| Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Edubuntu 5.10 released |
Oct. 13, 2005
[Updated Oct. 17, 2005] -- As promised several weeks ago, the Ubuntu team has announced the availability of the final versions of Ubuntu, Kubuntu, and Edubuntu version 5.10. The distributions include installation CDs, live CDs, and combination DVDs for three architectures.
Ubuntu highlights
Ubuntu, recently named best distro at the LinuxWorld Expo in London, is a Linux distribution for either desktop or server that the team claims features a fast and easy install. Ubuntu, which uses the Gnome 2.12.1 desktop, also issues regular releases and offers a selection of application packages installed by default. Numerous others package available from the network, the team said, in addition to a commitment to security updates for 18 months after each release and professional technical support from many companies around the world.
"Ubuntu" is an ancient African word meaning "humanity to others," according to the Ubuntu website.
Highlights of the latest version Ubuntu for the desktop, as described by the Ubuntu team, are:- Linux kernel 2.6.12.5
- Gnome 2.12.1
- OpenOffice.org 2.0 beta 2
- X.org 6.8.2 with wider hardware support
- An enhanced tool for easily installing new applications
- A new tool which makes it easier to install support for multiple languages (Language Selector)
- Editable Gnome menus
- Applications are now linked into the Launchpad infrastructure (new entries on the Help menus for translation and support)
- Support for writing audio CDs (Serpentine)
- Graphical startup process with progress bar (USplash)
- New documentation (Ubuntu 5.10 Quick Tour and Ubuntu 5.10 FAQ Guide)
- Language packs with updates from the Rosetta translation platform, which makes contributing translations easier for everybody
Kubuntu highlights
Kubuntu is the Ubuntu operating system based on KDE, the K Desktop Environment, instead of Gnome, and offering KDE-related features.
Highlights of Kubuntu, as described by the team, include:- Linux kernel 2.6.12.5
- KDE 3.4.2
- X.org 6.8.2, with modular packaging
- Adept and Adept Updater, Package Manager
- KDE System Settings, Easier Control Centre
- KDE Language Packs, now on the CD
- KDE Bluetooth Framework
- OpenOffice.org 2
- GStreamer for Kaffine and AmaroK, media framework
- Krita, image editor
- KLaptopDaemon, now with hibernate support
- Locate File Search, find files in Konqueror
- Automounting, for CDs and memory sticks
- Katapult, alt+space for program launching
- Simplified Konqueror
- Graphical startup with usplash
Off the desktop, the latest version of Ubuntu/Kubuntu boasts Linux 2.6.12.6, PHP5, 64-bit PowerPC and many other improvements.
Getting Ubuntu and Kubuntu
OSDir has a screenshot tour of Ubuntu here, and one of Kubuntu is here.
The Ubuntu project has a policy of mailing pressed CDs free of charge. To receive a complimentary copy of the CD -- or a handful of them to give to friends, your school or LUG -- place your request here.
Details on downloading Ubuntu and Kubuntu are, respectively, here and here.
More details on these releases can be found here.
Edubuntu 5.10, for classrooms
On Oct. 13th, the Edubuntu team announced the inaugural release of Edubuntu 5.10 Official.
Edubuntu, a partner project of Ubuntu Linux, is a flavor of the Ubuntu operating system that is optimized for classroom use. It has been developed in collaboration with teachers and technologists around the world.
Educators will be able to set up a computer lab or establish an online learning environment in an hour or less -- then administer that environment without having to become a fully-fledged Linux geek, Edubuntu said.
The release consists of an Install CD for the PC (Intel x86), 64-bit PC (AMD64) and PowerPC (Apple iBook and Powerbook, G4 and G5) architectures.
Software package highlights include:- KTouch, a typewriter simulator with touch-screen keys for typing instruction
- KHangman, a spelling game
- MathCommand mathematics instructor
- KEduca-editor text editor
- GPaint graphics
Edubuntu 5.10 is currently available for download, here. OSDir has a series of Edubuntu 5.10 screenshots available, here.
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
