This undas, start to say goodbye to your usual computer operating system that’s so prone to viruses and crashes and take a good look at something new.
Try the brand-new version of Ubuntu, numbered 8.10 and codenamed Intrepid Ibex which had its worldwide debut yesterday Oct. 30. Ubuntu is a free computer operating system that just works!
If you do try it, you won’t be alone because more and more people and companies are using Ubuntu now.
Some of Ubuntu’s new features are:
3G Support
For constant connectivity public WiFi has limitations. Improvements to the network manager in Ubuntu 8.10 makes it simple to detect and connect to 3G networks and manage connectivity. This connectivity is delivered through an inbuilt 3G modem, through ‘dongle’ support, through a mobile phone or through Bluetooth. It is a complex environment that Ubuntu 8.10 simplifies through a single interface and the auto-detection of many of the most popular devices.
Write Ubuntu to and Install from a USB Drive
Ubuntu has been made available to users as an image for CDs and DVDs to date. But CDs and DVDs are slower, less portable and less convenient than USB sticks. Now, a simple application in Ubuntu will allow users to write Ubuntu to a USB drive, even a modified version of Ubuntu with their data on it, so it can be carried everywhere to plug in and use on any machine.
Guest Sessions
In a world of ‘always on’ pervasive computing it is more likely that users lend their computers to colleagues or friends at conferences, cafes or at parties so they can check email, etc. Guest sessions allow users to lock down a session easily so a guest can use the full system without interference with programs or data.
BBC Content
Starting the media players within Ubuntu (Totem Movie Player and Rhythmbox) launches a menu of selected content from the broadcaster that is free to air. This is a mixture of video, radio and podcasts and available in high quality, much of it playable using non-proprietary codecs. Content is constantly updated via the corporation’s stream and will vary dependent on location, though some content will be available for every user.
The reviews are also out and many of them find Ubuntu’s latest version impressive:
How do you try it in your computer without destroying anything? Once you’ve downloaded and burned Ubuntu to a CD, just pop it in to your computer’s CD or DVD drive. Then you’re off.
Another cool way to get Ubuntu is through Wubi. Wubi will install Ubuntu in to your computer as if it is only a program. When you opt for Ubuntu, you can choose which operating system to use everytime you turn on your computer. Also under Wubi, you can easily and quickly uninstall anytime you like.
Once I install the latest Ubuntu version in my new notebook, you’ll get to read a review here.
Photo courtesy of Ubuntu’s official website.