium web-based support via MandrakeExpert.com. During the 
product life, two Update CDs for security and bug fixes will be sent to 
registered users. The 8.2 ProSuite Edition (for Intel & AMD processors) is 
available for $149.99.

* Mandrake Linux 8.2 PowerPack Edition -- "Linux for Workstations" -- is the 
most complete and user-friendly Linux package for the desktop. The PowerPack 
includes seven CDs and two comprehensive manuals. The PowerPack's support plan 
includes 60 days of premium web-based support from MandrakeExpert.com plus a 
significant discount for two technical support incidents settled by phone 
(valid for 30 days). The 8.2 PowerPack Edition (for Intel & AMD processors) is 
available for $69.99.

* Mandrake Linux 8.2 Standard Edition -- "The key to Linux" -- delivers the 
best way to get started with Linux. Includes the complete operating system, 
thousands of applications, plus the famous MandrakeSoft configuration wizards 
and utilities. Thirty days of premium web-based support via MandrakeExpert.com 
is also included. The 8.2 Standard Edition (for Intel & AMD processors) is 
available for $39.99.
(*) Mandrake Linux 8.2 Standard Edition is currently not available for 
purchase at MandrakeStore.

High quality value-added services, including consulting and support, can be 
easily added to ProSuite deployments. Please see 
http://www.mandrakesoft.com/businesses for more information about 
MandrakeSoft's complete range of professional services, or dial toll-free (in 
the US) 1-877-74-LINUX (1-877-745-4689) Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm EST.

In addition, Mandrake Linux 8.2 PPC "Linux for the Mac" is available directly 
from MandrakeStore as a two-CD set for $25 (without manuals or support).

http://www.mandrakestore.com/

All Mandrake Linux users are invited to join the Mandrake Users Club. The Club 
is the best way to benefit from special privileges (third party software, 
special discounts, etc.). To learn more about the Mandrake User Club and the 
Corporate Club, please see: http://mandrakelinux.com/en/club/

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 set of GNU Linux and Open-Source 
software and related services, and user-friendly and highly competitive 
information technologies. In addition, MandrakeSoft offers technologists 
committed to open software and courseware a trusted channel to offer their 
services. The company has technologists in over 20 countries, and is traded on 
Paris Euronext Marché 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 established headquarters in the U.S.A., Montreal, England, 
Germany and France. Please visit the Web site, http://www.mandrakesoft.com for 
more information.

Press Contact: press@mandrakesoft.com