Software Update: Ubuntu 9.10 Beta

The developers of Ubuntu Linux released the first beta version of Ubuntu Linux 9.10 a few days ago. This branch of the Linux distribution has been codenamed ‘Karmic Koala’ and at the same time, of course, the other members of the Ubuntu family have also been updated, such as Kubuntu, Xubuntu and Ubuntu Studio. The beta features Gnome 2.28 and Linux kernel 2.6.31.1. The announcement on the mailing list looks like this:

Ubuntu 9.10 Beta released

The Ubuntu team is pleased to announce the beta release of Ubuntu 9.10 Desktop and Server editions, and the Ubuntu Netbook Remix. Codenamed “Karmic Koala”, 9.10 continues Ubuntu’s proud tradition of integrating the latest and greatest open source technologies into a high-quality, easy-to-use Linux distribution.

Ubuntu 9.10 Desktop Edition improves on the work of 9.04 to get you going faster, with improved startup times and a streamlined boot experience.

Ubuntu 9.10 Server Edition integrates Ubuntu Enterprise Cloud setup in the installer and provides improvements to system security with AppArmor, including an AppArmor profile for libvirtd to further isolate virtual machines from the host system.

The Ubuntu 9.10 family of variants, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Edubuntu, Ubuntu Studio, and Mythbuntu, also reach beta status today.

desktop features

GNOME 2.28 featuring Empathy: with this latest beta release, Ubuntu now uses the Empathy instant messaging service by default, introducing the Telepathy framework.

Ubuntu Software Center: the first step in a replacement for Add/Remove Software has landed for testing and feedback.

New boot experience: multiple changes to look, feel and speed of the boot experience have been included in the Ubuntu 9.10 beta.

Server features

Cloud computing: Ubuntu 9.10 builds on the tantalizing cloud support in Ubuntu 9.04, with support for Eucalyptus configuration at install time and publishing of standard VM images for UEC.

AppArmor: Ubuntu 9.10 continues to raise the bar for server security, with AppArmor profiles enabled by default for ntpd and libvirt providing another layer of protection from attacks on the network or via guest virtual machines.

Ubuntu Netbook Remix features

Ubuntu Netbook Remix is ​​optimized to run on Intel atom based netbooks. It includes a new consumer-friendly interface that allows users to quickly and easily get on-line and use their favorite applications. This interface is optimized for a retail sales environment.

It includes the same faster boot times and improved boot experience as Ubuntu desktop.

kubuntu features

Kubuntu 9.10, built on KDE 4.3, brings users a complete, full-featured KDE4 desktop with many new applications and innovations.

This is the first release for a new Kubuntu variant, Kubuntu Netbook Edition. Built on a Kubuntu base, it brings users an exciting first look at KDE’s netbook-oriented desktop environment.

Ubuntu features

Xubuntu 9.10 comes with the light-weight Xfce 4.6 desktop environment to provide a desktop designed for productivity while conserving system resources.

Xubuntu 9.10 is proud to offer an improved multimedia experience with the Exaile media player, a more integrated power management solution with the Xfce4 power manager, and more convenience built right in with improved multimedia volume key support and more consistent desktop notifications.

Edubuntu features

Edubuntu 9.10 transitions from an add-on educational CD that depended on an existing Ubuntu installation to a full Ubuntu derivative delivered on as a DVD image. This allows prospective users and decision makers to try the educational offerings prior to installation and the flexibility to make Edubuntu a first class educational operating system.

Mythbuntu features

Mythbuntu 9.10 introduces MythTV 0.22. The entire stack has been ported to QT4 and now allows for very neat UI effects. Also 0.22 adds support for VDPAU hardware acceleration, and HD-PVR hardware support.

Other

• On the Desktop: GNOME 2.28, KDE 4.3, XFCE 4.6.1, OpenOffice.org 3.1.1, X.Org server 1.6.3
• On the Server: Apache 2.2, PostgreSQL 8.4, PHP 5.2.10, LTSP 5.1
• “Under the hood”: GCC 4.4.1, glibc 2.10, Linux 2.6.31.1, Python 2.6.2

The full release notes can be found at http://www.ubuntu.com/testing/karmic/beta.