Canonical takes on Win 7 with Ubuntu 9.10 RC

[DaBees-Knees]

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9139798/Canonical_takes_on_Win_7_with_Ubuntu_9.10_RC

Canonical on Thursday made available the Release Candidate of its latest Linux-based operating system, Ubuntu 9.10, on the same day Microsoft launched the long-awaited Windows 7.

The upcoming Canonical release, which is code-named Karmic Koala, is the latest version of the popular flavor of the Linux OS. The development release on Thursday pushed the OS one step closer to final release, which is due on Oct. 29, according to the company's release schedule Web page.

An image of the OS is available for download on Ubuntu's Web site. Test versions of Karmic Koala RC available for download include the server, desktop and netbook versions. The desktop version can also be installed on standard laptops. In testing by IDG News Service, attempts to download the installation file stalled, possibly because of traffic to the server.

Linux could be making headway against Windows in netbooks, which are low-cost mobile devices designed for those who rely on the Web for computing. Canonical has seen some traction in the netbook market, with companies such as Dell offering devices with a customized version of the netbook OS, which is called Ubuntu Netbook Remix. Ubuntu is also competing in the standard PC space with Microsoft's Windows, which goes on more than 90 percent of computers worldwide.

Beyond Microsoft, Canonical has to battle other Linux distributions such as Intel's Moblin, which is vying for a place in netbooks and PCs, and Google's Chrome OS, a netbook OS due for release in the second half of 2010. Many PC makers plan to test Chrome OS with their systems.

Ubuntu 9.10 RC is an upgrade from the previous version, Ubuntu 9.04, which carried the code name Jaunty Jackalope. Built on the latest Linux 2.6.31.1 kernel, Ubuntu 9.10 offers faster boot times, an improved user interface and programming tools for easier software development, according to Canonical. The company is offering different versions of the OS with a variety of graphical desktop environments. The environments integrate everyday applications including instant-messaging software, Web browser, document viewers and multimedia software.

Canonical is offering versions of the OS with a variety of desktop environments, including Gnome, KDE and XFCE. These environments, built on top of the Linux kernel, have unique graphical user interfaces and integrated software.

Karmic Koala includes a new "Ubuntu Software Center" from which users can easily add or remove programs, similar to a feature available in Windows. It improves on an earlier feature for adding and removing programs. The OS also fixes many bugs from previous Ubuntu editions and builds in driver support for more hardware.

Let battle commence. 

[Lagerlout666]

I managed to download, and im running it now. The leaps and bounds ubuntu is making has surely got to be scaring some driver vender's to keep up.

Currently smb for installing a networked printers has it cracked with M$ clever ploy of trying to make vista a royal pain in the arse for a linux system to connect too. But this install just flew it on with the entry of the vista machines password.

I took windows 7 off after it drove me insane doing stupid things when you moved windows about and as long as everything driver wise stays working ill be sticking with ubuntu 9.10 at work from now on. Home though will continue to be XP for gaming where linux is still struggling behind. either because of wine or because vendors arent coding for it.