10 New Things in UBUNTU 8.10 (INTREPID IBEX)

After six months of development Ubuntu 8.10 is here, today (October 30th), available on mirrors worldwide.We will see what is new in Ubuntu 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex).

1.     3G SUPPORT:

For constant connectivity public WiFi has limitations. Improvements to the network manager in Ubuntu 8.10 makes it simple to detect and connect to 3G networks and manage connectivity. This connectivity is delivered through an inbuilt 3G modem, through 'dongle' support, through a mobile phone or through Bluetooth. It is a complex environment that Ubuntu 8.10 simplifies through a single interface and the auto-detection of many of the most popular devices.

2.     CREATE BOOTABLE UBUNTU USB DRIVE:

Ubuntu has been made available to users as an image for CDs and DVDs to date. But CDs and DVDs are slower, less portable and less convenient than USB sticks. Now, a simple application in Ubuntu will allow users to write Ubuntu to a USB drive, even a modified version of Ubuntu with their data on it, so it can be carried everywhere to plug in and use on any machine.

3.     GUEST SESSIONS:

In a world of 'always on' pervasive computing it is more likely that users lend their computers to colleagues or friends at conferences, cafes or at parties so they can check email, etc. Guest sessions allow users to lock down a session easily so a guest can use the full system without interference with programs or data.

4.     BBC Content:

Starting the media players within Ubuntu (Totem Movie Player and Rhythmbox) launches a menu of selected content from the broadcaster that is free to air. This is a mixture of video, radio and podcasts and available in high quality, much of it playable using non-proprietary codecs. Content is constantly updated via the corporation's stream and will vary dependent on location, though some content will be available for every user.

5.     GNOME 2.24 Desktop Environment

The GNOME desktop environment project releases its latest version which is incorporated into Ubuntu 8.10. New features include a new instant messaging client, a built-in time tracker, improved file management and toolbars plus better support for multiple monitor use with the ability to set screen resolution by monitor.

6.     Improved Network manager (version 0.7)

The most noticeable changes are in the panel and its applets. First off, NetworkManager is now at version 0.7. This release brings more wireless options, built-in VPN support, DSL and static configurations, and even CDMA/GSM support for browsing on the go. At this point, you should never have to edit your network manually

7.     TRASHING UNUSED PACKAGES:

Almost at the last minute, two new utilities were added to the array of administration applications. The first is “Cruft Remover,” which makes an attempt at removing unused packages. However, it does also try to remove packages not installed from a repository, such as VirtualBox.

8.     Improved XORG VERSIONS!!

A less noticeable, yet highly useful “feature” is Xorg 7.4. This brings hotpluggable devices (I could plug in my Wacom tablet and not have to restart or install anything) and supposedly better stability. I would personally debate the stability due to some 3D problems, but that relies more on my graphics chipset and its drivers than X. But, as I said, this was a “framework” release. This version of X lays the groundwork for what will probably be known as DRI2 (aka wow-I-can-play-a-game-with-compiz-on). Those of you with ATI and Intel graphics chipsets will absolutely love this, however it won’t be available for quite a while.

9.     FASTER START:

It takes only a few seconds for the newest KDE to reach a fully operational stage couting from the login screen till you can use it. As for GNOME in Ubuntu, it needs more time. But none of us like to wait, so developers want to make the boot time as short as it is possible (by updating scripts, leaving unnecessary things etc.).

10.     FASTER APPLICATION SEARCH IN SYNAPTIC MANAGER

A very useful feature. Simply type what you’re searching for (e.g. “audio”) and the results will appear in a moment. You don’t even need to press the Enter key

My verdict? If you’re happy with Hardy, don’t upgrade. If you want to try new things, give Intrepid a whirl. The usual slew of new packages is always an enticing reason to upgrade, but if you would rather stay stable, you aren’t required to. The real action looks as if it will really start with Jaunty; what will be 9.04. See you in six months!