“VIA users should test this kernel carefully. It has what are supposed to be
the right fixes for the VIA hardware bugs. Obviously the right fixes are not
as tested as the deduced ones.” More details from Alan Cox in a post at LWN.net.

The Softpanorama Open Source Educational Society has an in-depth “unauthorized” biography of Linus Torvalds online. Included are quotes from Linus’ mother Mikke and father Nils, recollections from friends and colleagues, and a few newspaper clippings for background.

Two new Debian advisories from Help Net Security: “The kernels used in Debian GNU/Linux 2.2 have been found to have multiple security problems (details)” and “The exuberant-ctags packages as distributed with Debian GNU/Linux 2.2 creates temporary files insecurely (details).”

Two new Debian advisories from Help Net Security: “The kernels used in Debian GNU/Linux 2.2 have been found to have multiple security problems (details)” and “The exuberant-ctags packages as distributed with Debian GNU/Linux 2.2 creates temporary files insecurely (details).”

– By Jeff Field –

It seems it’s removable storage month on NewsForge; I have reviewed two CD-RW drives, and here I review another popular form of removable storage, the Iomega Zip 250. A few years ago, when CD-Rs were expensive and uncommon, zip disks were all the rage.
Offering more storage at faster speeds than floppy drives, zip disks made perfect sense; and they were quickly adopted. In order to compete with the increasing number of CD-RW drives being sold, Iomega has introduced the Zip 250 — but how does it compare to CD-RWs?

The drive
The drive itself is certainly different from those Iomega used to make. It is sleek and translucent, a real 180-degree change from the solid-blue giant Zip 100 drives. The drive reads and writes both Zip 100 and Zip 250 disks, although Zip 100 disks write significantly slower than Zip 250 disks. It is slim and portable enough to not be a burden in a laptop bag or even in a coat pocket. Unfortunately, the drive does not pull power from the USB cable, so you must carry along the power cable, which while relatively small, is something that could be improved on.

Installing the drive is relatively simple, just plug it into a power source and then plug the USB cable into the port on your PC. Linux recognizes the zip drive via the usb-storage module, which can be loaded from the command line via “insmod usb-storage”. Once the module is loaded, it picks up the drive, displays information about it and assigns it a device ID, in this case /dev/sda, with the partition on /dev/sda4.

I mounted the existing FAT partition on the disks (mount -tvfat /dev/sda4 /mnt/zip) in order to perform the tests. I decided to use FAT even though it may be inferior to ext2 or Reiser or any number of Linux FS types, because FAT is the most common FS type. Also, because removable media is generally shared, I imagine most users will use this drive as a FAT disk.

Documentation
Documentation was included in HTML form on a CD that is focused on Windows. Little of the information on this disc will be useful to a Linux user, except for the problems that deal with the drive itself and not the host operating system. The manual was completely readable in Netscape 4.7 in X, and although well written, the documentation is of little use in our case.

Speed
The following tests were done by mounting the drive as previously mentioned, and reading and writing the same 90.6 megabyte file. Between each test, I rebooted the machine to make sure the cache was not affecting the results. For the write tests, I simply did “time cp ~/xaa /mnt/zip” where xaa was the 90.6 megabyte file. For the read tests, I copied the same 90.6 megabyte file from the zip drive to the hard drive, via the command “time cp xaa ~“. The results here are compared to those of a Plextor 12x and an Acer 4X CD-RW. The Plextor is included because it can be purchased for about $50 more than the zip drive, and the 4x because you can get external USB 4X drives for similar prices as the zip drive.

Speed test results

Drive	Reading	Writing
Zip 250 (250 MB Disk)	0.62MB/s	0.65MB/s
Zip 250 (100 MB Disk)	0.56MB/s	0.15MB/s
Acer 4x4x32	8.14X – 1.19MB/s	3.97x – 0.58MB/s
Plextor 12/10/32A	13.03X, 1.91MB/s	12.16x – 1.78MB/s

Conclusions
As you can see, the zip drive using 250 megabyte disks performs similarly to a 4x CD-ROM. So, is the zip drive worth the money? Zip disk cartridges of 250 megs are $9 on Pricewatch. For the same price, you can buy a 10 pack of CD-RW media, which each hold 650 MBs and will work on nearly every machine made in the last few years.

Also take into consideration that the zip drive media is mechanical, meaning it will be more prone to failure than a CD-RW. Because speed does not seem to be a factor, CD-RW drives are better the zip drive in cost and size as well. I just cannot recommend a zip drive to someone knowing they will end up paying so much more for less. I just picked up 100 CD-Rs for $29.99 after rebate, the same price I would pay for three zip disks. It would seem that the zip drive is now past its prime, and I would strongly recommend against purchasing one. Do yourself a favor and pick up a CD-RW instead. The disks are readable on nearly any PC, they are cheaper, and they hold more. Even Iomega knows that the life of the zip disk will soon be over — its ZipCD CD-RW drive can be found on Pricewatch — certainly a sign of the times.

