The last release candidate prior to the final version of Gentoo Linux 1.4 is scheduled to be released on December 31st. As several Gentoo users have already discovered, most of the 1.4_rc2 files have already been placed on ibiblio. Last minute additions to rc2 not ready at press time included some finishing touches to the installation CDs (LiveCDs) and documentation. New to the 1.4_rc2 release are: the first release of the Gentoo Reference Platform (GRP) -- a collection of ebuilds specifically tested for stability; new LiveCDs with increased hardware support, better technology and more eye candy; upgraded versions of gcc, binutils, portage and many other packages. Users interested in living on the bleeding edge can see the new LiveCD technology in action by trying out one of the experimental LiveCDs