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Mandrake 9.0 (Dolphin) Is Available [updated]
joestar writes "What else to say? I've tested the RCs and they were great... There are two very interesting links: the Press Release, and a very nice presentation. From the presentation: 'Affirming its leading position in the Linux desktop arena, Mandrake Linux 9.0 introduces many newly redesigned graphical desktops and configuration utilities. The famous "Mandrake touch" is evident throughout the many clean, attractive and friendly desktops to make everyday tasks easier for all users of a Mandrake system.' And apparently it's already LSB-1.2 certified!" Update: 09/25 23:57 GMT by T : Apropos new releases, an anonymous reader writes "Parts of Red Hat's next OS have been unofficially leaked, as news.com reports
here. The official release date is scheduled for next Monday, 9/30/02." Update: 09/26 00:29 GMT by T : Gaël Duval points to less-swamped links to the press release and to the Presentation & Features page. Thanks, Gaël.
As their server seems slashdotted, here is the full PR from LWN.NET:
/
__________
Altadena, CA; Paris, France - September 25th, 2002 - MandrakeSoft today
announced the release of Mandrake Linux 9.0 (Dolphin), a new-generation Linux
operating system for servers and desktop workstations. Mandrake Linux 9.0
combines all the power & stability of Linux with many new and unique features
plus the famous "Mandrake touch" which has a long tradition of excellence and
leadership on the desktop.
It includes the latest versions of the premiere Free Software packages,
including the newest stable releases of Linux Kernel 2.4.19, KDE 3.0.3, GNOME
2.0.1, OpenOffice 1.0.1, Mozilla 1.1, GCC 3.2, CUPS 1.1 -- over 2000
packages in all.
The Mandrake Linux 9.0 Download Edition is immediately available as a free
download from many Internet locations. Mandrake Linux retail packs (Standard
9.0: $30 USD/30 EUR, PowerPack 9.0: $69 USD/65 EUR, and ProSuite 9.0: $199 USD
- 166 EUR) - all including support plans -- are now available for pre-order at
MandrakeStore http://www.mandrakestore.com. Availability of the retail packs
is planned for mid/end October.
The Mandrake Linux 9.0 ProSuite Edition has been Linux Standard Base (LSB 1.2)
certified on Sept 25th, 2002.
* A major step toward global IT solutions *
Mandrake Linux 9.0 is the result of over four years of work to offer the most
powerful Linux operating system and world-class applications to the public.
With the growing power of PC hardware and widespread adoption of Internet
protocols, the distinction between 'server' and 'desktop' has begun to blur.
Server implementations now generally require a polished graphical desktop,
while many desktop workstations routinely include professional features such
as a firewall or a small FTP/webserver.
Mandrake Linux 9.0 answers all these needs with a unique solution to satisfy
the widest range of uses. At installation time, the system easily adapts to an
individual users' needs and expertise without requiring any difficult
configuration choices or options. As a result, individuals receive the best
set of desktop features, and corporate users benefit from the most powerful
server features.
* What's new and unique in Mandrake Linux 9.0? *
Mandrake Linux has a long tradition of excellence on the desktop: Four years
ago we were the first Linux distribution to focus on the "human factor" with
Linux. Since that time, MandrakeSoft has continually introduced solid
improvements for desktop users and has become widely imitated. As a result of
our years of experience and expertise, Mandrake Linux 9.0 offers highly
polished graphical environments and many newly redesigned graphical desktops
and configuration utilities with the highest level of features and quality.
Unique features make unique products: The Mandrake Linux desktops are dynamic.
This means, for instance, that when a new software package is installed or
removed, the corresponding icon will appear or disappear instantaneously in
the application menu. This same "dynamic" feature also applies to hardware
devices: Plug in a USB scanner or WebCam and a corresponding icon appears
automatically on the desktop.
Another unique feature in Mandrake Linux 9.0 is "supermount" which lets users
access removable media (CD-ROM, floppy, Zip, etc.) instantaneously and
transparently without using the traditional "mount/umount" commands.
Additionally, MandrakeSoft is proud to release one of the most advanced Linux
systems in regards to hardware recognition. Most of the "latest & greatest" PC
devices and protocols -- such as USB 2.0 -- are recognized and configured
automatically in Mandrake Linux 9.0. Mandrake 9.0 is the first Linux
distribution to natively support NTFS partitions and the WebDAV protocol (for
editing and managing files on remote web servers).
Last but not least, Mandrake 9.0 takes the important issue of security to a
new level. In early 2000, MandrakeSoft first introduced the concept of
"security levels" to the Linux world; in Mandrake Linux 9.0, that concept is
expanded with the integration of professional Intrusion detection tools and
utilities, encrypted communication support, encrypted filesystems, secured
authentication, and more. Even regular desktop users will appreciate the
ability to send & receive encrypted email with Mozilla, KMail and Evolution.
