Date: Mon, 25 Oct 1999 16:29:06 -0700
From: Bruce Byfield <bbyfield@stormix.com>
To: Canadian Linux Users Exchange <chalsall@csp.net>, CNET <tips@news.com>,
Subject: Storm Linux Beta Released

Storm Linux Beta Released

Vancouver, Canada  – October 25, 1999 - Stormix Technologies
announces the official beta version of Storm Linux. The final
release is scheduled for November 1999.

The beta release follows a successful alpha release in August.
"Over 3500 copies of the alpha version were distributed by
Stormix alone," Kevin Lindsay, Programming Manager for Stormix
Technologies, notes. He adds with a grin, "Sometimes, it seems
that we heard from all of them. At least one user even used the
alpha for game development."

"What we learned from the alpha," says Bruce Byfield, Product
Manager for Stormix Technologies, "is that users want a Linux
install that’s easy but not dumbed down.

"For example, in the alpha, users were forced to install the
Linux Loader and could only do so on the master boot record.
However, alpha testers told us very clearly that they wanted more
flexibility. So, in the beta, we’ve given it to them. At the same
time, new users can simply accept the defaults and quickly get a
workable system. We’ve tried to balance flexibility and ease of
use all down the line."

Another major feature of the Storm Linux is the Storm Hardware
System. SHS automatically detects PCI devices, including video
and network cards, SCSI devices, and USB bridges.

"The information collected during alpha testing," Lindsay says,
"has greatly extended our hardware compatibility. As a result,
we’ll be putting our database on the web, so that users worldwide
can request and receive support for their cards. Our goal is to
make Storm Linux the most complete Linux hardware solution
available."

Other features of the beta include GUI modules for networking,
dialup, and adding users. "These modules," Byfield explains, "are
simply the first glimpse of what Stormix is planning. The final
release will include other modules that weren’t ready for the
beta."

Copies of the beta are being mailed to registered testers. Copies
can also be downloaded from the Stormix web site.

Founded in February 1999, Stormix Technologies is a Linux
development Canada based in Vancouver, Canada. Its flagship
product is Storm Linux, an enhancement of the Debian GNU/Linux
distribution. For more information, see www.stormix.com.

--
Bruce Byfield (bruce@stormix.com)
Product Manager, Stormix Technologies
Tel: 604.688.9137 Ext. 123
Fax: 604.688.7317
2040 - 555 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6B 4N6