Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon makes its way into desktops, our hearts

See you guys on the torrents, Ubuntu 7.10 is out today. Codenamed "Gutsy Gibbon" -- in that alliterative fashion that never gets old (yet) -- 7.10 includes the brand new GNOME 2.20 desktop, Compiz Fusion for gee whiz 3D interface effects, desktop search (pictured), fast user switching, Firefox plug-in support, much improved monitor support and configuration (at last), and a whole bunch of other minor tweaks and major improvements. Time will tell if this release proves to be the true commercial OS killer a lot of people are banking on, but there's no denying that Ubuntu Linux provides an increasingly attractive and perpetually free alternative to traditional operating systems and even many Linux desktop distributions. Welcome to the OS war, Gutsy Gibbon!

[Thanks, strider_mt2k]

[John P @ Oct 18th 2007 11:14AM]

I may just have to replace Fedora 6 with this release. Does it work on older laptops? (As in a single-core Pentium M, >1 gig ram) Or do those "gee wiz" 3d effects cancel that?

[Jeff @ Oct 18th 2007 11:20AM]

I'm sure you can turn that stuff off.

God only knows it would be a disaster if they made that useless eye candy the default as most PCs that run Ubuntu are older machines.

[mike @ Oct 18th 2007 11:26AM]

I believe the release notes state that it will detect your computer's resources and disable them if it can't handle them.

[JackOLantern @ Oct 18th 2007 11:43AM]

Why does it look like windows with a bad gold/brown theme?
This Linux community had a chance to start over with a new OS and this is the best they could come up with?

[chaircrusher @ Oct 18th 2007 11:48AM]

Ubuntu Feisty Fawn runs great on my Dell 4150, a 2002 vintage Pentium M Laptop. Including very acceptable performance with Beryl, another 3D UI Effects package, that makes it look a lot like Vista with eye candy turned on. I don't know from Compiz Fusion, but it should work fine ...

[Andir3.0 @ Oct 18th 2007 12:00PM]

@Jack: that's one of the many themes available. You can change them in the settings to look like MacOS or Windows if you really want.

[Dane @ Oct 19th 2007 1:35AM]

Mike, it's similar to Windows for several reason.

1. Adoption for the non-tech elite: Ubuntu sells itself as an attractive alternative to the masses. Being that Windows is what 90 percent of the computer-using public is comfortable with, Ubuntu stands the best chance at adoption by offering something familiar.

2. It doesn't have to look that way: Go to Gnome-Looks.org and see for yourself. You can make the GUI look like nearly anything. I've seen clean desktops that use a series of orb icons to navigate through applications and the file structure. That's the real beauty of Linux. It's not what they give you, it's what you can make.

3. Judge not by a single photo: A lot of Ubuntu is radically different, and actually more intuitive, from Windows. It just takes more than a fleeting glance at a single photo to experience that.

[andi @ Oct 18th 2007 12:21PM]

Installed, configured, running smoothly. The graphic effects use the graphics processor, so it won't screw with performance. Also, you can very very easily turn them off

though, they offer productivity advantages too, not just eyecandy.

ey mac users, where are you?.. look, this thing can look cooler than your leopard-to-be... and it's faster... can you believe this?

[King @ Oct 18th 2007 12:32PM]

Surprisingly, unlike vista, it doesn't take a ridiculous machine to handle the graphics effects of compiz. I'm running an Inspiron 5160 with a P4 @ 3.2 and 64mb Geforce go 5200 and I can run any of the effects of compiz with no problem and it doesn't hog all my cpu cycles like vista.

[Andrew @ Oct 18th 2007 12:43PM]

I'm running it on a 1.6GHz Pentium M 725 (Dothan), with 1 GB RAM and a terrible Intel "Extreme" 2 Integrated card. It runs FAST, and the 3D effects work without a hitch or any slowdown at all.

I've only been using Ubuntu for 3 months now, but I regret not switching years back, this is the best computing experience I've ever had.

Cheers to open source!

