Latest Mandrake Linux distro screams into action

Mandrakesoft has introduced Mandrakelinux 10.1 Official with the promise that its latest distribution provides extended support for mobile devices, better hardware compatibility, and major application upgrades.

Following on from Mandrakesoft's recent 'Community' release, 10.1 Official will, the company said, form the basis for a large part of its forthcoming products.

According to the Linux firm, hardware support for the latest distro has seen "much progress", allowing it to run on a larger number of configurations and to support more devices.

The operating system's hardware management software has been beefed up with additional support for power management on laptops and out-of-the-box support for Intel's Centrino chips.

The platform also allows Wi-Fi roaming, boasting the capability to detect and remember access points, and supports Bluetooth devices including mobile phones and personal digital assistants.

The latest version of the distribution ships with both Gnome 2.6 desktop environment and a very stable KDE 3.2.3 (with KDE 3.3 being offered as an option).

Other notable bundled software includes a new version of the Mozilla web browser and the Gimp image editing program. The configuration and administration tools are now more complete and even easier to use.

The platform's technical infrastructure has also changed "quite a bit", said Mandrakesoft. The latest version is based on a more recent, fine-tuned kernel, a re-engineered compiler, improved device manager, and uses version 4.5 of the firm's package management software.

"Our new release scheme is starting to show its full potential", said François Bançilhon, chief executive officer of Mandrakesoft.

"10.1 Community was quite a successful product - many people use it, and the feedback they gave us really helped us polish 10.1 Official. This release will be one of quality and continuity in innovation - better parts and a better whole."

Mandrakelinux 10.1 Official packs will be available for retail worldwide in mid-November. The value-added packs (Discovery, PowerPack and PowerPack+) are available now for pre-orders and through the Mandrakeclub online service. Prices start at €44.90 (£31).