As promised, Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon) was released a few minutes ago, and it's my deepest pleasure to introduce you guys to the new features to be found in this version of Ubuntu (which is based on the GNOME desktop environment) and also to the features from Kubuntu (same as Ubuntu, but based on the popular KDE desktop environment).

I have to admit that I prefer Kubuntu over Ubuntu because it's based on KDE (K Desktop Environment) and I am a sucker for KDE. But I like to install Ubuntu first and then the Kubuntu desktop; having them both is much better. Well, truth is I am quite impressed by the way Ubuntu is evolving. I should warn you though that Ubuntu may be addictive!

In this new version of the Ubuntu/Kubuntu operating system, you will find (as always) amazing new stuff, a lot of system improvements and surprises. Are you ready to take the plunge? Well, here they are:

The latest and greatest GNOME 2.20 which contains many new features and improvements.



Amazing desktop 3D effects, that will be activated by default, immediately after you install the video drivers for your graphics card.



Ha! No more Beagle stress! There's a new sheriff (to be read Desktop search) in town, and it's called Tracker. It allows quick access to your common actions, including opening web bookmarks and searches, sending messages to your contacts, and more. Tracker makes your life easier, as it provides faster search for your documents, music, videos, photos, chat logs, and many other files.



In the previous version of Ubuntu (7.04 Feisty Fawn) you were introduced to a new fantastic function, that immediately tried to find all the necessary video and audio codecs when you wanted to view a video file with Totem; today however, you will get all the necessary codecs with a single mouse click. How? With the Ubuntu restricted extras package that can be found in the Add/Remove Programs application.



You want flash? You got it! Even for the AMD64/EMT64 architecture, it is now very easy to install the Adobe Flash Player 9 with a single mouse click! Check the screenshots below for a quick demonstration.



Both Kubuntu and Ubuntu received a facelift with new wallpapers, improved and redesigned splash and log-in screens:





Fast user switching is a brand new function, implemented in Ubuntu 7.10, and which will help you easily switch between user sessions without the inconvenience of entering your username or password numerous times.



You always wanted to configure your monitor and video card with a Graphical configuration tool for X. Well, Ubuntu developers listened to your wishes and implemented this brand new tool, which will help you easily configure every aspect referring to your graphics card and monitor.



So you have a printer and you think: Does Ubuntu support my printer? It might be possible, as printer setup cannot get any easier on Ubuntu 7.10 with the improved and fully automatic installation support for many printers.



Universe and Multiverse repositories are enabled by default now, so you don't have to go and enable them when you follow a guide to install something, or to install your favorite applications.



Documents, Music, Pictures, Public, Templates, Videos folders are now created in the Home directory by the Ubuntu developers for your everyday needs!



On Kubuntu there is now the most awaited Restricted drivers manager application, which helps you install your video and network cards drivers with a single mouse click.



Also on Kubuntu, there is a new search tool implemented in Konqueror, called Strigi, that will index and easily search thousands of files on your computer.



Once you install Wine, you will notice a brand new Wine entry in the KMenu that will show you all the installed Windows applications, and it allows access to the virtual Windows folder!



In conclusion, expect a LOT of new features and changes from this new version of Ubuntu, expect improved NTFS writing to be enabled by default, power consumption to be very kind with your laptop (more battery life and burn-free laps), encrypted hard disks and AppArmor security framework, the new kernel technology that limits the resources an application is allowed to access.

You can download Ubuntu 7.10 right now from Softpedia.

You can download Kubuntu 7.10 right now from Softpedia.

You can download Xubuntu 7.10 right now from Softpedia.

You can download Edubuntu 7.10 right now from Softpedia.