Finally Ubuntu 11.10 Oneiric Ocelot has been Released
After 6 months in the making the latest release of Ubuntu – version 11.10 – is now available to download.
Sporting a retuned Unity interface, new and improved features, and even some new applications Ubuntu 11.10 certainly promises a lot – but does it live up to the hype?
Ubuntu 11.10 – minor, but major
Ubuntu 11.10 builds upon the groundwork laid in Ubuntu 11.04. Whilst there are many changes within Ubuntu 11.10 they are evolutionary rather than revolutionary.
But that’s not a bad thing, for example the Unity interface has matured into a dependable and intuitive work tool; the default application set has been rethought; and the new login screen ‘fits’ the overall style of the Unity desktop. All relatively minor or subtle changes on their own by all add up to a greater cohesive whole.
Canonical’s Jane Silber cites this ‘ease of use and stylishness’ as why Ubuntu is now a global phenomenon, ‘not just for system administrators, developers and expert users’ she says ‘but for a growing community of home users that want a simpler, safer way to use the PC.”
See What's new in this Release of Ubuntu 11.10 Oneiric Ocelot
>> Unity Changes
The colour of the Dash is derived from the average colour of your desktop wallpaper.
Lenses have been integrated into the Dash itself, and sport many changes including faster loading times, improved results, and new filtering options – all of which make finding your applications and files easier.
Amongst the Lens changes comes the addition of a new ‘Music Lens’. With this one can browse locally available music as well as that available to buy via the Ubuntu One Music Store. Clicking on a track you have, or don’t have, opens up the default music player Banshee,
>> Looks
The default Ubuntu themes (the dark ‘Ambiance’ and the lighter ‘Radiance’) look all the better from their port to GTK 3.
14 new HQ photo wallpapers are available for you to choose from:
>> A New login screen
A new login screen called ‘LightDM’ is in use for Ubuntu 11.10. Sleeker, lighter and – lets be honest – far sexier than the previous login screens it’s a minor change, but one that gives a polished impression from the get go.
>> New Default Apps
Ubuntu comes with the most important of software pre-installed.
Firefox 7 is the default web browser, giving you access to a whole world of add-ons and extensions.
For office-suite needs Ubuntu provides the Microsoft Office compatible LibreOffice suite – word processor, spread sheet and database apps all included.
Mozilla Thunderbird replaces Evolution as the default e-mail application. This is a breeze to set up with web-based e-mail accounts: just enter your details and Thunderbird does the complicated stuff for you. Keep an eye on the launcher icon for unread mails.
>> Shotwell photo manager for Images
>> Ubuntu Software Centre 5.0
>> Indicators
And Many Other Changes.
Enjoy
