The new version includes a "supermount" feature that lets programmers skip traditional commands to access removable media such as CD-ROMs. It also has integrated intrusion-detection tools and utilities, encrypted communications support, encrypted file systems and secured authentication features.
A free download edition is available now, the company said this week. Retail versions, which include support, can be pre-ordered at the company's Web site for prices ranging from US$30 to US$199.
The software has been certified to comply with the Linux Standard Base 1.2, a group of guidelines set up by the Free Standards Group to ensure that different versions of Linux will be compatible with one another.
MandrakeSoft is one of a number of companies that offer versions of the Linux operating system. In general, the OS is available for free, but customers pay extra for support and some added features.
MandrakeSoft, which went public in France last year, has suffered a few financial problems. In March, it asked customers to join a "users club" to help raise funds.
The company has had success on other fronts, though. MandrakeSoft recently signed a deal with Wal-Mart to have a version of its software pre-installed on a line of computers sold at the retail giant.
Mandrake is the best distro for beginners.
People wanting to evaluate Linux should definitively put Mandrake to the test.
The word usability is unknown to some of the other Linux companies.