I recently upgraded Ubuntu 9.04 Netbook Remix to Ubuntu 9.10 via Update Manager. I wanted to try 9.10 on my netbook before using it on any other systems. 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope performed well, but it took a bit of tweaking to be able to take advantage of all the features of my Asus 1000HE (mousepad, acpi, and sound). Once all my fixes were in place on the 9.04, i quickly moved from the very user friendly NBR desktop to the classic Ubuntu desktop. If you didn’t know Ubuntu 9.04 on my Asus 1000HE was the first time i ran strictly Linux and no alternative operating systems. I’m Hooked.

At this point i’ve used all versions of the Windows Operating System (except Windows Seven). At times i still use XP, and understand that customers require Windows due to an important application (for example). There are absolutely no disadvantages to using Linux, primarily (speaking only from experience) Ubuntu. It’s called Linux for Human Being’s for crying out loud …

So What’s New Ubuntu?

The name! … Karmic Koala is far more intriguing than “7″, in fact i would rather it be Seven. (To be fair, i still have to review Windows 7, and have heard good things)

The look and feel. Much more sophisticated icons on the task bar have become less of an eyesore, and have a very smooth and finished appearance.

Wireless, ethernet, sound, and other peripheral devices worked first time around. Awesome! (this hasn’t happened to me yet with any Linux distribution).

Fast boot. This is a popular feature that’s been highly anticipated. While it is noticeably fast, i haven’t put the radar gun on it … I think i may have gotten used to significantly faster booting when i went to 9.04.

Ubuntu Software Center. Another hot off the press feature here. Canonical’s first venture into a GUI driven software management tool, making this version of Linux even more for Human Being’s than before. Haven’t tried to install yet, but in my upgrade from 9.04, Ubuntu Software Center is showing me that some applications are available to be installed, yet i had installed them before my upgrade. One of the great things about the Ubuntu community? Chances are someone has already posted a suggested fix, if not I can report the bug.

Ubuntu One. Canonical debuts an operating system with a direct flight to these clouds everyone is talking about.

Featuring:

Sync Your Files – Share With Others
Sync Notes With Tomboy Notes

At this point I’ve done some light reading on Ubuntu One, and what i can tell you is it has earned an in-depth review … It is a unique offering and cloud services paired with an operating system and really can become a make it or break it for some users.

Some great features on tap here, and I’m excited to learn more. Before i try new things i’ve got a couple issues to handle with the Asus 1000HE. One issue is getting all of the touch pad features working. I think with a little research, I’ll have it fixed.

Overall, I’m very happy with Ubuntu 9.10, and looking forward to working with the new operating system over the next few months.