News

Red Hat Releases 'Severn' Beta

By Eric Steil | Published July 24, 2003, 12:14 AM

On Monday, Red Hat released the first beta of the next version of its Red Hat Linux distribution. Codenamed "Severn," it represents not just a new version but also a major change in the way the distribution is developed.

The beta release includes changes to the installation procedure, as well as enhanced security and notebook support. The kernel includes Exec-shield, which helps limit the severity of buffer overflow exploits, and the ability to prevent loading kernel modules. Along with ACPI support, Severn includes a laptop mode, which allows the hard drive to become idle, increasing battery life.

With the release, Red Hat announced the end of Red Hat Linux as a retail product. Now called the Red Hat Linux Project, the development process has been opened up to the Linux community. Developers are able to contribute and maintain code and documentation, including new software packages. Red Hat plans to base future versions of their commercial products on the new release, and will retain final control over what is added.

Red Hat Linux "Severn" is available for download on FileForum. More information can be found in the release notes.

Comments

View comments by with a score of at least

jrepin
Jul 27, 2003 - 1:52 PM

I have to say I am very impressed. I have it installed for a couple of days now and without any crash or restart. Extremely stable for only a beta. Can't wait for further beta versions. And I like their new program of getting closer to people that are testing their apps. That is what I always liked about Mandrake. A very open approach to development.

Score: 0

|
Post Reply
winger81
Jul 26, 2003 - 12:07 PM

I had problems installing version 9 on my laptop with several things. Just put this (9.0.8x) on my Compaq Presario 900US. The install was flawless. My wireless worked out of the box, USB is fully functional and stability is good so far. No extra commmands had to be passed to start the install, unlike 9. It even recognized and set up the correct video drivers. I have yet to test the video out (have no real use for it), but in all other ways I LIKE IT!!!

Score: 0

|
Post Reply

Report: Microsoft to randomize Europe's browser screen choices

The fact that "A" is for "Apple" was apparently at the heart of browser vendor objections to Microsoft's alternative to listing IE first.

Acer eclipses Dell for #2 spot in global PC shipments, says iSuppli data

It literally does look like a 360-degree turnaround in Dell's fortunes, as the bells of bad tidings now toll solely for Dell.

Microsoft, don't hang up on Windows Mobile, but do call for help

Only a Manhattan Project can save Microsoft's phone strategy now.

See ya later, WinMo: Microsoft's mobile strategy needs a reboot

Carmi Levy | Wide Angle Zoom: Hands up if you're considering upgrading to a Windows phone for the holidays...Anybody?

Will Nokia's plans further alienate American consumers?

A look at Nokia's plans for the coming years does little to shine up the company's increasingly dull image.

Bing bonked by service outage Thursday, Microsoft configured the wrong server

It's always nice to have a backup, but it's even nicer to remember which one is the backup. That's the lesson Bing's admins learned yesterday evening.

Survey reveals there are more women then men, including on social networks

If you think you can market your products and services online as though you're selling car batteries in the middle of halftime, think again. And again.

Android team updates 'Donut' and 'Eclair' SDKs

The Android SDK includes components which optimize app development for each version of the mobile operating system. Today, the 1.6 and 2.0 components got updates.

The Black Screen Syndrome, or, Tech news in search of the apocalypse

Scott Fulton On Point: This is a story about something that should not have been a story, about something that at one time was a story.

Online advertising evolves away from display, toward interactive software

Marketing departments and agencies are increasingly establishing positions for "creative technologists" who can steer designers and developers toward platforms that enable direct connections with consumers.

Comcast deal for NBC Universal is about content, not broadband

Although Comcast is certainly America's largest broadband provider, at least for PCs, in most regards, today's deal with GE may not impact the Internet at all.