Mandriva 2006 offers the ultimate in Linux for a wide array of computing requirements, such as office, multimedia, Internet and servers. It is the only Linux distribution to provide the official support for Intel® Centrino® mobile technology and to offer a complete integration of Skype, the Global Internet Communications Company, which makes it possible for anyone worldwide to make free high-quality phone calls via the Internet. Other key features include desktop search, interactive firewall and auto-install server functionality.
Mandriva 2006 is available in three editions: Discovery/Lx (for the Linux beginner), PowerPack (for the advanced computer user) and PowerPack+ (for SOHO users). Mandriva Club members and Mandriva official contributors can already download the software. Mandriva 2006 is now available for pre-order at the Mandriva Store (http://store.mandriva.com).

"Mandriva was already widely recognized as providing the ultimate in Linux. The merger with Conectiva's and Lycoris' technologies has strengthened that asset. Our 2006 edition offers many features today's users are looking for in an operating system," said François Bancilhon, Mandriva CEO. "2006 integrates technologies from leading companies such as Intel and Skype. "

Mandriva 2006 key features
- Desktop search tool (Kat)
- Interactive Firewall
- Official support for the Intel® Centrino? mobile technology
- Full integration of Skype, the popular free voice calling over Internet software
- Auto-installation server
- Integration of Conectiva's and Lycoris' technologies

Three leading technologies
Mandriva 2006 blends technology from Conectiva and Lycoris, two open source pioneers acquired by the company several months ago. Discovery/Lx, the product targeted at the Linux beginner, provides the main benefits of the former Discovery - a streamlined package design to shorten the learning curve of people coming from the Windows® world - plus those present in Lycoris' Desktop Lx, including a highly intuitive and attractive graphical interface, as well as a simple software update/addition mechanism.

PowerPack+, the product designed for SOHO users, builds on Conectiva's server and software management technologies, such as high availability server functionality and the SMART package manager tool. The high availability server function allows the use of fault-tolerant infrastructures. SMART offers an advanced and easy way of adding/updating software.

Two of the key innovations of Mandriva 2006 are the Kat desktop search tool and the interactive firewall.
Kat allows everyone to track down information not only in files names but also in the content of the files. This provides a powerful means to being permanently able to find important data on one's computer even many months or years after having created a document. The interactive firewall lets users get real-time information on any malicious actions being performed against their system. Unlike a typical firewall, which is based on fixed rules, the interactive version allows to constantly adapt the rules depending on the actual status of the computer. Now integrated to the desktop, this firewall feature extends the already high level of security in Mandriva Linux.

The ultimate in office, Internet and multimedia
Mandriva 2006 integrates OpenOffice.org, the premier Microsoft® Office-compatible office suite for Linux. 2006 also includes a complete set of Internet applications including Mozilla Firefox for Web browsing, Kopete for chat, Kontact for email management and Skype for voice calling over Internet functions. kype lets users call for free to other Skype users anywhere in the world or to phones - whether to mobile or fixed lines - for prices well below those offered by regular telecom companies. Voice over IP has become one of the key Internet applications.
Users will also be able to take advantage of The GIMP, for advanced image creation and manipulation, and Amarok for getting the most out of digital music, including music file collection management.
Each edition of Mandriva Linux 2006 is available for both 32-bit and 64-bit platforms. In addition to an extensive choice of software, all 2006 Official versions come with many pre-packaged commercial plugins such as Flash® & Java? players, NVIDIA® and ATI™ drivers and many others. "When you think of desktop Linux, Mandriva really is the reference platform. With the integration of Lycoris technology, you'll be hard pressed to find a system that surpasses the ease of use and the attractive interface of Discovery/Lx," said Joseph Cheek, founder of Lycoris.

Unparalleled mobility features
With official support for the Intel® Centrino? mobile technology, Mandriva 2006 enables consumers to take advantage of the latest generation of notebooks, boasting sleek designs and lower power consumption. Additionally, support for Wi-Fi has been improved, with seamless roaming as one switches from one network to another.

New server tools
Mandriva is also a powerful operating system for server functions. The 2006 version integrates both high availability server functionality and an auto-installation server feature.
High availability option allows organizations to build fault-tolerant infrastructures, providing the benefit of easily duplicating one server configuration to another, as well as allowing new machines to take over when one server is down or unavailable. The auto-install server feature enables systems administrators to manage an entire network flexibly and powerfully by choosing which software goes on what machine.
"We have managed to keep the best from Mandriva and Conectiva in this new system. Our server functions in Mandriva 2006 are now even more robust," declared Jaques Rosenzvaig, Head of Mandriva's operations in Latin America (and former Conectiva CEO). Mandriva Linux 2006 product information:
https://mandriva.com/individuals/products/2006

Availability
Mandriva Linux 2006 is available right now in three packs and as paid downloads. Users can immediately pre-order Discovery/Lx, PowerPack, and PowerPack+ at the Mandriva store.
Paid download versions are also available at the Mandriva Store. http://store.mandriva.com

About Mandriva
Mandriva, formerly known as Mandrakesoft, is the publisher of the popular Mandriva Linux operating system, one of the most full-featured and easy to use Linux systems. The company offers its enterprise, government and educational customers a complete range of GNU/Linux and Open Source software and related services. Mandriva products are available in more than 140 countries through dedicated channels and also from store.mandriva.com, the company's online store.
"Born on the Internet" in late 1998, Mandriva has offices in the United States, France and Brazil. Mandriva is traded on Paris Euronext Marché Libre (ISIN Code: FR0004159382/MLMAN; Reuters code: MAKE.PA) and the US OTC market (stock symbol MDKFF).
mandriva.com
Press Contact: Kadjo N'Doua press at mandriva.com / + 33 1 40 41 67 67