Ubuntu 11.10, the Linux you’ve been waiting for

Ubuntu 11.10, codenamed “Oneiric Ocelot”, releases today. It is a key Linux-based OS release in the development history of the operating system. Earlier this year, Ubuntu 11.10 was made available as a pre-alpha development version, with many stating that the operating system had finally, “found its stride”.

Some of the more important updates involve the overall stability of the Ubuntu release, its streamlined cloud services and a heavily improved app store.

Also included by the developers is an expanded version of the UI, known as Unity. It is a vertical toolbar on the left-hand side of the screen (by default). Unity enables one-click access to a variety of customisable applications.

While Unity may be an excellent addition to the OS interface options, it reportedly performs poorly on older systems which lack the necessary graphical power. The developers recommend a dual-core processor with 2GB of memory.

Other features worth mentioning regarding Ubuntu 11.10 include:

Ubuntu Software Centre has now taken a leaf out of the Mac App store. It’s newly organised with categories such as “Top Rated” and “What’s New” helping users to select the apps they need. Command line software installations can now be avoided as applications can be embedded in the system from a simple download. It’s intuitive and easy. Ubuntu could now become a significant threat to competing operating systems thanks to the inclusion of the Ubuntu Software Centre.

Ubuntu now has its own version of iCloud known as “Ubuntu One”. It’s built right into the Unity bar and users can access Ubuntu One much like a normal folder. Data uploads are quick and seamless.

OpenOffice.org has now been replaced by LibreOffice but the steadfast applications, such as a presentation application, a spreadsheet program, and a word processor, remain.

Ubuntu 11.10 can be downloaded here. While you wait for the OS to download, you can also experience an interactive tour of Ubuntu 11.10.