[huh @ Oct 18th 2007 12:44PM]

JackOLantern, it is probably intentional, to ease migration of users. Not everyone likes to see change for the sake of changes, so why change what people know and generally works pretty well. However, for eye candy and actually useful new effects, compiz is pretty good.

I agree completely on the colour scheme though, it makes me feel like I'm inside someone's intestines.

[suv4x4 @ Oct 18th 2007 1:50PM]

I just installed it on VMWare which has no any 3D accelerator of any sort, it in fact emulates 10 year old PC.

It runs just great, and the effects mode (compiz) was turned off by default since it couldn't find a 3D GPU.

[ferret @ Oct 23rd 2007 11:31PM]

Linus Torvalds the creator or the linux kernal has said that his own family still uses windows. That is very sad. My Mom would use anything I created because she loves me.

The creator of Ubuntu has said he doesn't think linux/Ubuntu is ready for the mainstream.

I love Ubuntu and it works great with my think pad but its not like I will get rid of windows any time soon.

[Daniel @ Oct 24th 2007 9:13PM]

It works great on my intel 300 mhz processor with 512 mbs of ram you should be fine.

[Juice Daddy @ Oct 18th 2007 11:14AM]

this pleases me...

if only adobe would write software for it :(

[ethana2 @ Oct 18th 2007 12:11PM]

I find that their neglect provides motivation to independence. If I need something that blender, the GIMP, and inkscape, ktoon, etc. don't have, I'll submit feature requests. Maybe even donate money..

It is in Microsoft and Adobe's best interests to ignore the Linux platform for as long as they can, because it defies their model, and for that matter, everything they stand for.

Or, if they do support it somehow, to do so quietly.

[suv4x4 @ Oct 18th 2007 12:59PM]

"It is in Microsoft and Adobe's best interests to ignore the Linux platform for as long as they can, because it defies their model, and for that matter, everything they stand for.

Or, if they do support it somehow, to do so quietly."

Former Macromedia (now part of Adobe) released alpha versions of Flash and Dreamweaver on Linux few years ago, they had Wine packed inside, but promised to behave well under Linux.

The interest was low, since back then designers were a tiny minority on Linux.

Few months ago, they announced a beta of the Flex Builder 3 for Linux. It's for developing Flash / AIR applications, hence for developers, and they hope they'll have better luck with this.

If Ubuntu keeps going forward in the fashion we see, I won't be surprised to see Photoshop and Flash running on Ubuntu.

Microsoft does indeed try to keep things Windows-only, since it increases the value of their OS. Adobe has no its own OS, its current strategy is to provide *everything* on multiple platforms, which is why they ported Audition to Mac, and revived Premiere on Mac.

If Linux proves viable, Adobe will be all over it.

And I agree: if Adobe CS happens on Linux, I might as well become a full-time Ubuntu user myself.

[Panq @ Oct 18th 2007 2:59PM]

"And I agree: if Adobe CS happens on Linux, I might as well become a full-time Ubuntu user myself."

http://www.google.co.nz/search?q=wine+photoshop

Third result is "HOW-TO: Adobe Photoshop CS2 on Ubuntu - 8 steps!" I'm sure I read recently (couple weeks ago, maybe?) on some news sites that Wine had managed to get Photoshop CS or CS2 or something running...

[Juice Daddy @ Oct 18th 2007 3:27PM]

photoshop is good fun and all, but what about illustrator, indesign... dreamweaver and flash?

[Panq @ Oct 18th 2007 4:11PM]

You should take a look at the Wine Application DB (http://appdb.winehq.org/). It's very impressive, personally. I wouldn't consider switching to Linux without it (Wine, not the Application DB).

[Philip @ Oct 19th 2007 1:10AM]

see http://favoritepage.net/

[Jeff @ Oct 18th 2007 11:19AM]

Time will tell if this release proves to be the true commercial OS killer a lot of people are banking on"

As long as I have to keep doing things like editing source.list files or having to use a terminal for ANY reason, it isn't going to be close.

[Michael @ Oct 18th 2007 11:31AM]

Absolutely agree. Linux die hards who think everyone should use the terminal are the people that turn me off from Linux to begin with. In this day and age you should be able to do everything via GUI.

