Ubuntu update is 'Edgy' on boot speed

By boredandblogging | Published: 2006-10-26

Zdnet Australia have noticed that Thursday 26th will be Release Day for Ubuntu 6.10. The version has been code-named Edgy Eft and follows the naming scheme of previous releases, where by the current year and month form the version number. Included in the article are a run-down of features, with the opening paragraphs dedicated to the init-replacement named upstart.

The full story includes a feature list covering the web browser and included tools:

Edgy Eft also comes with the newest version 2.6 [sic] of the Gnome graphical user interface; fans of the KDE alternative can use a variant called Kubuntu.

The new Linux product also includes Firefox 2.0, released Wednesday, and two applications that use Novell’s Mono software foundation: Tomboy, for taking notes, and F-Spot, for sorting, tagging and uploading photos. It also includes version 2.8 of the Evolution e-mail software.

The report notes that our friends over at the Fedora Project made their latest Core 6 release less than 48hours ago. Grab a peek at the full report for all their coverage.

BBC World Service listeners tune in

By boredandblogging | Published: 2006-10-24

The latest edition of the weekly BBC World Service show Digital Planet, carries an interview with none other than our SABDFL, Mark Shuttleworth.

On the show, Mark talks about Ubuntu, with his inspirations for running the Ubuntu project. The role of free software in education and developing countries is discussed regarding a South Africa project supported by the Shuttleworth Foundation allowing students to download and print certified educational materials for no cost.

You can download and listen to the podcast of the show from the Digital Planet homepage. Mark Shuttleworth’s interview on an Open Source future is right at the very beginning.

Note: It has been reported that the commandline-based MP3 decoder 'mpg123' may have trouble the podcast MP3 link (11MB). Mplayer plays this file fine after skipping some initial data at the front of the file.

Flipping Fantastic: next Ubuntu codenamed Feisty Fawn

By boredandblogging | Published: 2006-10-23

Mark, glorious leader of the Ubuntu project, has announced the codename for the next development version of Ubuntu, and explained his plans for the next release. Key features for the next release will be:

improvements to hardware support in the laptop, desktop and high-end server market, and aggressive adoption of emerging desktop technologies. Ubuntu's Feisty release will put the spotlight on multimedia enablement and desktop effects.

Mark cites “courage and restlessness” as two of the themes for the spirit of the next 6 months of Ubuntu development, and has declared that the codename will be The Feisty Fawn.

We at the Fridge think this is the best Ubuntu codename so far. Find out more about the Ubuntu codename system and read some users' suggestions for cool codenames on the DevelopmentCodeNames page on the Ubuntu wiki!

First Edubuntu book in Indonesia

By boredandblogging | Published: 2006-10-23

Edubuntu, the educational derivative of Ubuntu is making waves across the world. So much so that the first Edubuntu book in Indonesia was written by Prihantoosa of the Ubuntu Indonesia LoCo team and Rusmanto (Editor in Chief for Info Linux Magazine in Indonesia). The title of the book in English is Edubuntu, Pratical Linux Guide for Education.

Prihantoosa is a seasoned veteren in Edubuntu land, and has already held Edubuntu Install Fests twice. See here and here for more details.

To get a firm idea of what the book is about, this is the foreword (translated to English):

“Meant for practical guideline, this book can be use for teachers and students who want to increase their skill in utilizing computer as a mean of education, from Kindergarten through High School, even College. The book discusses the use of Linux as an operating system, computer learning for kid, learning other subjects with the help of computer and Linux. Interrelated school subjects or college, such as mathematics, drawing, and natural science.

You can also have Linux Edubuntu CD’s, bundled with this book, which is one of the Ubuntu variants that is furnished with many tools for education. This book and CD is not only suitable to support formal education, but can also use as a non-formal and self-learning at home or office.

The first two chapters within this book, are introducing readers to Linux, how to make an installation and un-installation of Linux Edubuntu, adding and removing programs, and running all of the applications in it. Chapter three, discussing education application KDEdu to learn some branches of mathematics and natural science, language, typing, etc. Chapter four discusses special education application for kids, such as Gcompris which comprise of many subjects, TuxMath to learn how to count, and TuxTyping to learn how to type. Chapter five discussing the use of computer to learn how to draw, photo manipulation, creating photo album, coloring picture, or just as simple as showing some pictures.”

So, education fans, get out and get your hands on a copy!

Kids say "Thanks Edubuntu!"

By boredandblogging | Published: 2006-10-23

Nursery children with Edubuntu PCsEdubuntu – Ubuntu’s educationally slanted spin-off – has helped a British nursery to make use of two donated PCs.

“We’ve just installed these two donated computers in a community nursery and breakfast/after schol club in Lincolnshire, England. The machines are 600mhz/128mb/4.2gig and they took about three quarters of an hour to install and configure perfectly, and have cost the centre nothing!

The kids absolutely love them, most are from underpriviledged backgrounds and many of them have never used a computer before. As a result they will grow up computer literate. The nursery just wanted to say a heartfelt thanks for all of the effort and long hours that the community has put into creating this superb collection of software.

Keep up the good work!”

Congrats to the Edubuntu team!