Intrepid Ibex on its Way....

Ubuntu 8.10 is finally in beta stage. It really looks like the Ubuntu team have put a lot of time into this release "under the hood". There has been a lot of criticism towards this release because of the ugly wallpaper and same old theme (even after canonical promised a new look for Ubuntu 8.04 it still hasn't arrived). Although this release seems to have a lot to be desired in the way of looks, I don't think anyone will be able to complain about features.

The main features of Ubuntu 8.10 include:

Applications:

· Mozilla Firefox 3.0.3
· OpenOffice.org 2.4.1
· The GIMP 2.4.7
· F-Spot 0.4.4
· Pidgin 2.5.1
· Brasero 0.8.2
· Transmission 1.34
· Rhythmbox 0.11.6
· Ekiga 2.0.12
· Evolution 2.24.0
· Nautilus 2.24.0
· Vinagre 2.24.0

Under the hood:

· Kernel 2.6.27-4 (based on Linux kernel 2.6.27 RC)
· X.Org 7.4 and X.Org Server 1.5 (with automatic configuration for keyboard and mice)
· Network Manager 0.7 (with 3G wireless support)
· Apache 2.2
· PostgreSQL 8.3
· PHP 5.2.6
· LTSP 5.1
· GCC 4.3.2
· glibc 2.8
· Python 2.5

To view screenshots of 8.10 goto:

Ubuntu 8.10 Beta Screenshot Tour


For more in depth details on Ubuntu 8.10 see Ubuntu 8.10 Technical Overview

If you have any questions about the upcoming release please post them here...

Ubuntu, OS of the future...

Ubuntu is probably the most popular distro of linux available mainly due to its biannual releases, keeping Ubuntu on the cutting edge of the open source world of software.  I switched over to Ubuntu when it was still in its early stages (5.0.6 Hoary), and back then it really was only a committed nerd that could have stayed with the system.  It was not user friendly, very stable, or even very powerful.  Only 3 years later, and the Ubuntu team has com out with an OS to rival that of Mighty MS.

We live in an age of increasing reliability on electronic devices that lots of people have lots sight of the monetary implications of the e-age.  Back in the day when Microsoft was really the only option, people started to depend on their style of OS.  The MS story is an extreme case of, "in the right place, at the right time".  Bill Gates and co. have had buckets of money handed to them by the e-age.  The tides are changing though.  Linux has crept its way onto the Home Desktop stage, previously only really being used by very specialized companies.  Linux is definitely here to stay with 100+ variations, a tribute to its versatility and support, it is going to improve exponentially as time goes.

The question in most peoples minds when I suggest the "convert" is, "Can it do what MS can?".  This is a very tricky question to answer as it is the wrong question to ask.  Can it drastically improve productivity and efficiency, and solve all electronic and web related requirements?...  YES.  Will it function in the same was as MS Windows... NO.  I am glad that it doesn't.  MS Windows has been "THE" OS for too long and therefore people associate a lot of common tasks with an MS product.  The sooner you change.  The sooner you can start learning the new OS.

Download the latest version (8.04 Hardy Heron) at Download Ubuntu