Highlights of Ubuntu 8.04 Beta

After recently installing Ubuntu 8.04 Beta, I have seen numerous improvements that will bring welcome change to users in the near future. Now in beta stage, Ubuntu is stable enough for me or anyone else who is interesting in testing the new version. While I have not seen any problems, it is not recommended for use on production machines. Here are some highlights.

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Synergy: the Software KVM (or just KM) Switch

Having multiple computers can be a blessing when trying to multi-task, but trying to control them all at once can take a lot of room. Hardware options are available. They are called KVMs, which is short for keyboard, video, and mouse switches. However these hardware options require a constant hardware connection. This makes it impractical for laptops, or when substituting the KVM for the real keyboard/mouse/screen set up is not desired.

This is where Synergy — a software option — can really shine. And yes, it works with Ubuntu.

Google Hosts Ubuntu Linux Discussion

Google frequently hosts “tech talks” to help employees understand key trends in IT. One recent tech talk, delivered by Ubuntu Community Manager Jono Bacon, focused on Ubuntu.

Bacon, who also spoke recently at the Southern California Linux Expo (SCALE), shares his vision for the future of the Linux desktop community. The video runs slightly more than one hour, but provides some key insights for those who are just getting up to speed on Linux and Ubuntu.

Talking Ubuntu Linux: Q&A with System76 President Carl Richell

System76, one of the best-known providers of Ubuntu systems, recently introduced new servers certified to run the operating system. All About Ubuntu caught up with System76 President Carl Richell to discuss his views on the Ubuntu server market. The following interview — more of a quick chat — occurred over email:

Will “Landscape” Give Ubuntu Linux A Business Lift?

If a new administration tool works as advertised, Ubuntu Linux may become much easier for businesses to install, manage and troubleshoot on an enterprise scale. The new tool, dubbed Landscape, arrives March 5 from Canonical.

I first heard about Landscape during the Ubuntu Live event in mid-2007. At the time, I speculated that it could become a great tool for managed service providers (MSPs) to remotely administer Ubuntu-based networks. I still think Landscape could eventually connect with MSPs, as I point out on MSPmentor.net, our sister site.

But first and foremost, Landscape strives to make Ubuntu desktops and servers far easier for network administrators to manage.

Amazon.com Brings MP3 Music to Ubuntu

Amazon.com has quietly released its MP3 downloader program for Linux, with an available download for Ubuntu’s latest version, 7.10. So, what does this mean for Ubuntu users?

For the first time, Ubuntu users will have access to a mainstream music provider, with millions of songs and full albums from the top bands available. The songs are provided without Digital Rights Management, which is a controversial means of protecting media companies’ rights by limiting the times you can move music from one device or computer to another. DRM also effects the sound quality of a song. As a comparison, Apple’s iTunes service offers non-DRM songs for $1.29, while Amazon’s service offers the songs for 89 to 99 cents each.

You might be thinking, “This is great! But… how do I get it?” Here’s how:

IdeaStorm for Ubuntu

Slashdot has posted an article about a site that could be one of the best ways for new ideas to be included in future Ubuntu releases. The new site is called Brainstorm. It has been inspired by IdeaStorm, a site put up for submitting ideas to Dell. Although there is no official announcement on either Ubuntu, or Canonical’s websites, it has been announced on The Fridge website, which is an Ubuntu and Canonical sponsored site.

All you need to do is sign up with a user name to submit your own ideas and vote for others.

Happy Brainstorming!