On Thursday, the latest version of the increasingly popular Ubuntu Linux was released, as the beta-test period has come to an end. Ubuntu 8.04, nick-named "Hardy Heron," is available in two versions for both server systems and desktops. This new release, the second Long Term Support (LTS) product of Canonical, features a series of improvements, including one that should make it even more attractive for users everywhere: a new installer that allows the operating system to "peacefully" be installed on a Windows computer, without the need for partitions or re-formatting.

"The key areas of focus for 8.04 are stability and also ease of installation and a focus on removing barriers to testing the platform," Mark Shuttleworth, Canonical CEO, said on a conference call.

Ubuntu 8.04 comes with several new applications, such as the Transmission BitTorrent client, a new CD burning program (Brasero), the Cheese webcam application, a new version of Xorg (which offers improved auto-configuration options for monitor set up) and the PolicyKit (an interface which enables users to more easily allow or deny access to applications). The operating system can now be downloaded from the Ubuntu web site and, even after this one day that has passed since its release, it is already getting heavily accessed.

A new version, Ubuntu 8.10 (codenamed Intrepid Ibex), is just around the corner; it is scheduled to be released sometime in October.