Technical Reviews and Geek Toys

I always get excited whenever a new release of Ubuntu is coming up.  Every six months a new desktop and server version is released.  This means the latest and greatest of the OpenSource world has to offer is available.  Each release is supported with updates for 18 months.  Every two years, a LTS (Long Term Support) version is released which is supported for for three years.  As always, every version of Ubuntu is absolutely free of charge.  How cool is that?

With 12 days to the release of 10.04 I downloaded the Beta2 version of Ubuntu as well as the Ubuntu Netbook version and ran them on virtualBox.  The first thing I noticed was a change in color as the default color is now purple instead of orange.  The first screen visible is the option to Try Ubuntu without changing the system or installing.  I choose to install.... and chuckled when it checked the time and automatically discovered my time zone.  Below are screenshots of the installation slideshow.

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After the login screen the very clean desktop appears.  By the way, Ubuntu can be configured to automatically log in if desired.  One of the "talking points" on the installation slide was how Ubuntu connects to social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.  That would be an application called Gwibber.  The installation slideshow states the envelope icon next to the clock to configure the accounts, log in, and where new messges will appear.  The circle with the X in it by jim is called the MeMenu and it is also a new feature.  It seems redundant to the envelope as it also gives access to the social applications.  It however gives additional function by allowing one to set the status... Away, Busy, etc.

I tried to setup my Facebook account in Gwibber but it still has a bug which has already been reported.

One feature that came out with the last release is Ubuntu One which offers online storage.  It appears that soon it will offer a music store as well.

Some other new features available with this release:

The Ubuntu Netbook version also released in Beta 2.  Below is a screenshow of it's desktop.  The Netbook version is optimized for the small screens found in Netbooks. The interface is a little different and takes some getting use to.  But it after playing with it a little I was getting around without a problem

Twelve more days until the release of Ubuntu 10.04. I think the hardest part will be the wait for the next release of Linux Mint. I'll try to be patient.