Compaq and Linuxcare Boost Linux Installation On Alpha Servers With Linux Jumpstart! CD

New CD Enables Quick and Easy Setup of Popular Linux Distributions, Doubles as Reboot/Rescue Disk

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 2, 2000 -- Linuxcare, Inc., a recognized leader in providing comprehensive professional services and solutions for Linux and open-source technologies, has teamed with Compaq Computer Corporation through the Compaq Solutions Alliance program (http://www.compaq.com/csa) to vastly simplify Linux installation on Alpha servers with the introduction of the Linux Jumpstart! CD.

The new CD quickly configures the server to boot Linux on most Alpha-based systems. Traditional installation of Linux on Alpha hardware has required detailed knowledge of commands to prepare the system. Linuxcare developed the Linux Jumpstart! CD for Compaq customers to automatically install most Linux distributions on an Alpha server via an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI). Designed to be used by novices and advanced users, the CD allows the administrator to select their level of involvement in the setup process. In addition, the CD can be used to rescue and reboot a damaged system.

"As companies consider where Linux fits best in their enterprises and in their development strategies, the new Linux Jumpstart! CD removes installation headaches as a factor in the decision-making process," said Carl Ramsey, world wide director, Compaq Solutions Alliance. "Linuxcare is the right partner for this project because it demonstrated the expertise and distribution neutrality necessary to satisfy the diverse needs of our customers."

Upon start-up, the CD prompts the user to select an installation mode ranging from "Express" for quick and easy set-up to "Step-by-Step" and "Advanced" for systems administrators that prefer more options. The Linux Jumpstart! CD automatically partitions the hard drive and sets up environmental variables needed to boot the operating system. Used as a rescue utility, the CD provides the tools required for an advanced user to see and change what is on their hard drive, boot a Linux kernel directly from the CD and perform other basic administrative functions. Available immediately from Compaq free of charge at http://www.linuxalpha.compaq.com/jumpstart/, the Linux Jumpstart! CD has been initially tested on DS10, DS20, XP1000 Alpha systems with popular Linux distributions, including Debian and Red Hat.

About Linuxcare, Inc.
Linuxcare, Inc. is a recognized leader in providing comprehensive professional services and solutions for Linux and open-source technologies. Linuxcare helps original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), independent software vendors (ISVs), Internet infrastructure vendors and Global 2000 companies maximize their success in putting Linux and open-source solutions to work. The company, with funding from Kleiner Perkins and corporate partners such as ITOCHU, Motorola, Oracle and Sun, hosts http://www.linuxcare.com, a leading technical resource for Linux and open-source solutions. Founded in 1998, Linuxcare is headquartered in San Francisco with offices around the world. The company can be reached at +1-415-354-4878.

Linuxcare is a trademark of Linuxcare, Inc. Other names used may be trademarks of their respective owners.