X
Tech

Looking forward to Ubuntu 7.10 "Gutsy Gibbon"

This Thursday sees the release of the next version of the successful Linux distro Ubuntu - version 7.10, code-named "Gutsy Gibbon." Like the code-name or hate it, Ubuntu 7.10 has some interesting and useful new features that make it worth taking a look at.
Written by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, Senior Contributing Editor
This Thursday sees the release of the next version of the successful Linux distro Ubuntu - version 7.10, code-named "Gutsy Gibbon." Like the code-name or
Looking forward to Ubuntu 7.10 “Gutsy Gibbon”
hate it, Ubuntu 7.10 has some interesting and useful new features that make it worth taking a look at.

Ubuntu 7.10 isn't a major release and won't have long term support (LTS) but the development team have added just enough new features to make this upgrade a compelling one for anyone that's already using Ubuntu and ironed out a few of the creases to make it a little easier for new adopters of the distro.

[Update: Download Gutsy Gibbon from Canonical] I'm going to leave having a detailed look at Gutsy Gibbon until it's released on Thursday, but there are a few new features worth mentioning:

  • Multi-monitor support For anyone who likes having vast amounts of screen real estate, the new native support for multiple monitors will make the upgrade worthwhile.
  • Native support for WPA Finally, it feels like Ubuntu is ready for notebooks (where dodgy WiFi handling was the most apparent).
  • Improved power management Now you can stick it to the man and help save the planet simultaneously.
  • Totem improvements The Totem media player sees a significant revamp.
  • NTFS support NTFS-formatted drives are automatically detected and mounted.
  • Improved printer support Again, another new improvement that Linux newbies will appreciate.
  • Printing to PDF This is a nice feature that I use all the time in Windows and will value in Ubuntu.

Anyone else eagerly awaiting Gutsy Gibbon? What features or improvements would you like to see in future releases?

Editorial standards