Delayed 2 days, the last development version of Mandriva Linux 2009 was announced a few hours ago. Mandriva 2009 RC2 is the first Linux distribution to deliver the just released GNOME 2.24 desktop environment. Another breathtaking feature introduced with this version is the implementation of the LUKS encryption system into the diskdrake tool and the installer, which means that Mandriva Linux will allow everyone to encrypt their partitions from the installer. Moreover, Mandriva 2009 RC2 brings support for the Intel G41 graphics chipset, netbook hardware, new artwork and improved boot speed. The development cycle of Mandriva 2009 will conclude with the final release in early October. With the 2009 edition, Mandriva Linux will try to compete with the upcoming Ubuntu 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex), and even to "steal" some of their devoted users. The following features will be part of Mandriva 2009:

· Linux kernel 2.6.27
· X.Org 7.4
· GNOME 2.24
· KDE 4.1.1
· Firefox 3.0
· The GIMP 2.5
· OpenOffice.org 3.0
· Support for encrypted partition in the installer
· Improved boot speed
· Improved DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support) management
· Improved language selection
· Implementation of the PolicyKit and PackageKit technologies
· Improvements to the Mandriva Windows Migration and Parental Control utilities
· Live Upgrade (same as Ubuntu's update-manager tool)
· initscript improvements
· Splashy
· Support for Netbooks hardware
· Support for the Intel G41 graphics chipset
· and also lots of desktop improvements and new artwork!

We've just tested this release candidate (the GNOME Live CD edition), and here is the screenshot tour for Mandriva 2009 RC2 with the brand new GNOME 2.24 desktop environment:






Mandriva 2009 Release Schedule:

June 25, 2008 - Alpha 1 release
July 10, 2008 - Alpha 2 release
July 29, 2008 - Beta 1 release
August 20, 2008 - Beta 2 release
September 4, 2008 - Release Candidate 1
September 25, 2008 - Release Candidate 2
October 9, 2008 - Official Public release of Mandriva 2009

Mandriva 2009 will be delivered, as usual, on 100% FREE edition CDs and DVDs for 32bit and 64bit platforms, and the One edition, with KDE 4 and GNOME 2.24 Live CDs.

Download Mandriva 2009 RC2 right now from Softpedia. Users are encouraged to upgrade their existing Mandriva installation and to test this final development release. However, do NOT install it on important production machines! Please report bugs to the Mandriva Bug Tracker.

Also, you can download the stable release, Mandriva 2008.1, right now from Softpedia.