Ubuntu 6.06

The arrival of Ubuntu Linux 6.06 "Dapper Drake" is one of the most anticipated Linux events of 2006. The classy Ubuntu has quickly risen to the ranks of the most popular Linux variants. Ubuntu is known for simplicity, stability, and style. We are proud to bring you Ubuntu Linux 6.06 "Dapper Drake" as this month's Linux Magazine DVD.

Why Ubuntu

Throughout Ubuntu Linux, you'll find corporate style and efficiency interwoven with the stability and substance of Debian. Ubuntu is based on the philosophy that "software should be available free of charge, that software tools should be usable by people in their local language and despite any disabilities, and that people should have the freedom to customize and alter their software in whatever way they see fit."

The goal of Ubuntu is to produce an easy-to-use system with regular and predictable updates. Debian GNU/Linux forms the core of the Ubuntu distribution. But rather than basing Ubuntu on the last major Debian release, the Ubuntu team strives to deliver a more up-to-date Debian than even Debian is delivering. Every six months, Ubuntu "freezes" a snapshot of the Debian development archive and works independently toward a final release.

Dapper Drake comes with a live boot option. You can boot this DVD to try out Ubuntu without disturbing the contents of your hard drive. Other features with Dapper Drake include faster boot time, improvements to the installer, and a sleeker, more intuitive user interface. This version of Ubuntu also benefits from the much-improved Gnome 2.14 desktop, which comes with many practical tools, as well as new features such as Mono support.

Components

The Ubuntu software respository is divided into four components:

• main - free and freely distributable applications. The main collection includes packages the Ubuntu community believes are especially fundamental and important.

• restricted - additional software supported by Ubuntu even if it doesn't have a free license. Examples include binary drivers for hardware.

• universe - open source software that is not fully supported by Ubuntu.

• multiverse - software that is not free and not supported by Ubuntu.

The component system lets Ubuntu and the companies that offer Ubuntu support provide thorough help in core areas and still give users access to the full range of Debian-backed applications. In all, Ubuntu supports over 1,000 applications, and up to 10,000 Debian additional applications are available in the Universe repository.

Try Ubuntu

Ubuntu is practical and stable, and the Ubuntu community takes great pride in the artistry of its graphics, themes, and color schemes. The best art contributed by users is included in the release, and Ubuntu encourages artists within the community to exchange ideas.

If you are looking for a simple and intuitive Linux distribution that is practical yet pleasing to the eye, try Ubuntu 6.06 Dapper Drake. The live DVD option lets you test Ubuntu on your own hardware before you begin a permanent installation.

Figure 1: Ubuntu's menu system provides pure functionality.

Figure 2: "Dapper Drake" offers a pleasing collection of audio tools.

Figure 3: You'll also find a convenient set of admin applications.

Figure 4: Ubuntu's manifesto, ensuring free updates.