Mandriva releases Linux 2010 desktop distribution

Mandriva Linux 2010 introduces the Smart Desktop

Mandriva has released Mandriva Linux 2010, the latest release of its desktop Linux distribution, designed to meet user needs in terms of security, performance and ergonomics, according to the firm.

Available immediately, Mandriva Linux 2010 is the most advanced and easy-to-use Linux on the market, the firm said.

"In our never-ending search to deliver the best user experience possible, we never strayed from our target of designing one of the most advanced operating systems in the world," said Mandriva vice president of engineering Anne Nicolas-Velu.

The major innovation in this release is the Smart Desktop, which allows users to organise files such as documents, email, pictures and video around projects of their choice, and easily add notes, comments and tags.

It also ships with choice of KDE 4.3.2 and GNOME 2.28 desktop environments, plus other open-source tools including Firefox 3.5.3, Xorg Server 1.6.5 and the Go-OO branch of the OpenOffice.org application suite.

The new platform is available in three editions, two of which are free to download and one which includes support and services.

Mandriva One is a live CD which can also be installed permanently, while Free edition contains only free and open-source software.

Powerpack is the commercial edition with support and services, and is available as a boxed version for €69 or a slim pack with no documentation for €64.

A Powerpack subscription, allowing download access for 12 months, which covers two Mandriva Linux releases, is available for €69.