Review of Ubuntu Linux 8.10: Intrepid Ibex

The latest version of Ubuntu Linux is version Ubuntu 8.10: Intrepid Ibex. You probably read all the reviews for this 8.10 version of Ubuntu. However, most 8.10: Intrepid Ibex reviews focus on the improvements made to the Ubuntu kernel. This review will critique Ubuntu 8.10 from a user-friendly point of view, focusing on features that you will probably find useful.

When you first install Ubuntu 8.10, you will probably notice that it is very similar to Ubuntu 8.04. This is good news because installing packages on version 8.04 was very simple and straightforward. A new feature on the Ubuntu 8.10 installer is the Login Automatically function. This feature appears when you try to configure your user account.

As the name suggests, the Login Automatically option will make Ubuntu go directly to the desktop every time you boot your computer. This eliminates the pause associated with entering your username and password in the login screen. Another new feature of the installation software is the graphical user interface, which displays a more aesthetic installer. The state of partitioning is also displayed in the new installer.

Ubuntu 8.10 also features new network configuration options. Users can now configure connections to GSM, 3G, and CDMA mobile phones using the Network Manager. The Network Manager wizard walks you through the process of configuring your phone connection. You can choose from a list of settings needed for mobile phone providers in your area.

When you first boot Ubuntu 8.10, you will probably notice that main menus have slightly larger submenu indicators. You will also notice that the Universal Access has been given a submenu of its own. You can also activate the Darkroom GUI theme for Ubuntu 8.10. The theme can be selected by clicking the System button located at the top of the screen. After that, you will need to select Preferences and then Appearance in the dropdown menu that appears. There are those who love this new theme, but just as many who hate it. Which is probably why it's an optional theme.

It is also important to note the new Guest feature. You can click the Fast User Switcher located at the top-right corner of the screen to select a guest session.

Ubuntu 8.10 features a variety of desktop improvements. The new file manager includes new features like tabbed browsing, a compact list view, and eject commands for removable media. You may take a likening to the tabbed browsing feature, given the fact that you can go through several files quickly and conveniently.

All in all, Ubuntu 8.10 is a very feature-filled addition to the 8.0 family. However, it is important to know that many programs may have problems running on the new version because of the relative newness. For example, VMware may not run as smoothly as it did when you were using Ubuntu 8.04. I'm not trying to discourage you from upgrading, but I just want to warn you of the possible problems you may encounter.