Red Hat's Fedora 11: Sneak Peak

Although the release of Fedora, Red Hat's community Linux has been delayed until next week, the beginning of June, it is looking very good indeed.

1. Fast Boot: While SplashTop and Moblin 2.0 are still faster, the overall goal for Fedora creators was to create this version so users could turn on their computers and get to a GNOME login screen in a 20-second or less window of time and the goal was successfully accomplished. This version of Fedora appears to be the quickest version of a complete Linux distribution found on a desktop computer.

2. Ext4 File System by Default: The goal of the Ext4 is to increase the speed of your computer. Ext4 allows users to file systems with a size of 1 EB (ExaByte) and up to 16 TB (TeraByte). The speed is there for users even if they do not work with such large files. Ext4 is the most current Linux file system. You do not have to run huge databases to appreciate the upgrade Ext4 offers users.

3. Better Graphics: With the use of X.server 1.6, Fedora 11 provides much better graphics. Whether you are using a small computer screen, such as with a laptop, or a multitude of displays, you will notice the graphics are faster and the display is more stable. Unfortunately with Fedora 11 the option to reset graphics using "Control-Alt-Backspace" has to be manually set up because the option is no longer set by default. On the positive side, thus far there has been no need to restart the X.server.

4. Synamptics Touchpad Improvements: Not everyone likes using touchpad equipment; touchpads can be frustrating to work with. The touchpad improvements made on Fedora 11 are enough to make someone who truly dislikes using touchpads rethink their feelings on the subject. The touchpad is very responsive, in a positive way. The upgrades made to the touchpad with Linux's Fedora are impressive.

5. DNSSEC: Linux has provided this option to beef up security. While Linux is already very secure, using the internet is not ever completely safe. There have been attacks against the original DNS (Domain Name System) so Linux is now offering DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions) by default. Along with the added security; disk performance is quicker and management of drive space is much better than the Ext3 version.

The new version of Fedora is certainly worth trying. The version is quick, current, and stable. Linux has really provided users with an all-in-one product, all of your needs will be met with this new version of Fedora.