Mandriva Free 2007 Spring

Mandriva has a reputation of a Linux distribution that is easy to use without sacrificing features. Mandriva Spring 2007 includes some new software as well as the Metisse desktop software.

The Wengophone software is for making telephone calls over the internet using the Sip standard. These calls are often cheaper than using an ordinary telephone.

A Linux version of Google Picasa is included. Picasa organises and edits digital photos. Google Earth is also installed.

Nintendo Wii owners can use their joystick with Mandriva Linux 2007 Spring instead of a regular joystick with Linux games.

There is new software for improving the way that Mandriva is configured, including Drakvirt for virtualisation (running a different operating system from within Mandriva).

The Metisse desktop is now included, allowing windows to be rotated to save desktop space.

Other updated software includes:

• X.org 7.2
• KDE 3.5.6
• GNOME 2.18
• Openoffice.org 2.1
• Mozilla Firefox 2.0
• Mozilla Thunderbird 2.0

As usual, Mandriva Linux 2007 Spring is available in five editions:
Free (the purely free Mandriva Linux), One (the live/install CD),
Discovery (for Linux beginners), Powerpack (for advanced users) and
Powerpack+ (for small businesses).

System requirements:

• CPU: Any Intel or AMD processor – dual-core supported
• Ram: 256 MB minimum, 512 MB recommended
• DVD drive required
• Video Card: Nvidia, ATI, Intel® i8xx and i9xx, Sis, Matrox, Via. 3D desktop features requires Nvidia Geforce or later, ATI Radeon 7000 or later, or Intel i810 to i965.
• Sound Card: Any Sound Blaster-compatible card and AC97 – please note that Creative Labs X-Fi cards are not currently supported.
• Minimum hard disk space: 3GB for a smooth installation – 4GB if you plan to use KDE 4.
• Serial ATA: Most controllers supported in non-Raid mode and some in Raid mode.