Ubuntu beta, now with flash and flashiness

Programmers have released the first beta version of Ubuntu Linux with new flash technology--in two senses of the term.

Compiz software enables flashy 3D effects, such as this 'wobbly windows' plug-in.

(Credit: Compiz.org)

First, Ubuntu is finally following leading Linux versions from Red Hat and Novell that include snazzy 3D graphics in the user interface. Specifically, the version 7.10 "Gutsy Gibbon" beta uses Compiz Fusion, software that uses OpenGL graphics technology to make windows transparent, map desktops to the faces of a cube, let windows wobble as if made of JELL-O or zoom them for quick magnification. Various 3D effects can be downloaded and plugged in. Some folks find this eye candy to be a CPU-sucking annoyance, but Mac OS X and Windows Vista have it, and a lot of enthusiasts find it an engaging domain.

Personally, I've only toyed with the 3D effects and haven't been won over, but I think it could provide an important foundation for more revolutionary interface changes.

Second, the beta version includes a preview version of Gnash, an open-source incarnation of Adobe Systems' Flash software for animations and video streaming. It's still in development and "not yet fully supported by Ubuntu," but it brings some Flash support to those who want to move fully to 64-bit software.

For those using the GNOME user interface, printers are automatically configured when plugged in, project organizers said.

On the server side, the Gutsy Gibbon beta includes the AppArmor released by Novell to provide more security by isolating software applications and restricting their privileges more tightly.

Gutsy Gibbon is due to be completed October 18.

We'll see if Walt Mossberg can be convinced this time around. If not, Gutsy Gibbon's successor, Hardy Heron, is due in April 2008. It'll be the second Ubuntu release to get long-term support, which lasts five years for server versions and three years for desktop versions.

[MyRightEye]

This exemplifies why Linux is dead in the water

It is ALWAYS playing catch up. OS X is the innovation and
technology leader by far. That's what I'll be sticking with.

[ArtInvent]

The best way to stick with Macs . . .

. . . is to keep telling yourself that, daily, and also don't ever give Linux a serious try. Stay away from all devices that even hint at running Linux, especially that ratzen-fratzen Ubuntu. That will minimize the possibility of finding that you've paid good money for a system that does nothing special and is completely dependent on the whims of one silly company who intentionally ruins their own hardware if users try to run some harmless third party programs.

And, for goodness sake, stop reading stories about Ubuntu, if you care about your own peace of mind. There are plenty of stories about bricked iPhones and such to keep bored Mac guys entertained these days.

[RompStar_420]

Stop being stupid...

Ubuntu Linux is one of the best Linuxes that I have used and I have been using Linux since the first release of Slackware, long time ago....

I love Apple products and own a G5 Power Mac and a laptop, but Linux has a very strong place in the server market for a damn reason.

Plus Apple uses a lot of the open source in it's operating system to make things like hosting possible (Apache), PHP and others, so don't hate open source, because OSX wouldn't be where it is today if it wasn't for it.

[t8]

You use Linux everyday.

For example, this webpage was served to you using a Linux platform.

So if Linux is dead, then so is the WWW.

You see how a silly comment like this shows up your ignorance?

[sdotbailey4]

just a comment

Well, he's kinda right in that OS X does have a lead on everyone
else with the development of useful and good looking
programs/interfaces/etc.

I've used Linux and own a MacBook. I see both as being good, but I
like OS X better. I don't think he was trying to bash teh system
completely , just making an observation, that is pretty much
correct.

[ferretboy88]

Ubuntu is great and free! OSX is overpriced.

My macbook crashes and freezes way more than my linux rig does.
In fact my ubunut system has never crashed.

[sdotbailey4]

check your programs

Do you have Camino installed? I installed it and all of a sudden my
MacBook was crashing 3-4 times a day. I finally combed through
the crash logs and found plenty of references to Camino -
uninstalled it and I haven't had a crash since, going on 4 months I
think. You should check that out. Oh, and get Onyx.

[ferretboy88]

Why do you need all this fancy stuff.

Does having a window that wobbles help you make money? I run a
business with my ubuntu system and I don't need fancy 3d effects
to make money. Its sad if you do a search for ubuntu on the net
and all you hear about is this special effects crap.

[Shankland]

not everything is about money

As I mentioned, I'm not racing to install semitransparent wobbly windows or have animated 3D whales swim across my screen. However, I think it's possible that this technology could lay the foundations for truly useful interface improvements in a direction that's not immediately obvious today.

And even if I don't like it, there are a lot of programmers and enthusiasts and people with time and spare CPU cycles who do like it. It's optional, so who are we to deny them their fun?

[ecartman0]

Gutsy

Never use the eyecandy but its fun to show off. Using Ubuntu Gutsy on my production machine now, no problems at all. I got it on my test bed, using it as a music server now, with everything stored in Flac so I can convert anyway I want to. No DRM to bother with. Networking my house was easy even for a NB like me. Ubuntu rocks!


Cart

[polax81]

Playing catch up with MAC OS

I have been with a OS that has been playing catch-up with MAC OS for a long time now. It is the dominant OS on the desktop ... so if Linux wants to do the same and better, I'd say "Go for the Kill Penguin".

BTW - MAC OS itself was a rip-off from Xerox's proprietary OS - so stop pontificating ;-) and read your history.