Ubuntu Koalic Kinkajou 9.10 (semi)Review

I started by running the release candidate in a virtual machine for a bit to be reasonably satisfied that the release was ok.  Between that and a faithful reader here who has been using it for a while, I decided to give it a go on actual hardware.

Heres the first thing I’ll say: It has not crashed (a good thing).

I updated a pair of computers yesterday and today.  This was made painful on the first computer by an ISP that seems to have throttled connections to Ubuntu.com.  It must’ve taken over three hours to download everything, where on the second computer everything was over in under an hour.

Having said all that, here is why you should take this (semi)review with a grain of salt: I use Xubuntu, which is Ubuntu with the XFCE desktop.  Either I’m missing something or the aforementioned desktop is just not all that hip to certain software being installed.  Certain applications simply fail to make it to the menus.

The first machine uses the AMD 64bit version and went on quickly, after the initial download.  The second machine uses the i386 vanilla version.  They both came right up and offered no grief at all, which is a relief after some of the networking nightmares of earlier versions.

Since these are upgrades, there is very little to no change in appearance, with the exception of the login screen.  Instead of the previous hideous brown, it’s now a hideous blue (and I like blue).

WHAT’S DIFFERENT?

The release number.

After that, we have the Ubuntu Software Center, which is brand new.  I can say without hesitation that it works.  Unfortunately it doesn’t seem that great an `improvement’ than anything that came before it.  I have no trouble with Synaptic package manager.

I suspect that the `improvement’ is that Ubuntu Software Center has cute little program icons.  You click on the program and it gives you an arrow.  Click on the arrow and it offers you the choice of adding/removing or going to the website, as appropriate.  It’s a marginally prettier Synaptic, I guess.

The problem is that you can’t select multiple programs for addition or removal.

Ubuntu One gives you two gig of online storage free.  It’s unlikely I’ll make use of it.

WHAT SAYETH UBUNTU?

Here is Ubuntu’s first claim: Faster, simplified, better-looking boot experience for most users

My first reaction is “You’re kidding, right?“  We want to upgrade for a better-looking boot experience?  Has Ubuntu stolen Microsoft’s copy writers?

Audio revamp allowing improved sound control across multiple applications

This probably explains why the previously-installed Audacious wasn’t working.

Firefox 3.5: latest, fastest, most secure web browser yet from Mozilla

Already using it, guys.  (btw, there are important security updates for it today)

Ubuntu’s new feature list and screenshot tour starts:

Email and Chat (I deleted all chat apps and only use Thunderbird)

Play Games (all games deleted via the aforementioned software center)

Office Applications - includes OpenOffice 3  (already use it)

Accessibility (not much of consequence here)

AND?

Boy, this is starting to sound like a Microsoft review.

If I were going solely by Ubuntu’s own press, it would appear that there is precious little reason to upgrade.

Since it’s my chosen flavor, I’m giving it a shot.

Since this is day one for the machines, there’s not much more to say.

Yet.