A press release from Mandriva;

Paris, 6 December 2006 - Mandriva, the global Linux distributor, today launches Mandriva Flash, the first Mandriva Linux Live USB key. Hit the right key with Mandriva Flash!

Bringing its long experience with Live CDs, Mandriva aims to offer the best performing live system. All you have to do is plug in the USB key, turn the PC on and the Mandriva Linux 2007 operating system is ready to use in no time, with all you need for office work, Internet and multimedia tasks. The main advantage of Mandriva Flash is that it provides a full-featured system that requires no installation and - the icing on the cake - fits in your pocket! This is the most mobile distribution ever.

Once Mandriva Linux 2007 is started, users can store their personal data on the 2GB key (more than 1GB available for user files). System configuration, preferences and data are all saved to the key (in contrast to live CDs, which can't store this data). Another great advantage: in contrast to live CDs the CD/DVD drive remains available, allowing the user to read or burn a CD/DVD while using Mandriva Flash. Moreover, the boot and loading process is much faster than with live CDs thanks to the USB 2.0 support of the key.

Mandriva Flash is meant for all those who want to have a complete OS and their personal data handy at all times without the hassle of carrying a laptop around. It is a full workstation, packed with all the latest technologies. It includes the brand new Mandriva Linux 3D desktop technology, as well as the best open source software available:

Kernel 2.6.17
KDE 3.5.4
Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.6
OpenOffice 2.0.3
The Gimp 2.3.10
AmaroK 1.4.3
KMPlayer 0.9.3
Ekiga 2.0.3
K3b 0.12.17

To make things even easier for you, the most important proprietary drivers and the most-used plugins (Adobe Flash Player, RealPlayer) are also on the key.

Mandriva Flash is the perfect product to help you discover and then adopt Linux since no installation of any kind on the host computer is required and even the least experienced computer users can use it easily. It is not only practical, easy and pleasant to use but also a high-performing and innovative product. Mandriva Flash will surprise you whether you already are a Linux user or not.

More information at: http://www.mandiva.com/linux/2007/flash

About Mandriva
Mandriva, formerly known as Mandrakesoft, is the publisher of the popular Mandriva Linux operating system, one of the most full-featured and easy to use Linux systems. The company offers its enterprise, government, and educational customers a complete range of GNU/Linux and open source software and related services. Mandriva products are available in more than 140 countries through dedicated channels and also from Mandriva Store, the company's online store. Born in 1998, the company has offices in the United States, France and Brazil. More information at: http://www.mandriva.com