Mandriva Launches New Distro With 3D Desktop

Mandriva has launched a new distribution of its operating system, Mandriva Linux 2007.

The new version has a desktop with both AIGLX and Xgl 3D technologies, which allow the average 2D desktop -- like Windows 98, Windows XP, KDE or GNOME, for example -- to display 3D characteristics. Mandriva Linux 2007 is the only distribution to include both, according to the company, which noted that the combination makes it compatible with the widest range of hardware.

Mandriva 2007 introduces a new theme, Ia Ora, which means "hello" in French Polynesian, capable of changing everything from window borders to widgets and icons. Ia Ora is simpler, lighter and more luminous, said Mandriva. Each product has its own color, and there's an "iced" effect for outline windows.

Software Package

The company has also introduced its Invictus Firewall, a high-availability redundant firewall cluster system. Multiple firewall machines can be set up, Mandriva explained, so that if one breaks down or requires maintenance, users can continue working. This feature is available in Mandriva Linux Powerpack+ 2007.

Mandriva Linux 2007 includes the latest innovations in office suite applications, Internet, multimedia and the new virtualization and 3D-accelerated desktop technologies, said the firm.

Mandriva noted the following new software capabilities included with the distro:

• LinDVD, the first fully integrated DVD player designed for Linux;
• TransGaming's Cedega (retail price: US$5 per month), specifically designed for running games written for Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Windows under Linux;
• FlatOut (retail price: $39.99), the car racing game;
• A six-month subscription to Kaspersky antivirus protection (retail price: $49.95);
• The BitDefender data security management system (retail price: $49.95); and
• VMware (NYSE: VMW) Player, an integrated system virtualization solution.

With Mandriva Linux 2007, users can make unlimited voice calls for free with Skype; import, manage and play music with amaroK or Banshee; install, uninstall and update software with a new integrated version of the rpmdrake software management tool; and preserve files and folders with Arkeia Smart Backup, Mandriva added.

Access via Live CD

Mandriva Linux 2007 is available in three versions: Discovery, which targets the Linux beginner; Powerpack, designed for the advanced computer user; and Powerpack+ for SOHO (small office and home office) users.

The company is including an updated Mandriva Linux 2007-based version of Mandriva One, the all-in-one live CD, with the 2007 launch. The Mandriva One CD launches the system and provides access to office, Internet and multimedia tools with no installation required.

"If you choose to," the company says, "a few clicks are all that is needed to install Mandriva One onto your hard drive, along with any files you created while in Live mode. Once installed, Mandriva One can be used, updated, expanded and maintained just like any other copy of Mandriva Linux 2007."

Mandriva Linux 2007 also includes up-to-date versions of key open source products, including the following:

• kernel 2.6.17
• GCC 4.1
• GNOME 2.16
• KDE 3.5.4
• glibc 2.4
• Xen 3.0
• Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.7
• OpenOffice.org 2.0.3