Mandrakesoft Ships Linux OS Update

Mandrakesoft on Wednesday released the latest version of its Linux operating system, which has been enhanced with extended support for mobile devices, better hardware compatibility and application upgrades.

Mandrakelinux 10.1 Official includes upgraded hardware management software that detects and automatically configures a large number of devices, from USB storage devices to network printers.

For use in laptops, Mandrakelinux supports Intel Corp.'s Centrino chip and includes roaming technology to detect and remember Wi-Fi access points.

The upgrade carries both Gnome 2.6 and KDE 3.2.3 desktop environments, and includes new versions of the Mozilla web browser and Gimp image-editing program.

Paris-based Mandrakesoft, which has U.S. offices in Moreno Valley, Calif., plans to release three new products based on the Mandrakelinux upgrade.

The Discovery version of the OS is for people who want to get started in Linux and includes a user manual and one month of support for $49.50. PowerPack is for advanced desktop use and costs $84.90 for two manuals and two months of support. The PowerPack+ version is for setting up small networks and sells for $229 for three months of support, two manuals and five phone-support incidents.