Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala Beta released

The Ubuntu developers have announced the beta release of Ubuntu 9.10, code named "Karmic Koala". The latest development release of the Debian-derived Linux distribution is available in the Desktop and Server editions, and in the Ubuntu Netbook Remix.

The Karmic Koala beta features the 2.6.31 Linux kernel, the latest GNOME 2.28 desktop environment and now uses the Ext4 file system by default, although other file systems are still available in the manual partitioner and existing file systems will not be upgraded. Other changes include the use of Upstart to improve boot performance, the GRUB 2 boot loader and Ubuntu One file sharing. The new Ubuntu Software Center replaces the "Add/Remove" in the Applications menu and the addition of Quickly provides templates and guides to help developers more quickly and easily create and integrate new applications for Ubuntu.

The developers also note that there are still several known bugs in the release, such as a bug in the boot-time ordering of NFS-related init scripts that will prevent systems from booting. Some problems with Intel graphics chip-sets can cause users to experience a black screen on reboot after the installation. These issues are expected be fixed in time for the release candidate.

As with all development releases, use in production environments and on mission critical systems is not advised. Users testing the release are encouraged to report any problems that they experience so that any major bugs can be addressed before the final release.

More details about the release, including a list of known issues, can be found in the release notes. Ubuntu 9.10 Beta is available to download. Existing 9.04 desktop users can upgrade to the release by pressing Alt+F2 and typing in update-manager -d into the command box. A release candidate is scheduled to be released on the 22nd of October, followed one week later by the final release on the 29th.

See also:

• Ubuntu 10.04 Linux will be a Lucid Lynx, a report from The H.

(crve)