Mandrake Linux (original) (raw)

Mandrake Linux is a Linux distribution specializing in ease of use. The first release was based on Red Hat Linux 5.1 and KDE 1.0 in July 1998. It has since diverged considerably from Red Hat and has included a number of original tools mostly to ease system configuration. Mandrake is also notable for compiling its packages with optimizations for Pentium class and more advanced processors which are incompatible with older CPU versions. MandrakeSoft is the company behind Mandrake Linux. Mandrake Linux was originated by Ga�l Duval, who was also a co-founder of MandrakeSoft.

While it has several desktop environments, Mandrake is geared to use KDE or GNOME as the standard one. A unique look & feel theme provides a good consistency between applications and desktop environments. Mandrake relies on the Red Hat package management system, or rpm, and is known for having a smooth, easy to use installation system. Many Linux users suggest Mandrake as a good choice for Linux beginners. Mandrake Linux is currently the most internationalized Linux distribution with 60 fully or partly supported languages.

The latest version 9.2 was released as an ISO file on October 14, 2003 only to Mandrake Club Members (the standard installable tree was released to all). This is in line with MandrakeSoft's new strategy of making releases available firstly to paying customers. The free ISO version was released three weeks later when the first box versions started to ship. This release is also the first to carry sponsored advertising, again, another revenue stream for MandrakeSoft.

MandrakeMove

A LiveMove is the set formed by a LiveCD and a bootfloppy or USB key.

MandrakeMove is a new MandrakeSoft product that benefits from a Mandrake Linux LiveCD which doesn't need to be installed to run on a computer, and a USB key that automatically records bootloader, hardware configuration and personal data.