Mac-oriented Linux distributor LinuxPPC has begun shipping version 5.0 of its eponymous implementation of the open source OS on PowerPC. The new release brings LinuxPPC up to date with not only the latest kernel, 2.2, but the glibc 2.1 shared library. The kernel supports the iMac's USB ports, and is compatible with the new blue'n'white Power Mac G3 machines. A new installer boots the OS straight into X and the Gnome desktop environment for a more Mac-like installation process, though the software also ships with the Red Hat installer for users who prefer a more standard approach. In addition to Gnome, LinuxPPC 5.0 bundles the KDE desktop environment, plus the usual selection of window managers, server applications, programming tools and utilities. The new release also bundles a series of desktop themes, including a MacOS look and feel. LinuxPPC 5.0 is available now for free download or on CD for $32 here. ®