This is the followup to part one of the Mandriva 2006 Review. Next to a discussion of the features of Mandriva Linux 2006, the used software and hardware, the installation of the system and the first impressions (including some benchmark numbers), part one includes a background article on Linux software installation. That section was generally well received, but unfortunately some people didn't get the point.
It was never supposed to 'prove' that software installation on Linux is more intuitive than on other platforms, nor did it make a point about the Linux system installation. In fact, the only point to the article was to explain the background of Linux software installation just as one might explain the constellation system of automatic gears in cars to those who only have knowledge of manual gearboxes and can't imagine a simpler and easier-to-use system.
This review is subtitled "the Desktop Linux Showcase" which hints that it's not going to be a regular review about Mandriva Linux 2006 - I will certainly mention the strong and weak points about Mandriva Linux 2006, and report how things work in everyday use. But on top of that, I have decided to add some (well, a lot) more information; first, you will find an article within this review, about the background of the software repositories and software installation on Linux. This will be illustrated and explained with Mandriva Linux specific tools, but most of the information is valid for all major Linux distributions.
It's not often that you see a desktop operating system aimed at power users. Usually an experienced user is expected to build the operating system from the command line ala FreeBSD, Gentoo, Debian, Slackware, or Linux From Scratch; or to spend hours customizing one of the totally GUI-controlled distros like SUSE or Xandros. Either of those options can take hours of research, config file hacking, and software downloading and installing. Mandriva Linux PowerPack Edition is quite a departure from both of those scenarios -- it allows the experienced user to easily make the OS into exactly what he wants without all the extra "new user" stuff.
Mandriva 2006 offers 12,000 free software packages -- take your pick. MozillaQuest Magazine (mozillaquest.com) reports: Today you get a good overview of installing and removing software to and from a Mandriva Linux system using the MCC Software Management tab -- with a little bit of tutorial and how-to thrown in. Mandriva's Software Management tools make Installing and removing software easy, simple, and efficient -- as easy as just a few mouse clicks.
As you know Mandriva 2006.0 was released to club members on October 6, and then it was released to the general public yesterday, October 13. It is available at the time of this writing only as an ftp install. No word at this time of when isos will be made public but if you can download an iso, then you can do an ftp install. In fact, I prefer ftp installs in a way because you only have to download the packages you actually need. In addition, when you define a mirror for your ftp install, the information is usually stored for later and continued use through urpmi. In addition one doesn't need to waste more cdrs to have to dispose of later. Ftp is the way to go.
As we followed Mandriva through the 2006.0 development cycle we found many new features and vast improvements in other areas. Today we summarize the operating system that Mandriva 2006 has become.
Mandriva Linux 2006 now is available to the public for paid downloading. However, Mandriva's Gaël Duval (founder of Mandriva Linux, originally Mandrake Linux) and MozillaQuest Magazine's (mozillaquest.com) Mike Angelo discuss the trick to legally downloading Mandriva 2006 for free (as in free beer) now and installing Mandriva 2006 now, before the free download ISOs are made available on the Mandriva mirrors. Moreover, this trick gives you access to more than 12,000 Mandriva 2006 packages on the Mandriva mirrors. Mandriva 2006 replaces Mandriva Limited Edition 2005, aka Mandrake Linux 10.2.
Look no further for the best in Linux, Mandriva Linux is now available for everyone.
As the convergence between three leading technologies (Mandriva,Conectiva and Lycoris), Mandriva 2006 offers the ultimate in Linux fora wide array of computing requirements, such as office, multimedia,Internet and server use. It is the only Linux distribution to becertified for Intel? Centrino mobile technology and to offer completeintegration of the Skype free calls service. The latest Mandriva isavailable in three editions: Discovery/Lx (for the Linux beginner),PowerPack (for the advanced computer user) and PowerPack+ (for smalloffice users).
2006 is the ultimate version of Mandriva Linux. It is the fruit of the convergence of three technologies: Mandriva, Conectiva and Lycoris. Mandriva Linux 2006 is also more easy-to-use, more user-friendly and more powerful. It is ideal for the needs of all customers, from the beginner to the SOHO user.
Looks like the 'Early Seeders' have been given access to the bittorrent files for Mandriva 2006. Here is the explanation of 'Early Seeders' from the Mandriva Club site:
The idea here is to form a group of members who volunteer to act as torrent seeders for a few weeks following releases, and to help the initial flood of demand. Early seeders will be given slightly early access to releases so they can download them and be in a position to seed them as soon as the release announcement is made.
French Linux builder Mandriva and NEC computers have announced a joint initiative to develop customised Linux solutions for the corporate and public sectors.
NEC already runs a variety of Linux platforms on its Express5800 server range, mainly Red Hat, but also Novell SUSE and Japan's Turbolinux.
However, the deal inked with Mandriva will see the open source operating system deployed beyond servers and into desktops and notebooks.
