ubuntu linux

Everyone agrees that the Linux desktop has a lot of work ahead to transform itself from a techie obsession to the intuitive, user-friendly desktop of a Macintosh or Windows machine.

Even Mark Shuttleworth, founder of the popular Ubuntu Linux desktop, blogged about the shortcoming in a recent column and vowed to close the gap.

Computerworld: "Life just got easier for users of the downloadable or boxed retail versions of the Ubuntu Linux 8.04 operating system who want easy and cheap ways of adding DVD playback and improved audio capabilities to their machines."

Ubuntu Geek: "A graphical tool to make file backup simpler. Provides a user-friendly interface which allows you to back up your files easily to an archive, to a CD/DVD or to a remote location using SSH."

Cyber Cynic: "I know some of you really, really wanted Dell's first mini-notebook to have a price-tag of $299 and you're down because the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 starts at $349 with Ubuntu Linux or $399 with Windows XP.

Well, just wait, you're soon going to be able to get it for even cheaper with a 3G or Wi-Fi contract."

Business in Vancouver: "The recent 8.04 release of Ubuntu Linux, the most popular distribution these days, offers some features that are worth a look for people seeking a virus and spyware-free alternative to Windows but not wanting to jump to new Apple hardware."

Linux vs. Windows vs. Mac: "BibleTime has been added in this release; also you have more resources for BibleTime and Gnomesword."

The VAR Guy: "The virtual appliance strategy will allow Canonical and its ISVs (independent software vendors) to develop software bundles that are easily installed and configured — with little or no need for integrators to master key hardware configuration steps."

The VAR Guy: "Based in Spain, Openbravo is backed by $12 million in new funding, a growing partner program and a new Ubuntu Linux Server effort.

Translation: Openbravo seems to be on quite a roll."

Linux.com: "Some Ubuntu fans out there may remember Automatix, a tool for Ubuntu that allowed easy access to many popular non-free applications and commonly-used audio and video codecs.

It debuted a few years ago, and got negative reviews from Ubuntu developers and experienced users due to the risk of breaking dependencies...

Now Ultamatix hopes to continue where Automatix left off."

The VAR Guy: "Canonical CEO and Ubuntu Linux backer Mark Shuttleworth will step into the spotlight July 22, when he keynotes OSCON (Open Source Convention) in Portland, Oregon.

It will be a critical moment for Shuttleworth and the Ubuntu movement. Here’s why."