Review of New Features in Ubuntu 8.10

Ubuntu introduced a new version of its Linux based operating system, with version 8.10. You may be wondering if it is worth the trouble of upgrading from Ubuntu 8.04 to Ubuntu 8.10. There are a couple of new features that come with Ubuntu 8.10 that may make the upgrade worthwhile. The core software suite has remained mostly the same, but here are several features that may make you want to make the jump to the new version.

Ubuntu on the go!

Many new PCs now allow you to boot from a USB device, and USB drives are coming with a considerable amount of storage. With Ubuntu 8.10 it is now possible to carry your Ubuntu 8.10 operating system, along with all of your files with you contained on one small USB device. Simply plug it into any machine, and you are able to run your system right from the USB drive. This is one of the most exciting features that come with this new version of Ubuntu. To give it try, plug in a USB, along with an install disk and select "System" --> "Administration" -->"Create a USB Startup Disk." I am able to carry around a copy of all of my files, plus OS with just a $15 USB stick. Pretty handy indeed!

A New Look.

With every Ubuntu release a new desktop wallpaper is available. I found the new one to pretty nice looking, and will keep using it for a while. I always like the "Elephant-skin" wallpaper and it seems to have disappeared with the new release. The new one is a little variation on that wallpaper.

There is a new theme that is available to Ubuntu called "DarkRoom". It is interesting to note that this theme closely resembles the popular Ubuntu Studio main theme. The main coloration is not as black as the Studio theme with it being a slight chocolate brown. There is also a touch of orange-brown color that seems to be a mainstay to the originalUbuntu theme. To activate the new theme, go to "System" --> "Preferences" --> "Appearance" and select the "Darkroom" theme.

Guest accounts

The addition of "guest accounts" is another welcome new feature. A "guest" user will not have privileges that can mess up software or make system changes to your computer. Now it is possible to pass off your laptop or desktop to a friend without having to worry about them making changes to your system. I set up accounts for my kids to use so that the

BBC content

Ubuntu 8.10 now includes streaming BBC content in its totem media player. I gave this a try, but found that much of the content was restricted to the UK only. Being from the United States I am not able to get access to the pod-casts. The interface to totem is super easy and intuitive to use. It will be nice if other channels are added as a default that are more accessible. It is easy to add your own as well.

Menus

Much of the main menu bar has remained the same. There is now the addition of a "shutdown" option under the system menu. Otherwise, the menus have remained pretty much the same.

Overall, Ubuntu 8.10 is not too much different from its predecessor. Albeit, the previous release is only six months old. But this is one of the great advantages of the Ubuntu update cycle is that they occur so often, you are always running the latest and greatest that Linux has to offer as an operating system. Ubuntu 8.04 still has over 2 and a half years of security and support, so if you are satisfied with it then there is no need to make the jump to the new version. If you are chomping at the bit to upgrade your Ubunutu, then make the switch to Ubuntu 8.10!