But what is it good for?

OpenSolaris 2008.05

OpenSolaris LogoOpenSolaris 2008.05, aka "Project Indiana" will be officially released to the world later today (US time), but it's already available now for download from it's dedicated site - www.opensolaris.com.

For the uninitiated, I'll quote the OpenSolaris docs...

The OpenSolaris 2008.05 release is an OpenSolaris binary distribution. This release provides a Live CD for x86 platforms. This Live CD includes a basic core operating system and GNOME desktop environment, with the option to install the OpenSolaris operating system from the Live CD. Or, you can mount the OpenSolaris OS on a VirtualBox. After the OpenSolaris OS has been mounted or installed, additional packages, including developer tools, can be downloaded to the system by using the Image Packaging System (IPS). A new beadm utility enables you to manage multiple boot environments.

Sounds like your average GNU/Linux LiveCD distro, but it's not. It's OpenSolaris, and what's more, if you want support, you can get it for as little as $49 per incident.

So head on over and get downloading. Whilst it's downloading, take the time to browse around the new site. There's a wealth of information in the Learn (aka knowledge) section, but if you've got a question that isn't answered by the documentation, or have a cool use for your OpenSolaris 2008.05 installation, head on over to the Share (aka forums) section and let the peeps know.

Top