Canonical, makers of the popular Ubuntu Linux, have released a beta of "Hardy Heron," the next version of Ubuntu.
Hardy Heron, which is Ubuntu version 8.04, brings an updated Linux Kernel, a new version of the Gnome Desktop, Pulse Audio support and a number of other improvements.
Other nice new features include Wubi, a single-click Ubuntu installer for Windows, which eliminates installation hassles like disk partitioning and other details. Wubi allows you to install and uninstall Ubuntu (or any Linux variant) just like any other Windows application.
The beta also brings upgrades for most of the open source applications that ship with Ubuntu. Perhaps the most notable is Firefox 3 beta 4, which looks much more like a Gnome application thanks to native GTK2 buttons and widgets.
Although I haven't had time for an actual install, I did take the live CD for a spin and was quite happy to see that the new virtual files system support for Gnome works without a hitch — you can now recover items from the trash, as well as pause and undo file operations in Nautilus (yes, that should have been there from the beginning).
Ubuntu 8.04 beta 1 also features a new version of Xorg, which offers much better auto-configuration options for setting up your monitor. A new Screen Resolution utility also makes it easier to dynamically change your screen resolution and control a second or external monitor.
I've been lucky in that Ubuntu has never had any problems with my laptop screen straight out of the box, but if you're ever struggled when trying to connect to an external monitor, hopefully the latest version of Xorg will solve those issues.
For those that prefer the KDE desktop, the new Kubuntu 8.04 has also been released and features KDE 4, with the Dolphin file manager and other KDE 4 goodness. If you're not ready to make the leap, KDE 3 is still included and now has the Compiz desktop effects enabled by default. The latest versions of Amarok and other KDE apps are also included.
While most of the new features in Hardy Heron are welcome, I was less than impressed by the Linux version of Transmission, which is the new default bittorrent app in Ubuntu. I enjoy Transmission on the Mac, but unfortunately the Linux version isn't quite up to speed. Naturally you can always swap it out for the client of your choice.
The other disappointment is that the major overhaul of the Ubuntu theme planned for Hardy Heron has been pushed back and won't arrive until Ubuntu 8.10 (scheduled for release six months after Hardy Heron).
Still, despite a couple of minor quibbles, Hardy Heron is a very nice upgrade. O
Keep in mind that this is still a beta and not meant to be used in a production environments. The final release of Hardy Heron is scheduled for April 24 2008, but those willing to throw caution to the wind can grab the latest ISO images from the download page — here for Ubuntu and here for Kubuntu.
[Screenshot courtesy of Canonical]
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