Mandriva Linux 2008 Beta 1 Released

Mandriva 2008 Beta 1 includes the following versions of major packages: Kernel 2.6.22, X.org 7.2, KDE 3.5.7 / Gnome 2.19.6, Firefox 2.0.0.6, and Open Office 2.2. 3D desktop effects are provided by the Compiz Fusion compositing manager, which now incorporates developments from Beryl.

GPL drivers are available to support a whole bunch of new hardware, including NVIDIA Geforce 8400 through 8600 graphics cards and the Intel 4965AGN WLAN chipset. This version does not include a number of proprietary components that will be available in the second beta.

The Ntfs-3g module makes NTFS partitions writable. The fact that the installation routine does not allow users to create more than 15 partitions is also new. This is due to the fact that IDE controller drivers are no longer built into the kernel but loaded as modules

A list of changes in the beta version is available on the project's website. The changes planned for the final release of the Mandriva distribution are listed on another wiki site, however, not all of them have been implemented.

The Beta 1 is available as a three CD or single DVD image as a 32 bit version for the x86 architecture only. According to the developers a mini ISO is also available. It simply installs the basic system, but users can install remaining packages from the online repositories.

Mandriva Linux 2008 Beta 1 can be downloaded from any of the mirrors. Testers are invited to provide feedback via the Bugzilla or various Mandriva forums.

Mandriva 2008 is due for release September 27: a further beta and two release candidates are planned in the interim period.