General

Red Hat Linux 7.1 Debut

Red Hat, Inc. this week announced the availability of Red Hat Linux 7.1, the latest version of its adaptation of the popular open source server operating environment.

by ISP-Planet Staff [April 17, 2001]

Red Hat Linux 7.1 includes the new 2.4 kernel with improved SMP support for superior performance on Intel multiprocessor platforms. It also delivers new configuration tools designed to enable users to effortlessly set up and administer DNS, Web, and print servers.

Red Hat red hot
Analysts contend that Red Hat is in a solid leadership position to tap into new revenue from fee-based technical support. In a recent report published by internet.com, Michael Pastore, CyberAtlas managing editor, noted that "Red Hat is the most recognizable Linux vendor and the firm's name has become synonymous with the Linux operating system itself."

According to the report, Linux: You Get What You Pay For? nearly 80 percent of all respondents indicated that they were aware of Red Hat's presence in the market. Also, according to IDC more than half of the world's Linux server software comes from Red Hat.

While the open-source Linux operating system has carved out a space in a competitive market segment dominated by computing powerhouses like Microsoft and Sun, Linux has become a popular OS and is the platform of choice behind many of the Internet's Web sites, with Red Hat the Linux supplier of choice.

Matthew Szulik, Red Hat chief executive officer, concurs that 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 organizations to quickly realize the benefits of open source computing," Szulik added.

Essential improvements
The 2.4 Kernel, which aims to position Red Hat Linux as an enterprise-class operating system, is v7.1s major addition. The kernel provides significantly improved multi-processor support. It eliminates the PCI bus limit, makes virtual memory effectively limitless, supports 64 GB of physical RAM and a greater number of users and groups, includes a revised scheduler to handle more processes, and carries increased and improved device support, as well as an improved multi-threaded network stack.

Other updates and enhancements to the 7.1 release include:

• 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.
• Improved security delivers secure default settings that keep ports closed and Internet utilities inactive until needed. A new firewall screen enables users to turn on or off as many features as desired.
• Configuration tools make system administration easier than ever with BIND, Apache and print tools.
• Installer enhancements provide a graphical Kickstart configuration tool for unattended installation and a new install class for laptop users.
• Increased internationalization supports global user communities with a fully translated GNOME interface in Japanese, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Red Hat Linux 7.1 is available in three versions, Standard, Deluxe, and Professional. All three versions include the Red Hat Linux operating system, installation manual, support, and Red Hat Network. Red Hat Linux Deluxe and Professional versions also offer productivity applications—some in trial versions—StarOffice Office Suite, Loki Games CD and user guides.

• Standard comes with 30 days of Web-based support and 30 days access to Red Hat Network Software Manager for one system. It is priced at $39.95.
• Deluxe comes with 60 days of access to Red Hat Network Software Manager for up to five systems, and 60 days of telephone and Web support. It is priced at $79.95.
• Professional includes 90 days of Red Hat Network Software Manager for up to 10 systems, and 90 days of telephone and Web support. This version also provides support for Software RAID Configuration and Apache and BIND configuration. It is priced at $179.95.

All versions will be available for purchase from Red Hat's site and will hit retail outlets worldwide on April 24, 2001

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