Overview

Mandriva Linux, originally released as Mandrake Linux, was a Linux distribution aimed at desktop users. The project emphasized simplicity, graphical configuration tools and out-of-the-box hardware support. For the plant of the same name see Mandrake. For information about Linux distributions in general see Linux distribution.

Characteristics and components

Mandriva combined an RPM package base with a custom dependency resolver and installer. Notable features included:

  • Package management: RPM packages managed by the urpmi frontend, designed to simplify installation and updates.
  • Desktop focus: KDE was the default environment for many releases, with GNOME and other desktops also available.
  • Graphical system tools: A suite often referred to as "drakxtools" or "drakconf" provided point-and-click configuration for networking, users, printers and system services.
  • Editions: The project issued multiple editions over time (Free, One, Powerpack and others) to meet different needs from free community builds to commercial bundles with extra software and support.

History and development

Founded in the late 1990s by Gaël Duval, Mandrake sought to make Linux approachable for new users by packaging a polished desktop and easy installers. In 2005 the company identity evolved to Mandriva after corporate mergers and changes. The project maintained both a company-led commercial track and community-driven releases for many years. The last official Mandriva release occurred in August 2011.

Uses, forks and legacy

Mandriva was widely used by home users and small organizations that wanted a ready-to-run Linux desktop. When company layoffs and organizational changes affected the developer community, several forks and successors emerged: Mageia (founded by former Mandriva contributors) and OpenMandriva are two prominent examples that continued development of the distribution’s ideas and tools.

End of commercial activity and notable facts

Commercial operations faltered in the 2010s. In May 2015 the company entered administration and its website went offline; many former developers had already moved on to community forks. Mandriva is remembered for lowering the barrier to entry for desktop Linux during a formative period and for popularizing a set of user-oriented tools that influenced later distributions.