Canonical presented on Monday the next version of the Ubuntu Linux desktop, also introducing a server edition of Ubuntu 8.10 that includes improvements in virtualization, system management and Java development. As users have been accustomed, the software is free and will be available for download on October the 30th. One important feature of the desktop version is the ability to detect and connect to 3G networks via a notebook’s 3G modem through dongles. This program is trying to make Ubuntu a better choice as an OS for netbooks or laptops. The netbooks are used primarily for Web browsing and e-mail sending.

Furthermore, Ubuntu can be copied to a USB stick, so the OS can be accessed through another system. This way, users can take Ubuntu with them much easier than burning it to a CD or DVD. In addition, users can set up a guest session in order to allow other people to use the system while their data are programs are inaccessible. Finally, Canonical implemented in Ubuntu the Gnome 2.24 desktop environment, which presents features such as a new instant messaging client, a built-in time tracker, Ekiga 3.0 video and audio conferencing tool and improved file management.

As for the server edition, Ubuntu includes a virtual machine builder and offers support for OpenJDK and Apache Tomcat 6.0, which improves the Java development. For the mail security, Ubuntu uses ClamAV and SpamAssassin. Furthermore, RAID capabilities have been improved with support for SATA RAID controllers via DMRaid (system administrators can configure booting from a degraded RAI array). The server and desktop editions come out every six months and are available with up to 18 months of support.