Ubuntu Intrepid out
The long-awaited Ubuntu Intrepid Ibex is now available for download. The latest release of the Ubuntu Linux operating system was announced late yesterday by the developers.
Although Ubuntu Intrepid Ibex includes a number of new features, on the whole it is not radically different from the last release, Hardy Heron. The main focus with this release appears to have been a refinement of a number of the decisions taken with the last release.
3G and USB
One of the main changes is the significant boost in 3G support. Improvements to the network manager in Ubuntu 8.10 make it simpler to detect and connect to 3G networks and manage connectivity. This connectivity is delivered through built-in 3G modems, through dongle support, through a mobile phone or through Bluetooth.
The other new feature is the ability to write Ubuntu to a USB drive, even a modified version of Ubuntu with data so it can be carried everywhere to plug in and use on any machine.
Guest sessions
In a world of always-on pervasive computing Ubuntu believes that it is more likely that users will lend their computers to colleagues or friends at conferences, cafes or at parties so they can check email. The new guest session feature allows users to lock down a session easily so a guest can use the full system without interfering with programs or data.
One of the less impressive points with Linux in the past has been the audio troubles that have plagued most distributions. The last Ubuntu release included PulseAudio which made the situation worse than ever. With this release a number of the audio issues have been fixed and Ubuntu 8.10 includes Flash 10 which fixes the audio conflicts that were previously a problem.
Gnome 2.24 and OpenOffice.org
Ubuntu 8.10 also include the brand new Gnome 2.24 desktop interface. New features in this release of Gnome include a new instant messaging client, a built-in time tracker, improved file management and toolbars plus better support for multiple monitor use with the ability to set screen resolution by monitor.
The one thing that is not included in Ubuntu 8.10 is OpenOffice.org 3.0. The default version of OpenOffice.org is 2.4.1 which means users will have to install OpenOffice.org 3.0 themselves.
Users can download Ubuntu Intrepid Ibex from www.ubuntu.com
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