Ubuntu’s next iteration namely Ubuntu 10.10 aka “Maverick Meerkat” has been released. Ubuntu releases a new version of its Linux distribution every six months, incorporating new features and, upgrading software bundled with it to the latest version.
Ubuntu 10.10 has been released in three versions –
- Desktop edition – To be installed and used by lay persons on their PCs.
- Server edition – Tailor made to be installed on servers, and
- Netbook edition – Which is geared to be used on low powered laptops and netbooks.
What is new in Ubuntu 10.10
You can find the following new features added to Ubuntu 10.10.
- A revamped installer. Now you can continue performing other installation tasks while the installer is copying files to your machine.
- A redesigned “Software Center” which allows a user to search for, and install applications in Ubuntu. This is far more intuitive and user friendly than its previous version.
- A new image management software – Shotwell has been included in place of F-Spot, which was used in 10.04.
- Ubuntu 10.10 Netbook Edition now sports a new interface called Unity. This interface arranges all the commonly used applications in a launcher on the left side of the screen.
- Ubuntu 10.10 has full multi-touch support. This means, if you own a tablet on similar lines as Apple’s iPad, you can install Ubuntu Netbook Edition on it, and it will respond to your touches and gestures.
The following video clip (courtesy of canonical blog) demonstrates Ubuntu 10.10 multi-touch gestures.
Do check out Ubuntu Netbook edition of Maverick Meerkat – if only to give Unity a try. Ubuntu Lucid Lynx (10.04) desktop users may not find compelling reasons to switch to the new version of Ubuntu (10.10) though. You can download Ubuntu for free from its official website.
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