Ubuntu 10.10 available for download

The final 10.10 version of Ubuntu Linux has been released.

As announced by Canonical, Ubuntu 10.10 a.k.a Maverick Meerkat was released on Sunday. This engine takes over from Ubuntu 10.04, providing users with long term support.

Ubuntu 10.10 uses the Linux 2.6.35.3 kernel with multiple patches installed to improve the multi-touch possibilities developed by Canonical (uTouch framework).The default file system is Ext4 although a new installer is available to make processes easier, both in terms of partitioning and configuration choices. A good example of this is the installation of an MP3 codec or Flash Player.

This will then deliver the user to the GNOME 2.32 desktop environment with its theme slightly refreshed when compared to Ubuntu 10.04. Customisation has been made easier with the presence of 17 screen backgrounds and a new Ubuntu character font selected by default.

The Ubuntu Software Centre benefits from improvements with new views that emphasise features and the installation history of installed software packets. It is also possible to purchase applications as well, although for the moment only one is available - Fluendo DVD Player ($24.95).

The Evolution 2.30 email client is present, while Empathy is available for instant messaging. The F-Spot picture manager has been replaced by Shotwell. Gwibber has been updated to take into account changes to Twitters authentication system which now only allows OAuth. The indispensible Firefox 3.6.10 web browser and OpenOffice.org 3.2.1 suites are also present.

The sound indicator provided includes music controls. The Rhythmbox player integrates Ubuntu Music One through which the user is able to purchase MP3 formatted music without DRM. This is part of Ubuntu’s Cloud Computing services which have been improved. Better integration of Ubuntu One has been made allowing you to share and synchronise files (free up to 2 GB). A Windows client should also be made available soon, as well as interoperability with Android and the iPhone via Ubuntu One Mobile ($3.99 per month or $39.99 per year), with it also being possible to broadcast music over your personal cloud to Smartphone’s while also synchronising your contacts (applications will soon be available).

The biggest changes to Ubuntu’s look can be found in the Netbook edition with the new Unity user environment which has been specially adapted to small screens, mobility and multi-touch gests.

It shouldn’t be forgotten that Ubuntu is also available in other editions including Kubuntu with the KDE SC 4.5.1 desktop environment. We find the new Ubiquity installer, the default Rekong browser on the KDE platform and WebKit technologies, providing the appreciable possibility of switching between environments, with one for the computer and the other for a netbook.

It should be pointed out that in the Server edition improvements have been made for deployment in the Cloud.

Download Ubuntu 10.10