Should I Install Ubuntu 10.04 Alpha Edition? Pros and Cons for Installing Before the Beta Release

Canonical is not releasing the official (which I'll refer to as the beta, since it will have bugs to iron out) until April 29, 2010. Many Linux and Ubuntu lovers are finding it difficult to wait for the official release, and want to install the current alpha version to get an early peek. If you're one of those who want Ubuntu fans who are considering installing the alpha, below are a few things to keep in mind.

Bugs

As in, system crippling, data damaging, file eating bugs that destroy everything you hold dear and show you just how fragile the thread your digital life hangs from is. Bugs are not just a reality of alpha releases, they are fully expected. By installing the alpha version of Ubuntu 10.04, you will be guaranteed that things will be broken, apps will hiccup, and some hardware may not work. If you do choose to install, be sure to report every bug you come across to aid in the completion of the final project.

Hardware Issues

But, but...you wifi card worked in Karmic! Why isn't it running in Lucid? What did they do?! This is the alpha release, and it is entirely possible that hardware that you have always used with Ubuntu installs won't work. This isn't indicative of the final project - it is simple the point at which the current release has been worked for your specific hardware. If you want it to work, reinstall the official release version in the end of April.

Interface

Where's the shiny new interface they were talking about? This looks like the same orange and brown fall-colored theme of my nightmares. Why don't I see purple?

Depending on the version you download, it may only have a placeholder theme, which is what is being used until the final version of the themes are finalized. Understand that there will be interface tweaks and changes up until the very last minute, so whatever you see in the Alpha will not necessarily be the same as the final release.

Data Loss

Though this is part of the 'bugs' section, it is worth mentioning individually - there is the very high possibility of data loss when using the any alpha operating system. If you download and use the pre-release version, DO NOT store any important data on the system, as any update could result in catastrophy.