Now that the set of feature goals planned for Ubuntu 7.10 ("Gutsy
Gibbon") has been largely finalised, it seems like an appropriate point
to announce the plan to the world.While this is based on the approved blueprints for gutsy[0], which are expected to be implemented in time, we do release according to a time-based schedule[1] rather than a feature-based one. It is not unusual for some planned features to be delayed to later releases; happily it is also not unusual for our developers to introduce neat features we weren't expecting either. [0] https://blueprints.launchpad.net/ubuntu/gutsy/ [1] https://wiki.ubuntu.com/GutsyReleaseSchedule Desktop ------- Ubuntu 7.10 will ship with the latest edition of the GNOME desktop, 2.20, released a few weeks before our own release. Kubuntu 7.10 will ship with KDE 3.5.7, and should also include packages of KDE 4.0 rc 2 available for optional side-by-side installation. We are aiming for Ubuntu to be one of the first distributions to ship the newly merged Compiz and Beryl projects (compcomm/OpenCompositing); and enable it as the default window manager on systems with a supported combination of hardware and drivers. Systems which do not support compositing, or those with it disabled by user option, will use the existing metacity window manager. Hardware Support ---------------- Ubuntu 7.10 will use the 2.6.22 Linux kernel, along with our usual selection of updated and additional drivers. We will also use Xorg 7.3, giving better graphics hardware support and the option of hotplugging monitors (RandR 1.2) and input devices (xserver 1.4). As well as the easier configuration for hotplugging-supported drivers ("no xorg.conf"), we also aim to have better configuration for other drivers and fallback settings for when there is a problem. Some "winmodem" chips will be supported out of the box, where drivers are available; though this may rely on the use of restricted drivers. Improvements to the Restricted Driver Manager are expected, allowing drivers to be disabled by default and proposed by the manager. As previously announced, an edition of Ubuntu without restricted enabled by default is in the works. Mobile ------ As announced, Ubuntu 7.10 will be first release to include a new Mobile and Embedded edition targeted at hand-held devices and other mobile/embedded form factors. This integrates the Hildon UI components developed by Nokia into Ubuntu, on top of the existing Ubuntu platform. Server ------ Development of the Ubuntu 7.10 Server Edition has received a new boost with a dedicated development team at Canonical working on it. Features aiming to improve the experience for new and hobbyist administrators are expected, as well as features desirable for small businesses and organisations. For increased security, the AppArmor security framework will be available as an option for those that want it. Stability and Performance ------------------------- Ubuntu 7.10 should function significantly better when the filesystem is full or otherwise not writable, allowing the user to make room and then continue working without undue interruption. Improvements to our "apport" bug and crash reporting infrastructure are planned, in particular integration with our software installation and upgrade tools so that problems installing or upgrading packages can be easily reported with relevant information attached. Kernel crashes will also be intercepted on reboot, and may be reported using the tool. Our efforts to improve boot reliability and performance continue; unlimited and reliable stackability of software raid (MD) devices, LVM volumes and software-managed (devmapper) devices will be supported with no runtime ordering issues. Ubuntu 7.10 will ship with Upstart 0.5, which will provide flexible and reliable service supervision. We expect to harness this for suitable core services, and some boot process tasks, as appropriate. Scott -- Scott James Remnant Ubuntu Development Manager [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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