| Mandriva's latest touted for fast boots |
Apr. 30, 2009
 Mandriva has released the final version of Mandriva Linux Spring 2009. The new version offers KDE 4.2.2 as the default desktop, delivers up to 25 percent faster boots, supports additional netbooks, and provides enhanced networking and security tools, says the French software company.
(Click for larger view of Mandriva Linux Spring 2009's new Flash theme)
Mandriva Linux 2009 Spring (2009.1) is available in three editions: Free (open source only), One (a freely downloadable Live CD), and the commercial Powerpack versions in boxed or subscription form. The Spring edition features a move to kernel 2.6.29, and offers support for more than 70 languages, says Mandriva. In addition to providing up to 25 percent faster boot times, Mandriva 2009 offers much more responsive shut-down, hibernate, suspend, and resume operations, claims the company.
KDE 4.2.2 with KWin Cover Switcher Effect
(Click to enlarge)
Last October, Mandriva released the first Fall edition of Mandriva Linux 2009, featuring a switch to KDE 4 as the default desktop. With the Spring edition, the default KDE (pictured above) has been upgraded to version 4.2.2, offering the latest versions of the Phonon multimedia framework, Plasma desktop framework, and Plasmoid widgets, among other enhancements. Mandriva also supplies an updated GNOME 2.26 desktop and X.Org Server 1.6, as well as the lightweight LXDE and XFCE 4.6 desktops.
Updated applications include Firefox 3, OpenOffice 3.0.1, VirtualBox 2.2.0, Wine 1.1.19, and the latest versions of Phoronix Test Suite and Songbird music player. New to the mix is the Qt Creator cross-platform integrated development environment (IDE), which supports the Qt. 4.5 development framework from Nokia's Qt Software (formerly Trolltech).
Oui to netbooks and networks
Like most recent consumer Linux distro projects, Mandriva has reached out to the growing legion of netbook users in its latest release. Expanding on its earlier support for the Asus Eee PC, Mandriva Linux now supports all currently available Eee PC models, as well as the Acer Aspire One, the MSI Wind, and other popular netbooks, says Mandriva.
 
LXDE desktop (left) and new Msec security framework GUI (right)
(Click on either to enlarge)
The netbook oriented LXDE desktop (pictured above, left) is now offered as the default lightweight desktop, along with the alternative XFCE 4.6. LXDE (Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment) is said to offer a traditional launcher menu and panel, the PCMan file manager, a task manager, display configuration tool, image viewer, notepad application, and archive management application.
Mandriva Linux Spring 2009 offers improved network tools, including network tools that are preconfigured for various Internet providers, says the company. Other networking enhancements include new firewall options, enhanced network monitoring, and support for new network devices and wireless regulatory domains.
Additional behind-the-scenes enhancements include a redesigned Msec security framework, which adds support for plugins and a new GUI (pictured above). Other Msec improvements include support for custom security levels, desktop notifications about issues, and advanced logging, says Mandriva.
Following the lead of the latest Linux kernel, the distro now supplies the Ext4 filesystem (stable mature edition). Meanwhile, Mandriva has upgraded Syslinux to version 3.75, which offers a new Hardware Detection Tool (HDT) module that is said to detect all hardware components before booting the system.
Mandriva Linux now boasts four different GUI themes: Free, One, Powerpack, and Flash (see image at top). The commercial Powerpack version of Mandriva Linux offers support and services, as well as additional applications. These include additional audio and video codecs, VMware virtualization software, Google applications, and, coming soon, a DVD reader, says Mandriva.
Availability
Mandriva Linux Spring 2009 is available now in Free (pure open source), One (Live CD version with some proprietary drivers and plugins), and commercial Powerpack versions. The latter include boxed ($89 US or 69 euros) and slim pack ($69 or 59 euros) versions. Release notes should be available here, and the download page may be found here.
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