Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala Release - 29 Oct 09

Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala), is scheduled to be released on 29 October 2009. It will become Canonical's eleventh release of the distribution and will likely be supported until April 2011.

The 9.10 release will focus on improvements in cloud computing on the server, further improvements in boot speed as well as development on the Netbook Remix.

"Ubuntu Netbook Remix is optimised to run on a new category of affordable Internet-centric devices called netbooks. It includes a new consumer-friendly interface that allows users to quickly and easily get on-line and use their favourite applications. This interface is optimised for a retail sales environment." - from Ubuntu Site

The desktop installation of Ubuntu 9.10 is expected to include, among other programs, GIMP 2.6, GNOME 2.28, Mozilla Firefox 3.5, OpenOffice.org 3.1, Linux Kernel 2.6.31, X.Org 7.5 and Empathy Instant Messenger. The default filesystem will be ext4, and the Ubuntu One client, which interfaces with Canonical's new online storage system, will be installed by default.

"Ubuntu One is your personal cloud. You can use it to back up, store, sync and share your data with other Ubuntu One users. Ubuntu One gives all features and 2 GB of essential storage to everyone." - from Ubuntu Site

 It will also debut a new application called the Ubuntu Software Center that will unify package management. Canonical intends for this application to replace Add/Remove Programs (gnome-app-install) in 9.10 and possibly Synaptic, Software Sources, Gdebi and Update Manager in Ubuntu 10.04. Karmic Koala will also include a slideshow during the installation process (through ubiquity-slideshow) that will highlight applications and features in Ubuntu