Ubuntu 11.10 Oneiric Ocelot Beta 1 is Released!

Not just Ubuntu Linux but almost all the GNU/Linux distributions (with few exceptions of course) make sure to release a new version of within like 6 month-cycle. And within these usual 6 months each distro has a slightly different beta release versions of their own ... but for Ubuntu Linux it usually start with "Alpha1" to "Alpha 3" and then two Beta versions (1 and 2)... then arrives the official release.

What's new?

So, since Ubuntu has already released the Alpha3 few weeks ago, few hours ago the developers made the official announcement of the Ubuntu Beta 1!. As usual the Beta 1 comes with updated package versions + one major difference.

Starting with Beta 1, Ubuntu is letting the users download a DVD image that's about 1.5GB of size! which in comparison with the standard 4+GB ISO image.

According to the developers, this DVD image is actually the expansion of the ever growing, standard CD image thus this new DVD includes additional packages such as Inkscape, GIMP, additional language packages and more LibreOffice related files (clip-arts, templates, extension, etc) as well.

Other new features include...

*. Gnome 3.1.5 (which is on its way to the Gnome 3.2 that's going to be included in the official launch of the 11.10).

*. LightDM is the default display manager.

*. DajaDup comes pre-installed as the data backup manager.

*. New updates to the Ubuntu Application indicators system (including new power manager and a session indicator).

*. Top rated section added to the Ubuntu Software Manager + "major" speed improvements over .deb file installation according to the developers.

*. Major Core infrastructure feature: Now users of the 64-bit version of the Ubuntu Linux OS can install 32-bit packages without the need to use the separate "ia32-libs".

*. Kernel update to the version 3.0.0-9.15 which brings bug fixes and improvements.

As usual the Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Edubuntu, etc distributions have also released Beta 1 versions of their own which brings latest KDE 4.7 Plasma desktop and related package updates, Amarok 2.4.3, Muon software center, pastebinit support in Xubuntu are just a few to mention.

You can try out the latest version of Ubuntu Beta 1 from this download section of the release page. Good luck.