MandrakeSoft has released Mandrake Linux 9.1 for PowerPC processors. Codenamed “Bamboo,” this release adds all the features found in Mandrake Linux 9.1 available for other processors, including Apache 2, “Zeroconf” networking support (the same open standard that Apple promotes in Jaguar as “Rendezvous”), and support for Wi-Fi.
Based on the Linux kernel 2.4.21, Mandrake Linux 9.1 employs a simplified graphically driven installer, the new “MandrakeGalaxy” theme, anti-aliased font support, and new KDE 3.1 and GNOME 2.2 desktop environments. The software includes XFree86 4.3.0, OpenOffice.org 1.0.2, Mozilla 1.3, Apache 2 and Samba 2.2.7.
Other changes in Mandrake Linux 9.1 for PowerPC include support for Mac-On-Linux, which lets Mac OS or Mac OS X run in full screen mode or in an X window at native speed, now with menu items to launch either; support for laptop function keys to control speaker volume, screen brightness, and so on; the “BenH based alternate kernel,” which fully supports new Apple hardware and provides new sleep code from Apple laptops, according to MandrakeSoft.
Support for Mandrake Linux 9.1 for PowerPC goes all the way back to PCI-equipped PowerPC 604-based beige Macs. The new version is available for download now. If you don’t have the bandwidth or motivation to download and burn 700MB ISO images to CD-R, you can also purchase Mandrake Linux from the Mandrake Store.