By Steve Ragan Oct 17, 2007, 16:10 GMT
On October 18th, a new version of Ubuntu Linux will become available and with it comes a fleet of improvements. While Linux usage is growing slowly, there is a push for the operating system as schools and government’s worldwide make the switch and leave Windows.
In a recent phone conference Mark Shuttleworth, Ubuntu founder, said he sees Ubuntu as “a cost effective, viable out-of-the-box alternative to Windows.” Shuttleworth listed examples such as Spain who now has over two hundred thousand systems deployed with Ubuntu installed in government offices. He also commented that all of the schools in Russia have made the switch to Ubuntu.
Out of the box, Ubuntu can offer some realistic competition to Microsoft Windows and Office. Using some of the open source applications available such as Open Office, users can maintain equal functionality with regard to writing and viewing simple documents and spreadsheets. While there are some downsides to working with Linux in an office environment, such as a decent presentation application, and printer drivers according to Shuttleworth this is addressed in the new Ubuntu.
The new features in Ubuntu 7.10 include; NTFS read access and write access, GNOME 2.0 for 3D graphics, better hardware support including plug-and-play support, stronger security. Notebook users will also benefit from external monitor and duel monitor support improvements. “…we're almost to the point where we can say 'If your printer works on a Mac, it will work in Ubuntu,” Shuttleworth told TG Daily.
Once released, the new version will be available on the Ubuntu website.
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Heck noOct 19th, 2007 - 01:35:33
I aint buy no software named after some Mogadishun warlord. No way in heck. I plenty happy with Leopard on my Hitler-book.
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