* Providing choice *
Each user is unique, therefore different users prefer different applications
for the same task. Following a long-standing MandrakeSoft tradition, Mandrake
Linux 9.0 doesn't impose any applications as so-called "standards", but
instead provides the widest range of choice for all. "Choice" never means that
Mandrake 9.0 is a "bloated" Linux distribution since it's extremely easy to
install and remove software packages with the greatly improved "Software
Management" utilities.
Since people have different levels of knowledge and expertise, most
Mandrake-specific tools & utilities are available with an attractive graphical
interface for point-and-click ease, yet are also fully functional from the
command line for power users.
Since Linux is truly a worldwide phenomenon, Mandrake Linux 9.0 supports
nearly 60 different languages - from Afrikaans to Welsh!
Mandrake Linux 8.2 was the first Linux distribution to become certified by the
Linux Standard Base (LSB 1.2). MandrakeSoft implements LSB compatibility in
Mandrake Linux 9.0 as an option during the installation. This important
standard ensures that Mandrake Linux will be compatible with a greater number
of leading enterprise-class applications such as Database, CRM, Accounting.
Last minute: the Mandrake Linux 9.0 ProSuite Edition has officially been Linux
Standard Base (LSB 1.2) certified on Sept 25th, 2002.
* Comprehensive support & services for all *
Mandrake Linux 9.0 is an outstanding product on its own, but a complete range
of associated services makes it an indispensable product for all occasions.
MandrakeSoft offers a comprehensive range of services:
- Support for corporate and individual use is provided through
MandrakeExpert.com and by our team of experts.
- Software update and security advisories are delivered through MandrakeOnline
- Hardware and software certification is available on demand in MandrakeSoft
testing labs.
- Consulting teams are ready to answer & assist with any Linux deployment.
- Tailor-made OEM solutions are available for PC manufacturers and system
integrators.
- High-quality Linux training is available via a network of Training Centers
located throughout the globe.
For additional information please see:
- Mandrake Linux 9.0 Pre-orders (Standard 9.0, PowerPack 9.0, ProSuite 9.0)
http://www.mandrakestore.com
- Mandrake Linux 9.0 full specifications, screenshots and package list
http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/9.0/presentation
- Mandrake Linux 9.0 Packs, description and comparatives
http://www.mandrakesoft.com/products/90/
- MandrakeSoft service offerings
http://www.mandrakesoft.com
Press contact:
press@mandrakesoft.Com
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 complete range of GNU/Linux and
OpenSource software and related services, plus user-friendly and highly
competitive information technologies. Additionally, MandrakeSoft offers
technologists committed to Open Source software and courseware a trusted
channel to offer their services.
MandrakeSoft has technologists in over 20 countries, and is traded on Paris
Euronext Marche 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 has established headquarters in the U.S.A., Montreal and France.
Please visit the website: http://www.mandrakesoft.com for more information.
MDK 9 uses KDE 3, which is supposed to be slightly faster than KDE 2.2.2 which is used in MDK 8.2. Also it uses gcc 3.2, which also is supposed to produce faster code than older gcc versions. So probably it will be faster. Noticably faster? Go figure.. If you want a noticable improvement in speed, change to a lightweight wm instead of heavy desktop environments like kde or gnome.
They have NEVER lost their meaning. A .0 release represent a major version jump that breaks compatability. In 8.0 it was glibc 2.2, in 9.0 it's GCC 3.2. These releases are binarily incompatible. Perhaps people should learn what a version jump is supposed to mean before they start spewing from their ass^H^H^Hmouth on Slashdot.
Is your browser retarded?
Or:
Download Mandrake and use urpmi or it's graphical front-end, the redesigned rpmdrake, to automatically figure out dependencies. There's even talk of hacking urpmi to support automatic compilation of source on a per-package basis (so you can compile X but not other packages).
I pre-ordered the Mandrake 9 DVD release about a month ago. It looks like it'll ship by the end of October.
Having run (GNU/)Linux for just about 4 months, I'm still very new to it, and I'm proud to support Mandrake financially for providing a distro that's making my transition easier. If you download Mandrake 9, and end up using it, consider buying the next boxed version. Good developers deserve our support.
(I'm not affiliated with Mandrake in any way other than as a user.)
"It's very sad that such an influential news website as /. is lowering itself to promoting incremental upgrades of individual distributions".
No, it isn't. It's interesting techie news, and news that will interest a lot of people here. Let's watch and see how many comments get posted to this article, to find out whether I'm right.
"The focus should be on the overall effort of the Linux development community".
Then why don't we talk about the excellent community that exists around Mandrake (more so than some other distros), and let's discuss whether this has helped make Mandrake 9.0 a superb release or not.
"I understand how important Mandarke is.....since it is for 'n00bs'".
Not just for n00bs. I use it, I'm pretty happy with it, and I've been a Unix programmer (and system administrator) for 15 years, and a Linux user for many of those years. If Mandrake can stop the occasional QA howlers, it'll be even better. But they've really made an effort with 9.0 - let's find out whether they've succeeded.
"...the focus should still be on the overall development of the kernel".