NewsForge editors read and respond to comments posted
on our discussion
page.

“Objectivity, Inc., the
leading provider of higher performance database engines for the management of
complex data for sophisticated applications, and LynuxWorks, today announced
they have ported Objectivity’s high performance database solution to
LynuxWorks’ LynxOS real-time operating system. The integrated solution has
been deployed into Latus Lightworks’ long-haul optical network transmission
system.” Press release at PR Newswire.

LinuxPlanet reviews NuSphere MySQL, calling it “useful suite of middleware for Linux server deployment.” The reviewer notes that its dependency on a Red Hat distribution and a $299 price tag for “free beer pre-poured into a tall glass” might be hard for veteran Linux administrators to swallow. but that Linux newcomers will find NuSphere a “worthwhile purchase.”

The first beta of Apache HTTP Server 2.0 is out, and ZDNet’s eWEEK Labs weighs in with a review. The reviewer tested the first beta version (released earlier this month) on both NT Server 4.0 and Red Hat 7.0, noting that “in general, the software is quite usable,” even for code that could be beta for at least another six months.

Red Hat 7.1 is out, with the 2.4 kernel built in. Red Hat’s got lots of mirrors, so get in early and be the first on your block to have it. Here’s the list of mirrors: http://www.redhat.com/download/mirror.html.

“Red Hat Network Software Manager delivers Errata Alerts so users are automatically
notified of new Errata and RPM updates that provide notification of new RPM
packages.”

For Immediate Release

For more information:
Melissa London                             Scott MacKenzie/Maribel Lopez
Red Hat, Inc.                                    Schwartz Communications for Red Hat
(919) 547-0012                                 (781) 684-0770
melissa@redhat.com                         redhat@schwartz-pr.com

RED HAT ANNOUNCES RED HAT LINUX 7.1 WITH 2.4 KERNEL

Kernel Update Adds Functionality and Unique Red Hat Network Software Manager
Increases Reliability While Reducing the Cost and Effort Required to Deploy and
Manage Internet Infrastructure

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--April 16, 2001--Red Hat, Inc.
(Nasdaq:RHAT), the leader in developing, deploying and managing open source
solutions, announced today the availability of Red Hat Linux 7.1, the latest version of the
world?s most popular open source server operating environment. Red Hat Linux 7.1
includes the new 2.4 kernel with improved SMP support for superior performance on
Intel multi-processor platforms. Red Hat Linux 7.1 also delivers new configuration tools
that enable users to effortlessly set up and administer DNS, Web and print servers.  This
release features Red Hat Network connectivity, including software manager.

"Red Hat Linux is firmly embedded in today?s computing infrastructure. The release of
Red Hat Linux 7.1 and the first in a series of Red Hat Network subscription services
makes it easy for organizations to quickly realize the benefits of open source computing,"
said Matthew Szulik, CEO of Red Hat, Inc. "The elements of Red Hat Linux 7.1 work
together to deliver the most powerful, automated open source operating system for fast-
growing enterprise and Internet infrastructure users."

According to IDC Research, Linux is the second fastest growing server operating system
(from 1999-2000).

New Features and Benefits of Red Hat Linux 7.1

--2.4 Kernel positions Red Hat Linux as an enterprise class operating system. It
provides significantly improved multiprocessor support and support for 4GB userland
process, eliminates PCI bus limit, makes virtual memory effectively limitless,
supports 64 GB of physical RAM, supports greater number of users and groups,
includes revised scheduler to handle more processes, carries increased and improved
device support, as well as an improved multi-threaded network stack.

--Red Hat Network Software Manager delivers Errata Alerts so users are automatically
notified of new Errata and RPM updates that provide notification of new RPM
packages.

--Heightened Security delivers secure default settings that keep ports closed and
Internet utilities inactive until needed. A new firewall screen enables user to turn on
or off as many features as desired for totally customized security.

--Configuration tools make system administration easier than ever with BIND (DNS),
Apache and Print tool.

--Installer enhancements improve the user experience by providing a graphical
Kickstart configuration tool for unattended installation and a new install class for
laptop users.

--Increased internationalization supports global user communities with a fully
translated GNOME interface in Japanese, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

--Desktop Functionality includes updated GNOME & KDE, popular graphical
environments where users can choose their preferred desktop, and Mozilla, a Web
browser, email client and news reader that provides a complete open source Web and
messaging client.

--XFree86 4.0.3 interface supports 2D and 3D graphics.

