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Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 09:31:40 +0200
Subject: Best Linux T-1 with kernel 2.4.1 released next week
From: "SOT Finnish Software Engineering Ltd." <pr@bestlinux.net>
To: lwn@lwn.net

SOT WILL RELEASE NEXT WEEK BEST LINUX T-1/2001 INCLUDING
THE NEW KERNEL 2.4.1 AND KDE 2.1 FOR PUBLIC BETA TESTING

Technology Center Hermia, Tampere, Finland - January 31, 2001
SOT, the publisher of Best Linux, is going to release the Best
Linux T-1/2001 version next week. The new release contains
the brand new kernel 2.4.1 released yesterday and KDE 2.1
version. This release is part of SOT's T-1 beta testing
program having over 3400 registered beta testers globally.

"The testing and open public dialogue with international users
and developers is ready to start. Our volunteer developers ensure
quality and help us to improve ease of use with the objective of
Best Linux being attractive to desktop users looking for a reliable
solution. With this release we move one step closer to our aspiration
of Linux being the Best OS." said Phil Heenan, CEO, SOT.

The English beta version is called Best Linux T-1/2001. SOT will
start shipping the CD-ROMs free-of-charge to registered beta
testers next week. A ready-to-burn ISO image will be also
available for those who don't want to wait for snail mail, or have
not registered to the program. The last T-1 beta program was
a global success last year with over 3,200 beta testers.

"I would like to thank Linus for delaying the release of the new
kernel until it was really ready. No matter how hard it was for us
to test it repeatedly over an extended period. I think there is an
important lesson here for all Linux software vendors and distribution
makers.  If we really want to make Linux OS attractive to typical
desktop users, the industry cannot continue releasing unfinished
alpha and beta versions to the broader public. The new kernel is
already available as rpm packages at ftp.bestlinux.net in the pretest
area" stated Santeri Kannisto, CTO, SOT.

SOT will also distribute CDs from its offices in Tampere and
Helsinki/Finland, Linkoping/Sweden, Minneapolis/USA, Melbourne/
Australia and Tallinn/Estonia. Detailed contact information
is available at http://www.bestlinux.net. New T-1 release will
be also available for downloads at ftp.bestlinux.net.

About Linux

Linux is a stable, co-operatively developed operating system
used worldwide. It was started by Mr. Linus Torvalds in Finland
in 1991. Applications of Linux vary from desktop use to fully
functional UNIX workstations and Internet servers. The difference
between Linux and other operating systems is that Linux is Open
Source software. Best Linux is developed and maintained under
GPL license and is available on the Internet free of charge.

About SOT Finnish Software Engineering Ltd.

Founded in 1991, SOT is based in Finland, where it produces the Best
Linux distribution. SOT counts among its customers several of
Finland's largest companies. Working in cooperation with a global
team of research, academic, commercial and volunteer software
developers over the Internet, SOT's goal is to build an easier, more
advanced distribution of the Linux operating system that is suitable
for desktop and server applications. Along with the operating
system SOT offers Linux training, commercial support and
consulting services to customers exploiting the power of Linux.
SOT's own hardware manufacturing operations in Tampere, Finland
enable it to provide complete ready-to-use Linux based solutions.

LINUX is a trademark of Linus Torvalds. Best Linux is a registered
trademark of SOT Finnish Software Engineering Ltd. All other names
and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Reviews invited.

Additional information and press samples:

Mr. Erno Rasanen
telephone +358 400 509 775
fax +358 401 509 775
email erno.rasanen@sot.com

SOT Finnish Software Engineering Ltd.
Hermiankatu 8 E
FIN-33720 TAMPERE
Finland

Best Linux http://bestlinux.net
http://bestlinux.org