Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu released the latest version of their OS, 9.04. Improvements that we see in this release, according to Canonical are improved boot times, enhanced suspend and resume functionality, and better support for 3G and Wi-Fi switching, plus better 3G support.
Office applications are supplied by Open Office 3.0, and is completely compatible with Microsoft Office. Apparently there is Skype and Flash support as well. Also in this release we have new icons and artwork, and an integrated notification system where apparently, “the system combines the notification methods of various applications and presents the information in a simple, unobtrusive manner.”
So lets kick the tyers of 9.04, and see if the bonnet pops up. The initial install screen holds no surprises, and gives nothing away:
9.04 in all it's glory. Facinating so far.
Then comes the fancy loading screen! The loading bar proceeds the set up screens.
The loading screen, designed by Cylons.
Then onto the set up. The next screen warns you of the fact.
Set up the install.
The first set up screen is the location screen, I found it a little difficult to select London by pointing at it on the map in a virtual machine, but you can simply use the drop down.
Did you know London is only a few pixels wide?
Next, Keyboard layout.
Standard stuff here.
You can partition your own drive here, but the set up defaults do a pretty good job. I find that unless you have some pretty specific needs, best to leave this alone.
Simple unless it's advanced.
Passwords and usernames next. No surprises here.
Pick a password. Make it a good one.
If, like me you pick crap passwords, you get the following dialogue. Jolly good too.
Oops...
The next screen give you an overview of all you are about to undertake. Clicking on the advanced option allows you to choose whether you install a boot loader or not, and you can also participate in a package usage survey if you are the charitable type.
All looking OK.
Advanced options.
Once you have configured your options and clicked install, Ubuntu sets to work, and before you know it, it’s asking you to log in.
This bit doesn't...
Take...
Long.
After a reboot, you can log in to your new system. The login screen has been revamped, and looks pretty good. After logging in you have the default desktop, which in true Ubuntu style is brown.
Zzzzzz... I mean Snazzzzy.
Using the system for a while, it certainly feels snappy, although Ubuntu has always felt snappier than it’s Microsoft counterparts. Applications, Open Office 3.0 in particular, seem to be up and ready in no time. Looking through the menus, there are no new default applications, but this is no problem because any new app you want is a mere few clicks away.
As any Ubuntu veteran will tell you, you use Ubuntu for it’s stability, ease of use and lack of bloat. The install CD is still less than 700MB, which is brilliant, and as I say you can install all the software you need easily. Having run 9.04 for a few days, it’s solid as a rock as you would expect from Ubuntu. Boot times were supposed to be short, and indeed they are. From cold to the login screen I clocked under 30 seconds, ad as long as you can type your password quickly, you can be at your desktop in under 45 seconds.
This release of Ubuntu is no huge advance over the previous version, but the previous version was no huge leap over the version before. With Ubuntu, there is a steady improvement in usability, compatibility and features, and this is a safe and stable release, if a little uninspiring, however, turning Compiz on spices things up a little.
If you are an Ubuntu virgin, this version is a good place to start, and if you are an old hand, upgrading will not offer much thats obviously new, but you may just as well. I have always been a bit of a fan of Ubuntu, just don’t expect this version to blow your socks off.
Quick look at Ubuntu 9.04 is a post from: UK Gadget and Tech News, Reviews and Shopping Site - Gaj-It.com
