ALT Linux 6.0.0, an independently-developed Russian Linux distribution, has been released. The new version comes in two editions - "Simply Linux", which is an installable live medium featuring the Xfce 4.8 desktop environment, and KDesktop, which is a live and installation DVD image centred around the KDE 4.6.5 desktop. Both editions are built on top of the Linux kernel 3.0.3 and include X.Org Server 1.10.3 and LibreOffice 3.4.2. Other features of this release include hybrid ISO image that can be used either as a DVD image or transferred to a bootable USB drive, GRUB 2 as the default bootloader, simplified installation of third-party applications, and seamless integration with the Dropbox cloud storage system. Read the full press release (in Russian) for more information. Download links:  torrent,  FTP,  HTTP or mirrors.

In response to the article "IDC got down to schooldesk" published on September 3 in Vedomosti newspaper, covering IDC's study of the total cost of ownership of the IT infrastructure in Russian schools, ALT Linux publishes an open letter to IDC and Vedomosti. In Russian. In English.

The company ALT Linux has already confirmed participation at the 11th International Free Software Forum (Fisl11) in Brazil, a participant from the previous edition of FISL, this year brings some new features for the school and corporate, and distribution of various gifts. ALT Linux will be present at Booth 38.

ALT Linux announces public availability of two products based on Platform Five: ALT Linux 5.0 Ark, a suite designed for making integrated solutions, and ALT Linux 5.0 School, a suite that is targetted at secondary and high schools.