--USB support for "hot pluggable" devices

--New 200-page Customization Guide

--TUX - world?s fastest web server¹

Holds SPECweb99(TM) benchmark records for 1, 2, 4 and 8 processor machines.¹

For a complete list of new features, visit:
http://www.redhat.com/products/software/linux/rhl_new_features.html

Widespread Industry Adoption

Red Hat has partnered with industry leaders to provide its customers with the best
solutions for Internet computing.  Dell and IBM, leaders in the hardware space, continue
to embrace Red Hat Linux.

"Dell continues to see growing demand for powerful servers, workstations and notebook
computers running Red Hat Linux backed with Red Hat?s industry-leading support," said
Rick Hoffman, director and general manager of Linux Development, Dell Enterprise
Systems Group.  "Red Hat Linux 7.1 offers our enterprise customers the scalability,
performance and power they have been waiting for in their Linux-based infrastructures.
Our direct model and global factory install process will allow us to be one of the first
major systems manufacturers to ship Red Hat Linux 7.1 directly to customers--with no
middleman required."

"With the scalability enhancements in the new 2.4 kernel, Red Hat is delivering the most
robust version of Linux to date," said Dick Sullivan, vice president, Solutions and
Integration Marketing, IBM Software.  "When coupled with the proven enterprise
capability of IBM?s server and software products, including DB2 Universal Database,
WebSphere Application Server, Lotus Domino and the xSeries eServer running Red Hat
Linux 7.1 today, customers and solution providers should see an increase in overall
performance to complement Linux?s cost and reliability advantages."

Pricing (in USD) and Availability for Red Hat Linux 7.1

Red Hat Linux 7.1 is available in three versions; all include the Red Hat Linux operating
system, installation manual, support and Red Hat Network. Red Hat Linux Deluxe and
Professional versions include productivity applications (some trial versions and some
full), StarOffice Office Suite, Loki Games CD and user guides. The versions are:

--Standard:  30 days Web-based support and 30 days Red Hat Network Software
Manager for 1 system. Pricing: $39.95.

--Deluxe: 60 days of Red Hat Network Software Manager for up to 5 systems and 60
days of telephone and Web support. Pricing: $79.95.

--Professional: 90 days of Red Hat Network Software Manager for up to 10 systems
and 90 days of telephone and Web support.  Red Hat Linux 7.1 Professional also
includes support for Software RAID Configuration and Apache and BIND
configuration. Pricing: $179.95.

All versions are available for order immediately from redhat.com and through retail
outlets worldwide beginning April 24.

Red Hat?s comprehensive services and support organization round out an enterprise
solution that delivers the tools and performance necessary to translate the promise of
open source into high-value, scalable Internet infrastructure implementations.

About Red Hat, Inc.
Red Hat is the leader in developing, deploying and managing solutions built on the
benefits of an open source platform. These solutions include an open source product
platform for devices to mainframes, a complete end-to-end set of Professional Services,
and the Red Hat Network as the Internet-based backbone for deployment and
management of the products and services. Red Hat?s open source platform includes the
award-winning Red Hat Linux operating system platform, the Interchange e-Commerce
platform, Stronghold Secure Web Server, Credit Card Verification software, High
Availability Server, GNU-based developer toolkit for embedded development and
embedded run-time Linux, eCOS and RedBoot solutions.

Red Hat backs up their open source offerings with end-to-end services that include: Red
Hat Professional Consulting focused on multi-platform infrastructure and engineering
services; Red Hat Engineering services for software development and porting of the
operating system and for embedded platforms and devices; Red Hat Enterprise support
services for installation services and Web and telephone support and Red Hat Learning
services for Linux certification (RHCE) and courses for Apache, Embedded systems,
Advanced Developer and e-Commerce. Red Hat Network provides Red Hat?s unique
managed services capability to deploy and manage open source products, services,
support and management information on-line in real-time to more cost effectively and
reliably maintain open source-based solutions.

Red Hat is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, N.C. and has offices worldwide.
Please visit Red Hat on the Web at www.redhat.com. For investor inquiries, contact
Gabriel Szulik at Red Hat, 919-547-0012.

# # #

LINUX is a trademark of Linus Torvalds. RED HAT is a registered trademark of Red
Hat, Inc. All other names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Forward-looking statements in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor
provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Investors are
cautioned that statements in this press release that are not strictly historical statements,
including, without limitation, management's plans and objectives for future operations,
and management's assessment of market factors, constitute forward-looking statements
which involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without
limitation, Red Hat's ability to effectively integrate the operations of Planning
Technologies; Red Hat's ability to retain Planning Technologies' traditional customers;
Planning Technologies' inexperience in offering professional consulting services to Linux
customers; Red Hat's lack of experience in managing a large, geographically dispersed,
professional services organization; reliance upon strategic relationships, management of
growth, the possibility of undetected software errors, the risks of economic downturns
generally, and in Red Hat's industry specifically, the risks associated with competition
and competitive pricing pressures, the viability of the Internet, and other risks detailed in
Red Hat's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which may be
accessed through the SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov