The new network tool is dubbed Draknetcenter and is still classed as experimental. It will eventually replace various applications currently used for setting up and managing network connections.

The new main menu has less entries, but introduces subcategories to compensate for this: frequently used applications always appear at the top of each category without assignments to specific desktop environments. Applications that belong to the current desktop appear at top level. Applications that belong to other desktop environments drop down the list to a lower level.

The kernel packages have been renamed to reflect a new specifications file, for example from "kernel" to "kernel-desktop". The distribution features a new "kernel-laptop" package with special power saving options for laptops.

According to the release notes the software versions have not changed compared to the beta released early in August. Different versions are planned for the final Mandriva Linux 2008: GCC 4.2 with 4.3 optional, Gnome 2.20, and a KDE 4 pre-release that reflects the current state of the KDE relaunch.

The release candidate is available from the mirrors for 32 or 64 bit x86 architectures, a three CD version, or a single DVD. There is also a mini version on a single CD.