Editorial Feature - Mandriva Powerpack 2007
| Published: | Apr 10, 2007 | |||
| Author: | Michael E, Callahan | |||
| Related OS: | Windows / Linux | |||
Linux Distributions: Mandriva
by Michael E. Callahan aka Dr. File Finder
Part of the editorial series on Linux
Brief History of Mandriva
Variations of Linux are called distributions. The distributionnow known as Mandriva was originally called Mandrake. Thefirst version was released in 1998. Mandrake is based on Red Hat,another popular Linux distribution. The goal of Mandrake was to create aversion of Linux that would be a good replacement for Windows. The namewas changed from Mandrake for several reasons. First of all the companylost a trademark suit to the owners of comic book character Mandrake theMagician. At this point the software became MandrakeLinux. The productbecame known as Mandriva in 2005.
Looking At Mandriva
Mandriva Powerpack 2007 is what I evaluated for this series ofarticles. In my opinion Mandriva is perfect for anyone who is reallycontemplating a switch from Windows. The graphical interface isvery easy-to-use. Networking was also very simple and Mandrivaquickly found the other computers in my network.
In working with Mandriva I also found that it quickly detectedhardware installed in my computer. That makes it nice because you don'thave to fiddle with installing hardware manually. Mandriva isvery fast! I like the fact that it supports a range of processorsincluding x86, PowerPC, and x86-64. Nicely done.
Lots Of Extras
Mandriva 2007 comes with lots of software to get you started. Youget tools for working with audio, video, and graphics. You also getFirefox for browsing as well as software for email, chat, and more. Aprogram called RPMDrake makes it easy to install and uninstallsoftware on your machine. It also keeps you current on any updates. Youalso get Cedega which allows you to play a large number of gamesunder Mandriva. I tested this out and played Warcraft withno trouble at all. Slick!
Summing It Up!
Mandriva Powerpack 2007 is a powerful Linux distribution. Itcomes with all the things you need to get you going. It supports a rangeof processor types, has support for 3D desktops, and also supports awide range of hardware. It also has very modest system requirementswhich could explain why it runs so fast and Mandriva is fast!
Mandriva Powerpack 2007 gives you a powerful graphical userinterface and plenty of software. You can download Mandriva forfree. If you want support and a printed manual you can purchase it foronly $85.00. For that you get:
- Dual-Arch DVD (32-bit and 64-bit)
- "Mastering Mandriva Linux" manual
- Mandriva Expert (web support): 2 months
- Mandriva Club trial account: Silver level 1 month
- Brand new Mandriva Linux stickers
That, to me, is an amazing bargain. Mandriva is fast, complete,and secure. If you've been thinking about trying Linux you may want togive Mandriva a try. Download it from the Mandriva site ordownload a version from VMware as a virtual machine.
Since I know I can't adequately explore Mandriva and the otherdistributions of Linux in such a short time, I plan on coming back to itin a few months. At that time I'll have extended reviews for you. Fornow the bottom line is that Mandriva is impressive. Thinkingabout Linux? Then think about Mandriva. I recommend it.
About Michael E, Callahan
Michael E. Callahan, known around the world by the trademarked name Dr. File Finder, is regarded as the world's leading expert on shareware. Dr. File Finder works with software programs and developers full-time, and in the average year he evaluates 10,000 programs. Since 1982 he has evaluated over 250,000 software and hardware products. Mr. Callahan began evaluating software online in 1982 and no one has been at it longer. He currently works doing online PR and marketing for software companies, and is the Senior Content Producer for Butterscotch.Com.
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