From:	 Gael Duval <gduval@mandrakesoft.com>
To:	 lwn@lwn.net
Subject: Mandrake Linux 8.2 is Available
Date:	 Mon, 18 Mar 2002 22:20:25 +0100

Altadena, CA - March 18th 2002 - MandrakeSoft is proud to introduce Mandrake 
Linux 8.2 as the most feature-rich, multi-purpose Linux operating system ever 
made available to the public. This new version of our flagship product 
combines the power and flexibility of a full-featured Linux server with the 
simplicity and elegance of well designed graphical user interfaces.

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 our world-famous 
graphical installer, and no post-configuration hassles means that your 
Mandrake system is immediately ready for work. Depending on your requirements, 
Mandrake 8.2 can be installed either as a full-featured & powerful Linux 
server, or as a highly productive personal workstation.

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.

New desktop features include a completely redesigned Mandrake Control Center 
that serves as a central location for Mandrake-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.

The reworked version of MSEC, a utility for configuring the security level of 
a machine (Standard, High, Highest, Paranoid) is more powerful than ever. 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). StarOffice 
6.0 is included with the ProSuite and PowerPack Editions.

"With version 8.2, Mandrake Linux proves that it is the ultimate Linux 
experience. This new release is the result of our four year commitment to 
providing the best operating system ever. Mandrake Linux has long been the 
preferred Linux distribution for individuals, but Mandrake 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.

Core System Components

     * Kernel 2.4.18
     * Improved Firewire support
     * Support for USB2, ECC memory, i830 DRM, ATA133, Geforce3
     * XFree86 4.2 provides 3D acceleration for many video cards previously 
only supported in 3.3.6
     * Glibc 2.2.4

Software and Applications

     * Apache 1.3.23
     * PHP 4.1.2
     * MySQL 3.23.47
     * PostgreSQL 7.2
     * Sendmail 8.12.1
     * Postfix 20010228
     * Staroffice 6.0 is the latest version of the famous Office Suite that 
boasts integrated creativity and productivity tools, improved interoperability 
with Microsoft Office files, support for XML file formats, and improved 
international support.
     * Evolution 1.02 is a full-featured personal information manager and 
advanced E-mail client. Evolution provides the best features in its class.
     * KDE 2.2.2 (KDE 3.0 RC2 is also provided as an alternative desktop for 
users who enjoy the bleeding edge) and GNOME 1.4.1 -- Enjoy the latest 
versions of these popular desktop environments. KDE 2.2.2 includes a new print 
system which has been integrated with PrinterDrake; GNOME 1.4.1 includes 
Evolution to closely match the features and look of MS-Outlook.

Mandrake Linux 8.2 is currently available for x86 processors, and will soon 
also be available for the PPC platform.

To find out more about Mandrake Linux 8.2, please visit: 
http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/82.php

Pre-orders are now being accepted for the Mandrake Linux 8.2 ProSuite and 
PowerPack Editions at: http://www.MandrakeStore.com

Or download your copy today at: http://www.mandrakelinux.com/en/ftp.php3

Mandrake Club members are entitled to download proprietary drivers and 
commercial software for 8.2 at: http://www.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.