Mandrake Linux 8.1 represents a significant step toward a serious, reliable alternative to Microsoft Windows' server and desktop operating systems. This latest version offers numerous server-based features that IT managers will find extremely attractive, and invaluable support features for system administrators, as well as an extremely user-friendly desktop environment, loaded with numerous applications and utilities.
Mandrake 8.1 is one of the most advanced Linux releases on the market. The product uses the "enterprise" kernel 2.4.8 and supports SMP systems (globally limited to a maximum of 32 CPUs by NR_CPUS in include/linux/threads.h) and more than 1G of RAM. With these kernel-level features, Mandrake 8.1 can handle computationally intensive tasks and can run on high-end server hardware. (For compatibility with older applications, the 2.2.10 kernel is also available.)
If Linux is to make serious inroads in mission-critical server environments, it must offer Journalized File System (JFS) support. A JFS is important for mission-critical business environments, as it provides a high level of data integrity and helps to reduce downtime due to data corruption or hardware failure. While other vendors of Linux operating systems have been slow to adopt JFS, Mandrake 8.1 supports several variations, including Ext3, ReiserFS, XFS and the standard JFS. Such support gives IT managers who are evaluating Mandrake alongside other Linux OSes (or Windows) an additional reason to choose Mandrake as a mission-critical server OS.
Mandrake 8.1 offers a full contingent of utilities to aid in the administration of the server environment. Administrators will appreciate the time they save using Mandrake's auto-install feature, which lets you duplicate servers easily, and deploy multiple, identical server configurations from any secure-browser-enabled computer on the network. Also, Mandrake's automated software management tools let you deploy application updates with little effort.
In terms of server deployment, pre-installation planning for Mandrake is especially important if you intend to provide file and print sharing through Samba. Mandrake 8.1 includes a special version of Samba that, when used with the latest kernel and an XFS file system, lets you use access control lists (ACLs)--like those found in Windows NT--to ensure file- and directory-level security.
Although the adoption of Linux on the desktop continues to be slow in the corporate space--primarily due to a lack of commercial application support--Mandrake 8.1 also provides a collection of useful desktop applications, including GNOME 1.4.1 (with Nautilus 1.04 and Evolution 1.0 Beta 3), KDE 2.2.1, KOffice 1.1 and StarOffice 5.2 (included with purchased versions). Other useful end-user applications include GIMP 1.2.2 (for high-end image editing), Web browsers Netscape Communicator and Mozilla 0.9.4, and Gnomemeeting 0.11 (for NetMeeting-like functionality).
Several editions of Mandrake 8.1 are available. The Download Edition costs AU$10 from EverythingLinux (there are three discs in the set). There are three commercial distributions of Mandrake 8.1: the Standard Edition (AU$55), similar to the Download Edition but available only through retail outlets; PowerPack Edition (AU$129), aimed at power users; and the ProSuite Edition, appropriate for server deployment (AU$249, will buy two server CDs and two manuals).
The principle differences between the boxed sets lies in the level of technical support offered and number of application CDs included. For example, the Standard Edition includes three CDs--two for installation and a third containing nine commercial applications and utilities, including StarOffice 5.2, Sun's Java 2 SDK, and Kaspersky Anti-Virus software. The PowerPack includes seven CD-ROMs--the three above plus another for commercial applications (with apps such as Adobe Acrobat Reader and JBuilder 4), an extra disk of open source applications, and two with additional source-code. The ProSuite includes nine CD-ROMs and one DVD-ROM. It contains everything in PowerPack bundle plus an additional CD with 10 more commercial applications.
In terms of support, the boxed sets include free technical support. Standard includes 30-day subscriptions to both MandrakeOnline, an online service that delivers customised alerts and software updates, and MandrakeExpert, another subscription service that provides online technical support from Mandrake's support staff and affiliate organisations. PowerPack offers 30 days of phone support and a 60-day subscription to the online service. The ProSuite offers 60 days of phone support and extends the online support to 90 days. All three editions include online documentation and an installation guide, but only PowerPack and ProSuite include a reference manual. And the ProSuite Edition features "Extended Server Support" which offers support for Web, mail, and FTP servers.
Mandrake Linux 8.1 is an excellent choice for organisations seeking an advanced viable, stable, alternative to Windows-based servers. While its utility as an alternative desktop is still dependent upon (growing) commercial application support, Mandrake's server environment is an excellent--and affordable--option for use as an Internet gateway or file and print server for Windows (and Linux) clients. The applications and utilities included with it are highly useful, and its support offerings are more than adequate for corporate server deployments. Also, its support for ACLs (with XFS) enhances Mandrake's capabilities as a file/print server in NT environments. Organisations looking for ways to lower their server costs would be well advised to evaluate this latest offering from Mandrake.
Mandrake Linux 8.1
Company: MandrakeSoft
| Price: |
• ProSuite AU$249 • PowerPack AU$129 • Standard AU$55 |
Distributor: EverythingLinux
Phone: (02) 9272
6%
1%