[hn333 @ Oct 18th 2007 12:23PM]

Linux die hards are the reason I don't use linux.

[cmonkey @ Oct 18th 2007 12:25PM]

System -> Administration -> Software Sources

Just because you don't know about it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

But, I do know where you're coming from. Gutsy isn't quite ready for the average Joe Schmoe, unless that Joe has a friend/relative/coworker who uses Linux and is willing to answer basic questions. Yes, I know the Ubuntu support community in forums, on IRC, and on Launchpad is amazing, but I wouldn't expect Joe to know they exist or how to use them.

[Spyvie @ Oct 18th 2007 12:40PM]

I'm wondering if the Nvidia 8800 series drivers are included and working

Nothing but trouble here just trying to run (and see) setup with the last two Ubuntu distros

[cpetterborg @ Oct 18th 2007 4:40PM]

Sorry to say this, but GUI's are not the end-all-beat-all. They have their place (for all the people that can't use a command line, especially), but for many things it makes sense to at least have a command line version available, because it is far more flexible and usually faster.

GUI's dumb things down too much in many cases. Ever notice how the young store clerks can add up two numbers without a calculator. People need to use their brains more.

I'm not saying that we need more command line utilities and fewer GUI's, just that I'd hate to have a contractor build me a house with a nailgun and gorilla glue as their ONLY tools.

[manimal @ Oct 19th 2007 6:27AM]

I've been using ubuntu for a couple years now, and you really don't need the commandline for too much. I only use the commandline in gutsy because I prefer it these days. Ubuntu is working strongly at removing the dependence of the commandline and making it more gui oriented..

people that don't use the command line should really start, in any OS.. it makes you understand what the system is actually doing..not just what it looks like its doing!

[Rex @ Oct 18th 2007 11:21AM]

Yay! 1st? I think a free OS is always welcome! But nevertheless linux still needs to stop depending on command line interface if it wants to penetrate the market of us "dumbos"

[ethana2 @ Oct 18th 2007 12:14PM]

The nature of the CLI is best suited for
1.automation
2.voice control

GUI is not the end of the computer interface. It is simply the mainstay. Just ask Scotty.

[jilie @ Oct 18th 2007 11:24AM]

will it automatically pickup my WLAN drivers? and my tvtuner drivers? and my wacom tablet drivers? doubts doubts...

[Adam @ Oct 18th 2007 11:41AM]

give it a shot, i have been pleasantly surprised with ubuntu in the past. It automatically installed devices that I had problems getting windows to even install with the disk...

[Andrew @ Oct 18th 2007 12:03PM]

You'll be surprised, Edgy Eft (two generations ago) picked up all of my HP DV2035US drivers on install. I know there is tablet functionality with Feisty (one generation ago). The only problem I've had is connecting to wireless networks that run on WPA.

[cmonkey @ Oct 18th 2007 12:32PM]

Wifi and WPA support has been greatly improved in Gutsy. Even my iwl4965 chipset, which was released less than 6 months ago, is fully supported.

[3rdsun @ Oct 18th 2007 3:44PM]

Almost every piece of hardware except for the oft few work with Fiesty. Man Im a convert,I only go back for a few pieces of software I cant find for Linux.

[N30 G30 @ Oct 18th 2007 11:26AM]

Ubuntu is a tiny third world country between giants.

Ubuntu would have a chance of making an impact if either there's a choice of not having an operating system built in, or having the option of Ubuntu being built in.

(Or be the back bone of one of the giants. Does FreeBSD on the Mac count?)

[Marduk @ Oct 18th 2007 11:37AM]

You mean like this?
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/ubuntu?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

[peestandingup @ Oct 18th 2007 11:44AM]

Or this:

http://www.system76.com/

[N30 G30 @ Oct 18th 2007 11:51AM]

I was talking about all the major computers though. Did anyone really buy these two computers? Anyone?

also, I've seen a computer on Dell with the option of a Windows OS and a Linux OS. The Windows one cost only $50 bucks more. I wouldn't be able to resists and just get that one. If all else I'd reformat the whole thing and install whatever else in there my self. I'm thinking that's what the popular option would be.


