July 31, 1998

We are pleased to announce MkLinux Developer Release 3 (DR3).

DR3 includes support for even more PowerPC based Macintoshes than ever
before.  In addition to the early PowerMacs (6100, 7100, 8100) and first-
generation PCI systems (7200, 7500, 7600, 8500, 9500), DR3 also runs on
the second-generation PCI systems (7300, 8600, 9600), a few PowerBooks
(3400, early G3), and even a few of the later Performas.  It will even
run, to a limited extent, on the latest G3 Desktops, Mini-towers, and
PowerBooks.  Be sure to check the hardware list of known MkLinux-capable
machines (on http://www.mklinux.apple.com) to see if your favorite CPU
is listed.

As always, MkLinux will be available both on CD-ROM and by anonymous FTP.
The CD-ROMs are in production now and will soon be available from Prime
Time Freeware (PTF).  PTF also publishes Apple Computer's Reference
Release of MkLinux for the Power Macintosh, entitled:

  "MkLinux: Microkernel Linux for the Power Macintosh"

The Reference Release is a set (book, 2 CD-ROMs, and a Free Update card)
containing everything you need to get started with MkLinux.  For more
information on obtaining the MkLinux DR3 CD-ROM or the Reference Release,
visit PTF's web site (http://www.ptf.com).

NOTE:  PTF invites owners of the Reference Release to FILL OUT and mail
=====  in their Free Update cards NOW.  If you sent in a card already,
       and your address has changed (sigh), email a note giving your old
       and current addresses to PTF (info@ptf.com).


Alternatively, you can download the entire MkLinux DR3 release by FTP:

        ftp://ftp.mklinux.apple.com/pub/DR3/

Generally, you should use a mirror site closer to you.  For the list of
MkLinux FTP mirror sites, check the file:

        ftp://ftp.mklinux.apple.com/pub/Mirrors

As before, we strongly suggest that you get the CD-ROM.  The base DR3
download (partitioning tools, booting and kernel pieces, and main
package set) is approximately 160 MB.  The entire DR3 FTP download
(including sources) is approximately 800 MB!

For more information on current and future developments with MkLinux, be
sure to visit Apple's MkLinux Web site (http://www.mklinux.apple.com).


Enhancements and Differences from DR2.1
---------------------------------------

DR3 is quite different from our last full release, DR2.1.  The DR3 instal-
lation procedure is based on Red Hat Linux, the popular Linux distribution
from Red Hat Software.  During the installation, you have the flexibility
to pick and choose exactly which software packages you want.

Specifically, MkLinux DR3 is modeled after Red Hat Linux 5.0, but many
of its included software packages are based on more recent versions than
Red Hat Linux 5.0!

DR3 has several other advantages over DR2.1:

  - All packages are based on shared libraries.

  - The MkLinux server code is based on Linux 2.0.33.

  - DR3 uses the standard Linux EXT2 filesystem (and filesystem tools!).

  - DR3 supports several new platforms, including some Performas and
    PowerBooks

  - DR3 provides support for audio (on some Macintosh models).

  - DR3 provides support for Multi-processor operation by some Macintosh
    models and certain MP replacement CPU cards.

  - The entire DR3 system was built with the more efficient EGCS compiler.

  - Finally, DR3 provides many bug fixes and performance enhancements.


DR3 has been in development for more than a year.  We know that many of
you have been waiting patiently for this release.  We're confident that
you'll be impressed with DR3, and hope that you will agree that it has
been worth the wait.

Happy MkLinuxing!

The Apple MkLinux Team