Ubuntu Ibex Alpha 6 Review
The Ubuntu team has released Ubuntu 8.10 Alpha 6 for testing. This will be the final alpha build for Intrepid Ibex before we see the beta release.
What has changed in the backend?
This alpha 6 release is shipped with the latest Gnome 2.23.92, which is a testing and development series for the upcoming Gnome 2.24. Hopefully, we can see the 2.24 in action in the beta release of Ubuntu Ibex. Other new stuffs include the new Linux kernal 2.6.27 and the X.Org7.4 which is said to have better hardware support and can allow the great majority of users to run without a /etc/X11/xorg.conf file.
Samba 3.2 was also found in Intrepid Ibex with clustered file server support, encrypted network transport, IPv6 support, and better integration with recent versions of Microsoft Windows clients and servers.
On the frontend
Change of Shut Down Location
In all previous Ubuntu distribution, you can click the Quit button on the top right panel to access to function like: Log out, Lock Screen, Shut down, Suspend, Hibernate, Restart and Switch User. In Ubuntu Ibex, all these functions are dispersed in various locations. To shut down, you need to go to the menu bar System->Shut down. The top-right Quit button is still there, but only allows you to log out or switch user. To Suspend, hibernate, and restart, you have to click on the User-Session icon. Kind of confusing, isn’t it?
In Ubuntu Ibex, you have to go to System->Shut down to shut down the computer
Clicking on the Quit button on the top-right panel only gives you options to Log out or switch user
The user session button is where all the functions are integrated in one place. You can easily use to another user, Log out, restart, suspend, hibernate, shut down
New human theme
Most of us have been complaining about the ugly default brown color theme. In Ubuntu Ibex, there is a new theme call NewHuman. Here ’s the screenshots:
Nautilus file manager now has tab support
The Nautilus file manager now comes with tabs support.
Secret Encrypted folder
The ecryptfs-utils package was recently promoted to Ubuntu main, with support for an secret encrypted folder in your Home Folder.
To get the ecryptfs working in Ibex, install the following package from the terminal:
sudo aptitude install ecryptfs-utils
ecryptfs-setup-private
mount.encryptfs_private
After you have mounted the ecrypted_private folder, you will see a private folder in your Home folder. This is a secret encrypted folder where you can store confidential data
Others
Network Manager 0.7
The new Network Manager 0.7 is said to come with system wide settings such that you no longer need to log in in order to get a connection. Other features include support for 3G connections (GSM/CDMA), manage multiple active devices at once, better management of PPP and PPPOE connections, devices with static IP configurations and route management for devices.
Release Schedule
The beta release of Ubuntu Ibex is scheduled on 2nd Oct 2008 while the Release Candidate is scheduled on 23rd Oct 2008.
The final release of Ubuntu Ibex will be on 30th Oct 2008.
For now, if you are keen to test the alpha 6, you can download it here.
Tags: Linux, Ubuntu
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4 pingbacks/trackbacks (Click to open)
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[Click to close]7 Responses
Wow you meanz I can haz thiz Newbuntu@#$!?
@Michael: Yes, you can have it, but the current version is not suitable for production use yet. Wait for the actual release on 30th Oct
nice article, I took a stab at Ibex Beta and it’s running pretty sweetly.
much more improved, definitely a windows killer ;-)
John.