Red Hat Inc. today released the latest version of its flavor of the open-source Linux operating system.
Version 6.1 of the Red Hat Linux OS features a slicker, graphical installation interface, online access to updates and improved system management capabilities, the company said in a statement.
Other features released in the software suite accompanying the Red Hat Linux 6.1 version include an English-language version of Sun Microsystems Inc.'s Star Office 5.1a productivity application suite and full LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) integration, enabling network administrators to manage distributed computing by authenticating and maintaining information about users and network services, the company said.
In addition, Red Hat in the U.S. and Canada also includes 128-bit secure signature technology, with Red Hat public-key verification of the source of Red Hat Linux 6.1 updates.
The Official Red Hat Linux 6.1 is available in a variety of packages, with all boxed packages including an Installation manual and reference guide, the company said. Red Hat Linux 6.1 can also be downloaded from http://ftp.redhat.com.
The boxed versions can be purchased in some retail outlets starting Oct. 18.
Pricing starts at US$29.95 for a Standard package including two operating system CDs, one StarOffice 5.1a CD, 90 days of e-mail support and 30 days of priority online access.
The $79.95 Deluxe package comes with two operating system CDs, one StarOffice 5.1a CD, two workstation application CDs, 30 days of phone support, 90 days of e-mail support and 180 days of priority online access.
At the top end, the Professional package is priced at $149.95. It is available in the U.S. and Canada only, Red Hat said.
Red Hat, in Durham, North Carolina, can be reached on the Web at http://www.redhat.com/.