Linux vendor Red Hat has released Red Hat Linux 7.1, which includes the new 2.4 Linux kernel with improved symmetric multiprocessing support for Intel multi-processor platforms.
Backing for the new operating system comes from IBM and Dell, both of which will ship the new operating system with their hardware. According to IDC research, Linux is the second fastest growing server operating system (from 1999 to 2000).
"Red Hat Linux is firmly embedded in today`s computing infrastructure. The release of Red Hat Linux 7.1 and the first in a series of Red Hat Network subscription services makes it easy for organisations to quickly realise the benefits of open source computing," says Colin Tenwick, VP and GM, Red Hat Europe.
A new configuration tool aids the administration of DNS, Web and print servers. Installer enhancements provide a graphical Kickstart configuration tool for unattended installation and a new install class for laptop users.
The 2.4 kernel provides significantly improved multiprocessor support, eliminates the PCI bus limit, makes virtual memory effectively limitless, and supports 64GB of physical RAM. The number of supported users and groups has also increased, and a revised scheduler handles more processes. More devices are supported than before, including "hot pluggable" USB devices.
Red Hat Network Software Manager delivers errata alerts so users are automatically notified of new errata and RPM updates that provide notification of new RPM packages.
Secure default settings keeps ports closed and Internet utilities inactive until needed. A new firewall screen enables the user to turn on or off as many features as desired.
Desktop choices include updated GNOME and KDE, popular graphical environments where users can choose their preferred desktop, and Mozilla, a Web browser, e-mail client and news reader that provides a complete open source Web and messaging client.
Red Hat Linux 7.1 is available in two retail versions: Deluxe and Professional. Both include the Red Hat Linux operating system, installation manual, support, Red Hat Network, productivity applications (some trial versions and some full), StarOffice Office Suite, Loki Games CD and user guides. The Deluxe version offers 60 days of Red Hat Network Software Manager for up to five systems and 60 days of telephone and Web support.
Professional offers 90 days of Red Hat Network Software Manager for up to 10 systems and 90 days of telephone and Web support. Red Hat Linux 7.1 Professional also includes support for Software RAID configuration and Apache and BIND configuration.
The suggested retail price for Deluxe will be lb59.15, while the Professional version will cost lb147.89.
Both versions are available for order immediately from europe.redhat.com and through retail outlets worldwide from 24 April.
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