Tweaking Linux

Mandriva 2009.0 [Alpha 2] Released

After an internal test version, the second (but first public) alpha release of Mandriva Linux 2009.0, unexpectedly announced as 2009 Spring Alpha 2, is hitting the mirror servers.

This alpha introduces several significant changes, most obviously the inclusion of KDE 4 - 4.1 beta 2, specifically - as the default version of KDE, and the latest development version of GNOME, 2.23.4. The kernel has also been updated to release 2.6.26rc7. We emphasize that the KDE change is a major one that is not yet entirely completed and likely to cause many bugs. As always - but more importantly than ever - not to use pre-releases in any critical situation; install them only on a test system or partition, or in a virtual machine.

Plans that will be implemented in 2009.0 Final : -

Improved boot time
Optional automatic removal of 'orphans' (no longer required packages) in the package management tools
The use of the increasingly popular and fast-maturing PackageKit and PolicyKit technologies
Improvements to the Mandriva Windows migration and parental control tools
A live distribution upgrade mode for MandrivaUpdate
A new design for the installer
Migration to KDE 4, OpenOffice.org 3, and Firefox 3
Splashy will replace Boot Splash
Live Upgrade (Same as Ubuntu Update Manager )

Development planning:The following editions are planned for each pre-release:

Free : x86-32 and x86-64 DVDs, x86-32 CD, dual x86-32 / x86-64 Mini CD - 100% free / open source software
One : KDE and GNOME x86-32 CDs, including proprietary drivers