We all know what Ubuntu is. At least theoretically anyway. Again maybe not. Anyway “Karmic Koala” is the code name for Canonical’s Ubuntu 9.10, scheduled for release on 29th October 2009. This is the Linux version that has been hyped to take on Microsoft’s Windows 7.

I guess that still doesn’t answer the question as to what Ubuntu is. So I figured why don’t I just and mention a bit about it. Well, Ubuntu is an Operating System suitable for Desktops, Laptops and Servers. In theory it should be suitable for in the most part anything you would possibly need to use a computer for. Be it at Home, Office or School; It would need a little effort on your side as the user to download the necessary Software Applications that would get you to do what you need to. Ubuntu sees its self as an alternative to Microsoft’s Windows and Office.

Canonical Ltd, the company behind Ubuntu purposes to release new versions of Ubuntu on a tight six month development cycle. Being a pretty experienced user of Ubuntu for the last couple of years I have really grown fond of it especially with Canonical’s efforts in making the installation of software as stress-free as possible. For many years past Linux distros have had the reputation of not being for the faint heart-ed. Just to get started was a piece of work and I must say its pleasant what Ubuntu has done.

My girl friend had trouble with her Windows XP laptop. She somehow dumped her installation CD and later on got cozy with a couple of malware programs hat took residence on it. I tried to fix her laptop but it was all in vein. I had to make the tough decision to migrate her to Ubuntu and it took her a couple of hours to get up to speed with it. That’s a good thing. I need not go into details about her computer skills.

I only fear for those who still need to install additional applications on Ubuntu without an Internet connection. You no longer have the advantage of using sudo apt-get install software. That’s another topic for another day.

The other meaning for Ubuntu would be basically an African word meaning ‘Humanity to others’, or ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’. The Ubuntu distribution brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the software world.

Ubuntu comes with four major promises. Right now as I right this I am trying not to think ‘Politician’. Anyway the four promises are as follows:

• Ubuntu will always be free of charge, along with its regular enterprise releases and security updates
• Ubuntu comes with full commercial support from Canonical and hundreds of companies from across the world
• Ubuntu provides the best translations and accessibility features that the free software community has to offer
• Ubuntu core applications are all free and open source. We want you to use free and open source software, improve it and pass it on.

So with that out of the way lets take a look of what we would be expecting from Ubuntu 9.10.

Ubuntu has gone all out this time around. I don’t think there is any other version that has received a major make over as Karmic Koala. Here are the details:

Upstart: This allows users to get to their Desktops faster. Find out more here

Software Center: This replaces the Add/Remove Programs in the applications menu. On this you can have Instant access to thousands of free and open-source applications including applications that fall in these categories – Education, Games, Sound and Video, Graphics, Programming and Office.