The Jaunty Jackalope edition of Ubuntu has been released to beta.

Ubuntu 9.04 brings a clutch of improvements to the desktop while taking the first step on the server closer to Amazon-style cloud computing.

Ubuntu Server Edition 9.04 will let you run Amazon Machine Images (AMIs), and it will also see Ubuntu made available on Amazon’s EC2.

On the desktop, Ubuntu sees improvements in speed and usability. Start up times for Desktop Edition have been improved while alerts have been made consistent across applications.

Other additions include GNOME 2.26, which means Ubuntu inherits features from the GNOME desktop environment, such as the Brasero CD/DVD burning tool and improvements in the media controls.

Also improved is the ability to connect to, and move off, Microsoft's email and groupware. The Evolution collaboration suite supports Outlook .pst files, and Exchange's MAPI to improve work with Exchange servers.

You can find full release notes here. ®

Related stories

• Canonical removes middleman from Ubuntu management (4 August 2009)
• Canonical hooks Ubuntu Landscape into Amazon EC2 (18 May 2009)
• Canonical punts Ubuntu Jaunty Jackalope (20 April 2009)
• Jaunty Jackalope release candidate unleashed (16 April 2009)
• McKinsey: Adopt the cloud, lose money (15 April 2009)
• IDC: Linux to benefit from recession (14 April 2009)
• Gnome answers Linux critics with 'big' vision plan (3 April 2009)
• OSBC Ubuntu promises DIY Amazon cloud (25 March 2009)
• Shuttleworth gets cloudy with Ubuntu 9.10 (22 February 2009)
• Ubuntu's Shuttleworth praises Windows 7, welcomes fight (22 January 2009)
• Jaunty Jackalope alpha 3 spotted in wild (19 January 2009)
• The Year in Operating Systems: No battle of big ideas (16 December 2008)
• Ubuntu zoo preps for new arrival (9 September 2008)