Apple Announces Developer Release of MkLinux, Linux for Power Macintosh

WWDC, SAN JOSE. California--May 17, 1996--Apple Computer, Inc. announced today that it is making available the Developer Release 1 CD of MkLinux. Linux is a freely distributable version of UNIX. Apple, in conjunction with the Open Software Foundation (OSF), has ported Linux to support a variety of Power Macintosh products. MkLinux (Microkernel Linux) operates on the OSF Mach Microkernel which will be running natively on the PowerPC microprocessor.

The Developer Release 1 CD is being distributed free to attendees at the Linux session at Apple's World Wide Developer's Conference, being held in San Jose this week. The Developer Release 1 available this week will allow software developers to use a pre-release version of the product, and provide feedback to Apple for the final version.

In addition, Apple has authorized Prime Time Freeware (http://www.ptf.com) to publish Apple's reference release of MkLinux for the Power Macintosh. Prime Time Freeware, a publisher of freely redistributable software for technical and professional markets, has scheduled the release of "MkLinux: Mach/Linux for the Power Macintosh" for September 1996. The product, retailing for U.S. $50, will contain an installable version of MkLinux, source code, and extensive documentation on Linux, Mach, MkLinux, and the Power Macintosh.

"Apple is supporting Linux as part of an overall effort to embrace more open industry standards, particularly those popular in the Internet community," said Ike Nassi, vice president of Apple system software technologies. "This software will be particularly popular with Mac users in higher education and the scientific research communities."

With Linux, a student will have an extremely low-cost, yet high-performance PowerPC-based UNIX system for personal use. Advanced research that requires UNIX applications will now be possible on an engineer's personal Macintosh.

MkLinux for Power Macintosh adds a new UNIX alternative for PowerPC systems to existing products such as AIX from IBM and MachTen from Tenon Intersystems. This gives Macintosh users a range of options from a free, user-supported UNIX implementation up to commercial, mission critical solutions for large enterprises.

In keeping with the spirit of the Linux community, Apple is making the source code for Developer Release 1 freely available on the Apple MkLinux web site at http://www.mklinux.apple.com. This includes source code to the Mach microkernel and the required Macintosh platform driver support. Developers interested in MkLinux should check this web site for further information and updates.

Price and Availability

The MkLinux for Power Macintosh Developer Release 1 CD will be distributed free to attendees of the Linux session at Apple's World Wide Developer Conference this week. The CDs will also be available from Prime Time Freeware for U.S. $10 each. The reference release, "MkLinux: Mach/Linux for the Power Macintosh", is scheduled for publication in September 1996 at a suggested retail price of U.S. $50. Snapshots of MkLinux, along with updates, patches, and late-breaking news, will be available on http://www.mklinux.apple.com.

Developers who cannot attend the Linux session at WWDC can obtain a Developer Release 1 CD from Prime Time Freeware at (408) 433-9662, fax (408) 433-0727, email: info@ptf.com or web site at http://www.ptf.com

Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized innovator in the information industry and leader in multimedia technologies, creates powerful solutions based on easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, personal digital assistants and Internet content. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple develops, manufactures, licenses and markets solutions, products, technologies and services for business, education, consumer, entertainment, scientific and engineering and government customers in more than 140 countries.

Press Contact: Sandra Livinghouse Burson-Marsteller for Apple Computer, Inc. (408) 974-1109 email: slivinghouse@applelink.apple.com

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