Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx Changes

Ubuntu 10.04, Lucid Lynx is planned for April 2010. The new version of Ubuntu will be released as a Long Term Support (LTS) release, meaning that there will support until 2013 for desktops and 2015 for servers. Despite the fact that this going to be a LTS release, Cannonical, LTD is planning on making some under the hood changes to the operating system. These changes are reflections of some of the capabilities that are already available in Apple's OSX operating systems.

Ubuntu Music Store

The most exciting feature for Lucid Lynx will be the opening of the Ubuntu Music Store. The Ubuntu Music Store will allow users to make direct purchases of music from the Internet in as one would with Apples iTunes store. At this time it is unclear as to whether mainstream music offerings will be made. It is more likely that offerings will be made more akin to the types of music that you find on Jamendo or Magnatune. Both of these venues offer fine music choices, and you are able to listen to their offerings for free using the RhythmBox application with current versions of Ubuntu.

Backup Operations

Apple's backup application, Time Machine, has set the standard for operating system backup and recovery. It offers a simple and intuitive interface that allows users to quickly review and restore files from backup. An application to back up system and user files is something that is sorely needed in Ubuntu. There are two leading candidates that are being considered for inclusion. The are Deja Dup, and Back in Time. Both of these pieces software offer a robust capability in backing up your files.

Adding PiTiVi

PiTiVi is an open source video editor that is based GStreamer and GTK+. It has an easy to use interface. The development of the sofware is backed by Collabora, who have been involved in the development of a number of open source projects that deal with communications, mobile devices, and multi-media software.

Dropping GIMP

In a move that is likely to make room on the install disk for PiTiVi, the Music store, and backup applications, Ubuntu developers have decided to drop GIMP from the default Ubuntu distribution. GIMP has been a Linux desktop mainstay and stands for the GNU Image Manipulation Program. The idea of dropping it from that install disk is an idea that has been floating around Ubuntu forums for a while.

GIMP is a refined image manipulation program, and contained a too many features for most desktop users. Desktop users generally want to crop images, remove a little 'red-eye', etc. and can find many of these features in either F-Spot or gThumb. GIMP will still be readily available from the Ubuntu Software Center.

With the addition of a music store, backup software and stronger video editing capabilities, Ubuntu will continue to make further advances as a leading Linux desktop.