Mandrake Linux is famous in the Linux world for providing an easy-to-use yet powerful Linux operating system. These new Mandrake/Microtel systems are loaded with applications for surfing the Web, exchanging e-mail, listening to musical CDs and MP3s, and other functions plus the complete StarOffice® 6.0 office suite. StarOffice 6.0 provides applications for word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, graphics, and database capabilities. StarOffice features an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) and is compatible with files created with other desktop suites, such as MS-Office.

The Mandrake/Microtel systems, available only at www.walmart.com, are completely preconfigured and ready to use. Owners will find everything needed for a productive workstation including:

• Mozilla -- a world-class web browser, news & email reader

• The GIMP -- a powerful image editing program

• GnuCash -- personal finance manager

• XMMS -- a multimedia player with custom "skins" and visualization plugins

• And dozens of games, graphics, sound, video, and educational programs.

Plus, MandrakeSoft's famous graphical configuration utilities -- for setting up hardware peripherals -- are just one click away on the KDE or GNOME desktop.

Advanced users who want to configure their Mandrake/Microtel system as a powerful Linux server will be pleased to know that these systems include the "Mandrake Linux OEM Application" CDs for easily installing & configuring the Apache web server, Samba file & print server, plus many other popular services.

The advantage of buying a Microtel PC preloaded with Mandrake Linux at Walmart.com is two-fold: mainstream shoppers can now enjoy a stable, secure and virus-free computing experience, plus save money at the same time. An equivalent system preloaded with a proprietary OS, proprietary office suite and other equivalent proprietary applications could cost hundreds of dollars more. "This partnership with Microtel & Walmart.com is an important step in the growing worldwide adoption of Mandrake Linux as an alternative operating system, particularly in the USA", said Jacques Le Marois, CEO of MandrakeSoft.

Microtel Computer Systems preloaded with Mandrake Linux operating system will answer a growing demand for affordable and powerful systems. We have worked with MandrakeSoft to make Microtel systems with Mandrake 8.2 and StarOffice 6.0 truly exciting and powerful," said Rich Hindman, Vice President of Microtel Computer Systems. He also added: "Walmart.com has identified a need for choice in the computer industry and once again is bringing choice to the customer by offering computers pre-installed with MandrakeSoft Linux operating system to address the growing Linux market."

About Mandrake Linux

Mandrake Linux is a powerful operating system available for the Intel Pentium®, AMD Athlon®, and PowerPC® processors. Mandrake Linux includes many graphical administration assistants & wizards that make the operating system intuitive and easy to use while providing all the power and robustness of Linux. Hundreds of included applications make Mandrake Linux an ideal solution for both enterprises and individual users. Mandrake Linux is widely known as the most feature-rich, multi-purpose Linux operating system available.

About MandrakeSoft

MandrakeSoft provides a trusted interface between users of information technology and Open Source developers. The company offers its enterprise, government and educational customers a complete range of GNU/Linux and Open Source software and related services, plus user-friendly and highly competitive information technologies. Additionally, MandrakeSoft offers technologists committed to Open Source software and courseware a trusted channel to offer their services.

MandrakeSoft has technologists in over 20 countries, and is traded on Paris Euronext Marche Libre (Euroclear code: 4477.PA; Reuters code: MAKE.PA) and the US OTC market (stock symbol MDKFF). "Born on the Internet" in late 1998, MandrakeSoft has established headquarters in the U.S.A., Montreal, England and France. Please visit the website: https://mandriva.com for more information.

About Microtel

Microtel Computer Systems through its built-to-order business model, designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Microtel desktop PCs are sold through U.S. retailers, System Integrators, and VARS/VADS. Visit www.buymicrotel.com for more information.