Mandriva and Ubuntu, two significant but second-tier versions of Linux, each released major updates on Thursday.
Ubuntu, which has risen to prominence only recently, released its third version, numbered 5.10 and called Breezy Badger. Also arriving is Mandriva 2006, which comes in three versions: Discovery/Lx for beginners, PowerPack for more advanced personal computer users and PowerPack+ for servers. The products cost about $54 (£30), $96 and $239, respectively.
Ubuntu is available for free, but a start-up called Canonical, which sponsors the project, sells support.
Mandriva said its new versions are notable for their inclusion of Skype VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) software and support for wireless networking and other features found in Intel's Centrino technology. The versions include software acquired when Mandriva bought the assets of Lycoris in June.
Mandriva was formed after MandrakeSoft acquired Conectiva, another Linux seller, in February. Mandriva Club members can download the new software; others can order it online.
One new Breezy Badger feature is the Linux Terminal Server Project, which lets organisations set up a computer that provides shared network access and computing services for a group of older PCs.
Also included is the new version 2.0 of the OpenOffice.org 2.0 software suite; the latest GNOME 2.12 user interface and, in the case of an Ubuntu offshoot called Kubuntu, KDE 3.4.3; support for the Launchpad service to help with translation and bug-fixing; unified driver software Hewlett-Packard all-in-one printers; and support for Oracle's Cluster File System version 2 and Red Hat's Global File System for multiple-server installations.
Ubuntu issues new releases every six months. The next, 6.4, is called Dapper Drake.
Talkback
On what basis do you say that Ubuntu is second tier, second to whom?
It is fairly new but has sparked the greatest interest of any new distro for a very long time. Are you just prejudiced because it is free (in all senses of the word)?
They base "Second Tier" on the fact that Ubuntu is based on Debian. That is where the core code came from. Slow down with your accusations. There is a difference between "Second Tier" and "Second Rate". There was nothing in the article to suggest the latter, so prudence in your post should be used.