Mandriva Linux is an operating system launched in 1998 to make Linux easier to use. It provides a graphical user interface and utilities to configure Linux simply. It uses a monolithic kernel architecture and includes package managers, file managers, desktop environments like GNOME and KDE, and other services to manage memory, processes, I/O and more. While offering stability, performance and customization, its understanding and compatibility can present challenges for some users.

3. Mandriva Linux is an operating system. It acts
as an interface between the user and the
machine to perform specific task. The user
performs some task in terms of input and this
OS redirects the instruction to the machine in
machine language. After performing the
specific task it sends the computed task back to
the user as an output. Well, all the operating
system performs this task.

4. Mandriva Linux was launched in 1998 under the name of Mandrake
Linux, with the goal of making Linux easier to use for everyone. At
that time, Linux was already well-known as a powerful and stable
operating system that demanded strong technical knowledge and
extensive use of the command line; MandrakeSoft saw this as an
opportunity to integrate the best graphical desktop environments and
contribute its own graphical configuration utilities to quickly become
famous for setting the standard in Linux ease of use. In February
2005, MandrakeSoft merged with Brazil's Conectiva to form Mandriva
S.A., with headquarters in Paris, France. The company's flagship
product, Mandriva Linux, offers all the power and stability of Linux to
both individuals and professional users in an easy-to-use and pleasant
environment.

5.  Desktop Environment
In graphical computing, a desktop environment (DE) commonly refers to
a particular implementation of graphical user interface (GUI) derived
from the desktop metaphor that is seen on most modern personal
computers. These GUIs help the user in easily accessing, configuring, and
modifying many important and frequently accessed specific operating
system (OS) features.
There are two types of Desktop Environment
• KDE Plasmas Environment
• GNOME

6.  GNOME

7.  KDE Plasma Desktop:

8.  File Manager
A file manager or file browser is a computer program that
provides a user interface to work with file systems. The
most common operations performed on files or groups of
files are:
create, open, edit, view, print, play, rename, move, copy, d
elete, search/find, and modify file attributes, properties
and file permissions. Files are typically displayed in a
hierarchy. Some file managers contain features inspired by
web browsers, including forward and back navigational
buttons.
Default file manager for mandriva is
Dolphin file manager

9.  Dolphin File Manager

10.  Package manager
A package management system, also called package manager, is a
collection of software tools to automate the process of
installing, upgrading, configuring, and removing software packages for a
computer's operating system in a consistent manner. It typically
maintains a database of software dependencies and version information
to prevent software mismatches and missing prerequisites.
Packages are distributions of software, applications and data. Packages
also contain metadata, such as the software's name, description of its
purpose, version number, vendor, checksum, and a list of dependencies
necessary for the software to run properly. Upon installation, metadata
is stored in a local package database.
There are two types of package manager
• Urpmi
• RPM5

11.  Themes
Theme will set the scene for the discussion regarding the users
choice. A user has a major selection to customize his own
selection of display making the GUI more a atractive

12.  Bootloader
A boot loader, also called a boot manager, is a small program that
places the operating system (OS) of a computer into memory .
When a computer is powered-up or restarted, the basic
input/output system (BIOS ) performs some initial tests, and then
transfers control to the master boot record (MBR) where the boot
loader resides. For Linux, a special boot loader must be installed.

13.  LiLo

14. Architecture

15. Explanation
In monolithic architecture. It is the oldest architecture used
for developing an operating system. In general, it is
considered that monolithic kernel is not portable because
the code has to be written for all new hardware architecture
that the os is to be ported on. The monolithic kernel provides
all the facilities at kernel level. Monolithic kernel is massive
and non-modular in structure with all the major os functions
performed in the kernel space. In the monolithic kernel
approach the user space will consist of only libraries & apps

16.  Services
 Process Management
 Memory management
 Program Execution
 I/O Operations
 Communications
 Network Services
 Files Management system
 EXT3
 EXT4
 ReiserFS
 XFS

17. Merits of mandriva
 Low cost
 Stability
 Performance
 Network friendliness
 Flexibility
 Compatibility
 Fast and easy installation
 Full use of hard disk
 Multitasking
 Security
 Open Source

18. Demerits of Mandriva
 Understanding
 Compatibility
 Alternative Programs

19.  CONCLUSION
After studying what Mandriva Linux operating system is and its relevant
characteristics, everyone would agree that this software has made and will
continue making history for being so popular and useful.
One of the major challenges that Linux has is to get more people to use it. It
does not mean that only a few people is using this operating system right
now, but that since Linux is so powerful, more and more people should get to
use it and to enjoy all of the benefits that are found in this wonderful free
software.
With this research it is pretended to give a global idea and some specific point
to