Debian Linux gets a new leader

Ben Collins has been named new leader of the project developing the Debian version of Linux, according to voting results announced Thursday. Collins replaces Wichhert Akkerman, who had been Debian project leader for the two most recent terms.

Debian is a version of Linux that doesn't have the strong commercial bent of versions sold by Red Hat, Caldera Systems, SuSE and others. However, an Indianapolis company called Progeny Linux Systems, founded with help from Debian founder Ian Murdock and Bruce Perens, another Debian project leader, is trying to create a commercial version. Progeny posted a near-final version two weeks ago. A boxed version is planned for mid-April, including a manual, installation support and a trial subscription to Progeny's network services.