Ubuntu goes 3-D
IMAX theaters needed
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The folks at Canonical have started to prepare their servers for downloads of the latest Ubuntu release - 7.10 or "Gutsy Gibbon."
Past Ubuntu releases have been marred by downed servers, as the Umbongo faithful rush to get their fresh code injection. So, this time around, Mark Shuttleworth and crew are doing their outreach early. They've started talking up the OS before it's available on Thursday, hoping to spread out demand a bit.
With 7.10, Umbongo users will find fresh additions for the client and the server.
Most notably for the client crowd is the production version of Compiz. This software gives Ubuntu some 3-D graphics that by our account surpass anything seen on Windows or Mac OS X. We've run Compiz in beta for several weeks now with no problems and expect users will enjoy the production version.
It's mostly eye candy to be sure, although the Compiz code serves a larger purpose. It adds a contemporary feel to the often 1990s looking Linux desktop. In addition, it shows that the open source development model can out pace the big boys with style when needed.
On the more practical front, users will find the Tracker tool for indexing files on your system. This software mimics the Spotlight tool available for many moons with Mac OS X and Vista's desktop search. Basically, you're able to find any file on a system with relative ease.
"I believe we're the first (Linux) distribution to deliver that out of the box," Shuttleworth said, during a conference call with reporters.
Shuttleworth also highlighted 7.10's improved support for plug-and-play hardware such as printers. The Ubuntu update system has been tweaked to permit more hardware updates over the coming weeks, meaning that it should be just about the most up-to-date Linux OS available.
Umbongo customers will see better support for VGA projectors as well, so you just might be able to run a public demonstration of your fancy Linux rig.
Those of you dabbling with the dark side via dual boot Windows machines will enjoy the ability to read and write files on the (NTFS) Windows partition.
And the developers/Firefox fanatics can rest easy now that Canonical has permitted the automatic installation of validated browser plugins.
Serbongo Montoemgro
While Canonical enjoys its client goodwill - despite Shuttleworth's predilection for gluing wombats - it's also very focused on the server. It dished out the "first real" server release about one year ago and is hammering away at some server specific tools.
For example, there's a tool dubbed AppArmor that provides a level of isolation on server systems. Certain processes are cordoned off into their own area. "Even in the event of a compromise of that process, the attacker's ability to gain access to more information on the server or to compromise other pieces of the server is greatly limited," Shuttleworth said.
Canonical is hyping a "tickless kernel" as well that is a fine-tuned idle mode which cuts down on system power consumption.
Developers will see a fresh release of Python, along with support for OpenMP with GCC 4.2
The latest Ubuntu release will enjoy 18 months of maintenance. The next Long Term Support OS will arrive in 2008 and have three years of support on the desktop and five years on the server.
Next page: Trading Ubuntu Futures
COMMENTS
Summary of this thread for those who can't be arsed to read it all.
The only thing a Linux or (GNU/Linux) fanboi loves more than flaming Windows or OSX is flaming other distro's. The only thing that can distract them from this is the opportunity to flame a newbie.
Doing things the hard way
I love the snootiness of the "anyone who doesn't install things by hand via the command line is showing wilful ignorance" brigade.
I trust that they eschew devices like remote controls when they want to change channels on the telly - anyone who isn't clued up enough to solder in another oscillator crystal doesn't deserve to have a television.
Whiney little maggots
So a positive, upbeat article about a new version of a popular user focussed linux distro generates as many flames as an article that dares to be in some way be uncritical of MSFT.
This comment section has rapidly developed into a "my linux distro is better than your linux distro" pissing contest.
The quick'n'dirty answer to the question "Why didn't you mention [some linux distro]/[some tool that I use] ?" is this. The article was about Ubuntu.
Put your dummies back in, get the toys back in your prams and stop fucking whining you sad fanboi bastards.
It's attitudes like that which prevent many savvy developers from participating in FOSS projects and generally hold back the progress of GNU/Linux.
It's not that we don't like linux, we love linux. We just hate you, you poorly socialised nitpicking freaks.
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