So you are interested in Linux but not sure if your games will work on it? Then hold on to your hat. On November 9 Mandrake released Mandrake Linux 8.1 gaming edition. This version claimed to be compatible with most games for Linux and windows! We watched the Linux user base closely for reactions and the ones we got were good.
   
    This version's gaming features appear to be largely based on TransGaming Technologies product WineX. Unfortunately what comes with Mandrake 8.1 GE is WineX for the popular game "The Sims" which is also packaged with the distribution. WineX is an an Open Source project for which the source code can be downloaded free from  SourceForge . For new users compiling source code and getting it to work may not be an easy task, but fear not. Serious gamers can recieve the RPM and DEB pre-compiled packages from TransGaming if they subscribe (for a $5 per month fee :-/ ).
   
    This edition of Mandrake which focuses on gaming is clearly for home users. Props go to Mandrake for reaching out to us Linux desktop users out here. As for whether or not it's worth the $40 charge for the box set, we'll let you decide. How much would you pay to save the time to confgure WineX to work with The Sims? On the other hand Mandrake is the distribution that L.I.F.E. most recommends for new users. So if you are just starting out with Linux and love gaming, this is the version for you.

    Mandrake Linux standard editions are free to download or you can purchase a CD set of the distribution. For information on contacting Mandrake please visit www.linux-mandrake.com .