ubuntu have officially released their latest linux distribution ‘karmic koala’. the strange name is in keeping with their double letter naming system (the previous release is known as ‘jaunty jalope’) .
karmic koala is version 9.10 and has included a number of major changes to ubuntu. it still uses gnome 2 (gnome 3 is not ready yet), but the interface and performance have been improved. standard programs have also been considered, including epiphany replacing pidgin as the default instant messaging client.
… oh, and the new colours and gui are gorgeous.
no doubt, though, that karmic koala represents a huge step forward in bringing linux to the masses. not only is ubuntu completely free, but it has a user interface that looks similar enough to windows so as not to scare off potential converts.
head over to www.ubuntu.com and check it out. i’d strongly recommend downloading a ‘live cd’ version which you can burn to a disk and run from your computer without actually installing it. let’s see windows do that!!
if you have an older computer, kubuntu will work very well, and universal netbook remix is designed to work with the smaller netbook monitors (and specialised hardware).