Ubuntu 9.10 review: Karmic Koala
Windows 7 isn't the only new operating system that's recently launched. In this review, we look at the latest flavour of Ubuntu Linux to see if it can compete.
Karmic Koala cements Ubuntu’s position as the best of the free desktop Linux distributions, but Windows remains the most advanced and cohesive desktop operating system.
Evolution remains the mail and calendar client, and with its relatively robust Exchange Server support that's no bad thing.
Karmic Koala takes yet another stab at easing the thorny topic of Linux software installation and management. Out goes the Add/Remove Software tool, in comes the Ubuntu Software Centre. The main interface is separated into sensible categories, but still leaves the user to separate the wheat from the chaff, with no ratings or indication of which applications are popular. It's easier to use than Synaptics Package Manager though (which is still included).
Cloud storage
No longer is it just the software that's free. With the release of Karmic Koala you get free cloud storage too, via the Ubuntu One service. This offers 2GB of free storage, or a flat $10 per month to upgrade to 50GB. Capacity beyond 50GB isn't currently available.
Technical improvements
The biggest noticeable performance boost comes in the shape of faster perceived boot times. The integration of the Upstart process, replacing the age-old init daemon, is the main reason for the quicker feel. Upstart is a multitasking system, allowing startup processes to do their thing in parallel. The init daemon, by contrast, is synchronous, blocking start-up tasks until the previous has completed. Upstart gives faster apparent boot time to the desktop - even if the system hasn't fully finished booting, it feels quick.
The Uncomplicated Firewall (ufw), the front-end for the dauntingly complex iptables firewall tool, gets an update including support for outgoing filtering. It remains a command-line application though, albeit one with (relatively) simple syntax.
-
Gen Z workers are keen on AI in the workplace – but they’re still skeptical about the hypeNews Younger workers could lead the shift to AI, but only think it can can manage some tasks
-
The Scattered Spider hacker group has a new industry in its crosshairsNews The notorious Scattered Spider threat group is now turning its attention to the airline industry, with attacks on operators intensifying.
-
HPE forced to offload Instant On networking division and license Juniper’s AI Ops source code in DOJ settlementNews HPE will be required to make concessions to push the deal through, including divesting its ‘Instant On’ wireless networking division within 180 days.