Off topic: Wouldn't it be dope if you could install a real version of FreeBSD in a MacBook? I could triboot Windows, OS X, and UNIX. Dopeness!

I'd also need another partition to be able to share files between all OSes. (Probably mostly porn.)

[Andrew @ Oct 18th 2007 12:06PM]

You know you can triple boot Linux/OSX/Windows on a PC...

http://www.osx86project.org/

[Marduk @ Oct 18th 2007 12:11PM]

Whether or not people buy them is a completely different issue from availability. In any case, I would say Dell is a pretty "major computer" as you put it. So don't back down from what you said. You are right; it's key that they are available pre-loaded. And they are.

As to if anyone buys them, I'm writing this from an Ubuntu Dell machine right now, and I would say I'm a satisfied customer.

[peestandingup @ Oct 18th 2007 12:44PM]

Also, dont forget about Lenovo. I'd say they are pretty big, wouldnt you:

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070806-lenovo-novell-partner-to-offer-linux-on-the-thinkpad.html

I think within the last year or two, the mainstream computer companies & users are finally starting to come around & take notice of Linux. And its gonna take that backing for it to REALLY come outta the basement of nerds & into the offices/studies of Joe Consumer.

[N30 G30 @ Oct 18th 2007 12:48PM]

Andrew,
thanks for that. I'll try that when I get around to it. I've seen someone mention on one of the fanboy MS vs. Apple threads. I give it a quick look. Thanks.

Marduk,
When I say computer, I meant computer, like different models, particularly the POPULAR ones like the M1330 from Dell. Dell is a company by the way, Dell's not a computer.

And what I say still stands. I'll break it down for you.
Ubuntu isn't built in in to the popular computers. By assuming I meant all computers is a ridiculous assumption.

And people buying them is what this post is all about. What's the point of making something available and no one's (when I say no one, don't assume I meant everyone in the planet, since you like to do that) buying it. You mention availability? Ubuntu is always available. I don't know what your point is. I never said Ubuntu isn't available. Dell isn't the first computer company to shove a Linux OS in a computer either.

Well congrats on being a satisfied Dell customer. It's nice to know that Dell is making cash off something that's given away for free. Well atleast it only happened to a few people, right?

[peestandingup @ Oct 18th 2007 12:59PM]

"It's nice to know that Dell is making cash off something that's given away for free. Well at least it only happened to a few people, right?"

Dude, WTF are you talking about?? Dell is a HARDWARE COMPANY. They dont "make money" off of Ubuntu. You buy the hardware & pay LESS since you're not paying for Windows. Dell sells you the hardware, they provide the Ubuntu drivers & ship it pre-loaded so you dont have to mess with all that stuff.

No offense, but are you seriously this ignorant??

[N30 G30 @ Oct 18th 2007 4:27PM]

Ignorant? Why is it only around $50 cheaper to not get Windows?

How about the tech support? Do you really think you're getting that for free?

Cheaper does not mean free.

[Australian Gold @ Oct 18th 2007 10:55PM]

N30 your probably the biggest douche of all time

[manimal @ Oct 19th 2007 6:44AM]

n3o g3o: I have a linux preloaded system76 .. I can't speak for dell's support, but I've had nothing but good experience with tech support for linux with s76. If I can't find it on the forum, one call and I'm fixed. try getting that from windows or apple.. I've tried, it doesn't happen.

I just don't think you can handle the idea of something this good that doesn't cost anything.

[TK @ Oct 18th 2007 11:38AM]

I liked Ubuntu on my machines, but finding the right drivers was a pain in the butt, and I'm horrible with their CLI. I agree, it needs to be completely GUI before it can really have a snowballs chance at being an OS Killer.

[Matt @ Oct 18th 2007 2:15PM]

I completely agree. It amazes me how the Linux faithful continually overlook things like intuitive driver installation and then are shocked that people would choose Windows or OSX over Linux.

[Dave Skaggs @ Oct 18th 2007 11:40AM]

Does anyone know if there is a linux program that allows windows to be run for Windows-only programs, something like Apple's Bootcamp?