Software News

New Knoppix 3.7

Knoppix creator Klaus Knopper has released Version 3.7 of the Knoppix Live CD. Knoppix 3.7 supports booting with either Linux kernel 2.4.27 or 2.6.9. The release includes updates to many of the packages included with Knoppix. Changes include improved Java support, support for more graphics cards, and a new tool for configuring and managing ISDN connections. Version 3.7 uses the KDE 3.3.1 desktop. In a related story, the Knoppix project announced they will begin releasing two versions of the Knoppix Live CD this summer. According to Knopper, "We will split the mainstream edition of Knoppix into two versions: a `maximum' DVD edition with a complete Debian installation, and a `light' edition on a CD, containing the most popular desktop and server software only, for older computers or smaller systems that don't have a bootable DVD drive yet." According to ZDnet, Knopper says he spends most of his time keeping up with hardware development. "It would be extremely helpful if vendors would just publish example driver source code for new hardware under a free license, but most of them just wait for Linux developers to find out everything on their own." Knopper said he is working with the linaccess project on a live CD for the vision-impaired that provides speech output and audible menus. http://www.knoppix.org

Meeting Maker

Meeting Maker, Inc. has released Version 8.5 of the Meeting Maker calendaring and scheduling tool. This release, which has been dubbed the "Millennium" edition, supports add-on modules for Microsoft Outlook connectivity and enhanced LDAP integration. The Meeting Maker Connector for Outlook add-on lets Meeting Maker users collaborate with Outlook users. The LDAP Integration module lets Meeting Maker take advantage of LDAP centralized authentication and directory service features. In addition to the native Meeting Maker application, Version 8.5 also provides an HTML-based client that lets users access calendar and scheduling information remotely through a standard web browser. Meeting Maker also supports synchronization with several types of mobile devices. Meeting Maker Millennium Version 8.5 starts at US$ 95 per user plus server and maintenance fees. Meeting Maker's Connector for Outlook and LDAP tools are available for an additional charge. http://www.meetingmaker.com

Mandrakelinux Corporate Server & Desktop

Mandrakesoft announced the release of the enterprise-ready Linux products Corporate Server and Corporate Desktop. Corporate Server and Desktop are highly adapted Linux systems for the corporate environment. Corporate Server is based on Linux kernel 2.6. The system, which is designed to provide easy configuration of common network services, includes built-in wizards for configuring web servers, file servers, directory servers, and other server applications. Several proprietary Mandrakesoft tools provide maintenance and monitoring. Corporate Desktop is Mandrakesoft's candidate for a professional Linux desktop system. Along with the usual Linux client and productivity applications, Corporate Server comes with several enhancements, such as LDAP tools and built-in Active Directory support. Commercial software bundled with the system includes Citrix and NX clients and CodeWeavers CrossOver Office. http://www.mandrakesoft.com

Crossover Office 4.1

CodeWeavers has released Version 4.1 of the popular CrossOver Office application. CrossOver Office is a tool that lets Windows applications run under Linux. According to CodeWeavers, CrossOver Office supports more than 35 Windows applications, including Microsoft Office, Visio, Internet Explorer, Quicken, Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, QuickTime, Lotus Notes, Flash, and Windows Media Player. CrossOver Office does not actually include or recreate the functionality of these Windows-based applications. The purpose of CrossOver Office is to provide an intermediate compatibility layer. You must still obtain a separate license for any Windows application you use with CrossOver Office. Version 4.1 includes improvements to CrossOver Office's support for iTunes. According to the company, improvements to the iTunes support are "dramatic," especially on Linux 2.6 kernel systems. This release also provides improved fonts for Microsoft Office applications, improved save and restore state behavior, and better handling of Windows to Linux associations. CodeWeavers also points to improvements with the installer, including better error reporting and several bug fixes. CrossOver Office is based on the Wine project, an Open Source API for supporting Windows applications in Linux. Some Linux distributions, such as Suse and Xandros, include a version of CrossOver Office. The Standard edition of CrossOver Office is available for download at US$ 39.95. The Professional edition, which includes a multi-user mode, enhanced deployment features, and an extended service agreement, costs US$ 74.95. http://www.codeweavers.com

Mysql Tools

MySQL AB released a set of query and administration tools for database developers and admins. The MySQL Query Browser is a graphical tool for creating database queries. Query Browser features a toolbar for quick access to tables and tools, a table editor, a results window where users can compare and manage results from multiple queries, and a script editor for creating, editing, and debugging SQL scripts. MySQL Administrator is a tool for managing and monitoring SQL environments. A database administrator can manage tasks such as server configuration, user administration, backup and restore, logging, and status monitoring from a single graphical interface. MySQL Query Browser and MySQL Administrator are available under a dual licensing model. You can download GPL versions of the tools for no cost. A commercial license for the two tools together is listed at US$ 295. http://www.mysql.com