Latest Ubuntu Comes Out

Ubuntu Linux is about to release its newest version, reported to be a major improvement over its predecessor, codenamed "Feisty Fawn." The new Ubuntu, easier to use than ever, now includes much wider support for wireless cards, Windows migration tools, and codec installation tools. Although not radically changing anything, Ubuntu seems to have effectively dealt with some of its biggest problems. As Windows Vista comes out, computer users now have a viable open source option available to them.

For those of you who don't know, Ubuntu is a distribution of the Linux operating system, designed with the common user in mind, and entirely open source. This means that it is developed by a community effort, with no profit motive, and no charge. Unlike commercial software, it may be freely modified by whoever wants to, meaning that it is better designed and less buggy than commercial operating systems such as Microsoft's Windows and Apple's Mac OS. Although Linux has traditionally had a reputation of being for nerds only, Ubuntu is working hard to change that. It now poses a viable alternative to Windows.

The new Ubuntu, Feisty Fawn, fixes some of Ubuntu's biggest problems. First, it deals with the wireless issue. Wireless has long been an issue with Linux, since traditionally wireless card manufacturers did not release specifications for their products. Thus, Linux programmers could not create drivers for them, and the vast majority of cards needed Windows emulation software to work, something that took much time and technical facility to set up. Feisty Fawn, however, works with most all wireless cards right out of the box, and does not require too much nerdiness to set up.

The codec problem is also dealt with, at least almost. Codecs for mp3s and DVDs are technically not open source, so it would be illegal for Ubuntu to include them. Users had to install them manually in order to listen to music on their computers. Feisty Fawn, however, has a wizard that guides users through this process. It is also equipped with a set of wizards designed to help former Windows users make the shift.

Although Linux is much different than Windows, is not compatible with Windows software, and requires a certain amount of technical skill to use, it at this point makes quite a viable alternative to Windows. It comes fully loaded with a full complement of open source software, in most cases as good as or better than the Windows equivalent. It can be downloaded from ubuntulinux.org. It is also possible to order free installation CDs.

Sources:

http://desicritics.org/2007/04/16/001741.php

http://www.ubuntulinux.org