Why ? Of course it's of interest, but it's not the only thing. The kernel, on its own, is more-of-less useless - it doesn't do anything on its own. But what is does do is enable everything else to work. It is a means to an end. That end is a may be a work tool, a plaything, a communication tool, or a hobby (for some even a cause). Any of those ends, or the means to those ends, is worthy of discussion.
My verdict is you shouldn't mod someone down because you don't agree with their opinion. Make a reply explaining your side, try to make others believe you're the one in the right, but, for example, to call someone a troll because he likes Windows more than Linux is assinine, and counter-productive to everything this page is supposed to stand for.
Finally, math books without any of that base 6 crap in them.
Sure, its not for the more Advanced so much as the Newbies, but atleast the Newbies have something that can get them started. We should be promoting switching to Linux not scaring them away with something complicated(not that Linux is complicated but still the command-line scares people). So stop being Anti-Mandrake and be more accepting. *Gets a garbage lid and waits for rotten fruit to be thrown*
The Worldwide Association of Gnus (WAG) asks that the word Gnu should not be used unless it refers to the animal Gnu. When referring to something else, WAG suggests "big hairy animal".
The Magician's Council says that Mandrake should be used only when referring to a certified magician. "Illusionist" should be used instead.
Therefore this release should be called "Big Hairy Animal/Illusionist" to keep everyone happy.
Another thing I did was to remove many of the scripts in /etc/profile.d along with disabling medusa from running every time X starts. The scripts in profile.d by default run jobs that index all kinds of stuff that I really don't need indexed.
The only thing I haven't figured out is what causes modprobe to be called on the first console login/logoff. Not much of an issue, as I never really log off, but put the system into hibernation mode.
Here's my process list:
Yeah, Java works. I'm using RC2 right now and java 1.3.1, 1.4.0, and 1.4.1 all work without having to do anything special.
It is truely written: a man has five times as many fingers as ears, but only twice as many ears as noses.
Minor error in the above post...
Before executing this, you should make sure that urpmi's package db is sane (adding media should do this, but it doesn't always do it properly).
Also, after syncing to Cooker to bootstrap your way into 9.0, you have a choice: you can either run Cooker full time after this (Cooker is fairly stable... things aren't constantly breaking) or you can choose to essentially treat it as a 9.0. If you choose the former, you don't have to do anything. If you choose the latter, you should remove Cooker as a source for packages (otherwise security updates could get hairy). To do this, just issue the following at a shell:
Also, I can't stress this enough, but this trick will only work until Cooker development starts up again and new packages get uploaded. Also, if you downloaded RC3, there's probably no need to download 9.0 final... the only changes seem to be in the installer; no packages have changed.
The whole issue with Java is that, being built with gcc2.9x, it can't interface to C++ code compiled with gcc3.2.
So Mandrake 9.0 ships with Mozilla compiled with gcc2.96, so Java works fine. Been using the plugin on cooker quite a bit in the last few weeks (webCDwriter, which really rocks).
Australia
ftp://ftp.planetmirror.com/pub/Mandrake/iso/
Austria
ftp://gd.tuwien.ac.at/pub/linux/Mandrake/iso/ (Vienna)
Czech Republic
ftp://mandrake.redbox.cz/Mandrake/iso/
ftp://ftp.fi.muni.cz/pub/linux/mandrake/iso/ (Brno)
France
ftp://fr2.rpmfind.net/linux/Mandrake/iso/ (Lyon)
ftp://ftp.ciril.fr/pub/linux/mandrake/iso/ (Nancy)
United States
ftp://ftp.cs.ucr.edu/pub/mirrors/mandrake/Mandrake /iso/ (California)
ftp://ftp.cse.buffalo.edu/pub/Linux/Mandrake/mandr ake/iso (NY)
ftp://mirror.mcs.anl.gov/pub/Mandrake/iso/ (Illinois)
\/\/oobie
Control-Center -> Software Management ->Install Software
Then I search for "tex", I get a list of packages, I can see descriptions of each, I select some, it tells me that I will need some more to satisfy dependeces, I say OK, it tells me what CD to put in, THATS freaking it !. Sweet.
In short, it is a great distro. It gives you the feeling of a consistent operating system, not just a collection of free software. But nothing is perfect. Mandrake's configuration utilities are very nice for basic, typical stuff, but they'll need some work in future releases to cover more complex situations. That's the main drawback I found. I cannot really use ONLY their tools for everything. But they are getting there.
Overall, I have the feeling that they are not as mature as RedHat, but they have many other advantages as I said before. I hope they build on 9.0 . It is already a great release, and so far my best Linux experience. If they just keep improving what they have right now (as opposed to adding new tools/functionality), the next release will be far ahead of the rest of the distros, at least to my taste and needs.
Thank you Mandrake, I am having so much fun :-)
The press release says, "NTFS partitions are now supported (read-only)."
When they can supply NTFS read-write, Mandrake could be used to repair problems with Windows XP. (Windows XP cannot copy some of its own files, even if the files you are trying to copy are not on the partition from which the system was booted. No, I am not kidding.) See Windows XP Shows the Direction Microsoft is Going. if you don't believe me. The third-party tools for read-write to NTFS are expensive, or have shortcomings.