Second-tier Linux makers release new products

Mandriva and Ubuntu, two significant but second-tier versions of Linux, each released major updates Thursday.

Ubuntu, which has risen to prominence only recently, released its third version, numbered 5.10 and also called Breezy Badger. Also arriving is Mandriva 2006, which comes in three versions: Discovery/Lx for beginners, PowerPack for more advanced personal computer users and PowerPack+ for servers. The products cost about $54, $96 and $239, respectively.

Ubuntu is available for free, but a start-up called Canonical that sponsors the project sells support.

Mandriva said its new versions are notable for their inclusion of support for wireless networking and other features in Intel’s Centrino technology and Skype VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) software. In addition, the versions include software acquired when Mandriva bought the assets of Lycoris in June.

Full story: CNET News.com