Dec 02, 2002
The developers of Mandrake Linux have announced a new offer
targeted directly at those using proprietary operating systems such
as Windows, Mac OS, or BeOS. The "Operating System Refugee Offer,"
as it is known, is reminiscent of proprietary competitors'
competitive upgrade offers, only it boasts an even more dramatic
discount.
In reality, the deal is somewhat of a "sample" offer,
providing the user with the choice of an old Mandrake 8.1 or 8.2 set
with manuals or a 1 CD copy of Mandrake 9.0 for $12.95. The package
also includes a voucher worth $12.95 for those interested in
puchasing Mandrake Linux 9.0 PowerPack, should they decided to do
that after trying the "refugee set."
It should be
said that in
OfB Labs tests of Mandrake Linux 9.0 (which will
be published soon), most of the core software that users will want
is contained on the main CD, so it is possible that users will be
satisfied with the refugee 9.0 CD. In addition, Mandrake's RPMDrake
utility could be used to easily download any additional packages
missing from that CD (as compared to the three CD
set).
To receive the offer, all one has to do is mail
or fax a photocopy of a commercial operating system CD, license
certificate, or the cover of the installation guide. According to
the site, it will take 1-2 days to process the proof-of-ownership
that is remitted, after which the user can finalize their
order.
Interestingly enough, while the offer is most
likely aimed at Microsoft Windows users, the recent proprietization
of GNU/Linux distributions, such as Lindows and Xandros,
theoretically makes users of those systems eligible for the discount
too. As such, this may represent only the second time that a Linux
vendor has offered an incentive to move to their distribution from
another one (Red Hat offered something explicitly aimed at that
purpose earlier this year).
For more information
about the offer, Mandrake has setup a special "Refugee"
page.