Ubuntu Linux will tomorrow release a beta version of its forthcoming Jaunty Jackalope Linux operating system. <\/p>\n
New versions of Ubuntu – which are released every six months – are always eagerly awaited by Linux fans as they tend to include a decent selection of new features. Jaunty Jackalope will include fewer major changes than many previous releases but will still add some sparkle to the desktop.<\/p>\n
For a start, Jaunty includes a set of new graphics, including a new login screen and a new notification system and desktop background. The login screen is a little more contemporary looking than previous versions and the notification system is significantly more elegant than previously. The notifications – such as incoming IM messages, system messages – will better integrate into the desktop than previously and have been designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. Users are also able to choose where the notifications appear. <\/p>\n
In fact, the desktop as a whole, should look better on most platforms, in particular because the fonts are better otimised for individual monitors. Instead of the default 96dpi setting for all fonts, the system will detect the monitor and resolution being used and alter fonts accordingly. <\/p>\n
Gnome<\/strong> Gnome 2.26 also has very few major changes from 2.24 but does include better support for file sharing and multimedia. Gnome Media Player can now browse and play UPnP & DLNA protocols there is a new plugin that lets users share files over WebDAV, HTTP and Bluetooth. <\/p>\n One of the more noticeable changes to Gnome 2.26 is the inclusion of Brasero as the default CD\/DVD burning tool, which replaces Gnome CD-Burner. Brasero is already included as the default Ubuntu CD burner. Although there have been users who have wondered why Brasero was included as the Ubuntu default the application is very capable and can be used to create audio, data and video projects and burn software images. <\/p>\n The other big change in Gnome 2.26 is with Evolution, the default mail client, which can now import Microsoft Outlook Personal Folders and has support for Microsoft Exchange’s MAPI protocol. <\/p>\n The final release of Ubuntu Jaunty Jackalope will be available in mid-April. <\/p>\n
The default Ubuntu desktop will also very likely include Gnome 2.26, the latest release of the window manager which was made available last two weeks ago. Ubuntu schedules its releases so that the newest version of Gnome – also released at six-monthly intervals – can be included in the final release.<\/p>\n