As we get closer to the April release of the next version of Ubuntu, many people are already checking out the beta and helping work out any of the kinks or issues that the operating system may have.

One thing that I’ve noticed is that there hasn’t been as much excitement about Ubuntu since the last release in October of last year. What has happened since then that we aren’t seeing an even wider adoption of one of the easiest Linux distributions?

Well, one thing has been the increasing attention that Apple is getting with their products, as well as Windows continually trying to fix their Vista mess, but I am here to tell you that Ubuntu is looking even better with the release of Hardy Heron.

Some changes that you can expect include:

  • Easier display and graphics configuration
  • Better user permissions control
  • FireFox 3 Beta 4 by default
  • Transmission BitTorrent Client
  • Vinagre VNC client
  • Easier Virtual Machine Support
  • Firewall
  • More Secure Memory Management

One of the most discussed features is Wubi, an application that allows you to install Ubuntu as though it were a Windows application. If running it on the Live CD isn’t enjoyable or useful enough for you, then you can install it on your Windows computer without really dedicating anything more to it than any other application in Windows.

There is a new installation option for Windows users. Wubi allows users to install and uninstall Ubuntu like any other Windows application. It does not require a dedicated partition, nor does it affect the existing bootloader, yet users can experience a dual-boot setup almost identical to a full installation. Wubi works with a physical CD or in stand-alone mode, by downloading an appropriate ISO to install from. It can be found on the root of the CD as Wubi.exe. A full installation within a dedicated partition is still recommended, but Wubi is a great way to try Ubuntu for a few days and weeks before committing dedicated disk resources.

I am definitely hoping that with this release, Ubuntu will work hard on marketing and branding, as well as advertising as they have a great product and should be a staple choice when it comes to selecting an operating system for nearly every type of user.

Check out the Ubuntu 8.04 beta.

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2 days and 3 nights with Ubuntu 7.10

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