Ubuntu Linux ditches 3D interface, PowerPC
Ubuntu has dropped a plan to enable by default an interface with fancy 3D graphics for its upcoming Feisty Fawn version due April 19.
The Linux version generally shuns proprietary software, permitting it only when necessary to provide "sufficient hardware support" such as wireless networking support, and the proprietary video drivers necessary for the glitzy interface are justifiable under this exception, according to an Ubuntu Technical Board decision posted Tuesday and reported by Linux.com.
But the 3D interface has other roadblocks, the board decided. "Some of the relevant software necessary to implement this proposal is not yet considered mature enough to deploy in the default Ubuntu configuration," the board concluded, according to Chairman Matt Zimmerman.
As a result, the conventional interface will be the default, but it will be "trivally" easy to enable the fancy interface. Ubuntu also will "monitor and support" the Nouveau project to create a full-fledged driver for Nvidia graphics.
In addition, Ubuntu also reclassified its PowerPC version as "unofficial," though still maintained. Releases will arrive later than regular versions, however.
"For some time we have pursued a number of sources for funding to continue the official testing and support for the architecture. Unfortunately those resources have not been obtained, and we can not make the necessary commitments to continue official support for this architecture," Zimmerman said.
Apple previously used PowerPC chips from IBM and Freescale Semiconductor, but has switched to Intel processors for its new models.
Stephen Shankland writes about a wide range of technology and products, but has a particular focus on browsers and digital photography. He joined CNET News in 1998 and since then also has covered Google, Yahoo, servers, supercomputing, Linux and open-source software, and science. E-mail Stephen, or follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/stshank.
