Canonical, Ubuntu Linux distribution? commercial sponsor, has announced that the release version of Ubuntu 7.10 Desktop Edition will launch Oct. 18.
Ubuntu, the incredibly popular desktop Linux distribution that seeks to deliver the best of open-source software every six months, will be out in a few days. Gutsy Gibbon Ubuntu 7.10 Desktop Edition includes improvements in advanced plug-and-play printing, enhanced browsing and the option of a smooth new user interface built on top of the latest GNOME 2.20 desktop.
The latest version of Ubuntu includes numerous new features. In particular, its hardware support has been improved. Besides better plug-and-play configuration for printers, the new Ubuntu includes automatic firmware installation for Broadcom Wi-Fi cards.
Laptop users will also be pleased to see improved support for display systems. With Gutsy Gibbon, full external VGA (projector) support is available out of the box, with easy reconfiguration when hardware is switched. For power users, this release includes the ability to manage multiple monitors.
Canonical CEO and Ubuntu founder Mark Shuttleworth said that Compiz Fusion is enabled by default and will bring 3-D desktop visual effects that improve the usability and visual appeal of the system. Ubuntu 7.10 automatically detects whether the hardware is capable of running compiz. If it? not compiz-capable, it will fall back to normal desktop. Additional effects can be enabled in "System/Preferences/Appearance" under the "Visual Effects" tab. You can also disable the effects entirely. This is, Shuttleworth warned, cutting-edge video display technology, and it? likely that some users will have trouble with it.
Another major addition is that Ubuntu 7.10 users get full read and write capability for all Windows partitions, including NTFS files. ?e?e found that many users dual-boot Linux and Windows,
