Softpedia is the first to announce today, September 6th, that the first Beta version of the upcoming Ubuntu 12.10 (Quantal Quetzal) operating system is now available for download.
As usual, we've grabbed a copy of it in order to keep you up-to-date with the latest changes in the Ubuntu 12.10 development.
What's new in Ubuntu 12.10 Beta 1? Well, Ubuntu 12.10 Beta 1 is now powered by the Linux kernel 3.5.0-13.14 packages, based on the stable Linux 3.5.3 kernel upstream release, and the GNOME 3.6 Beta 1 desktop environment, which brings many nice features.
As you all already know, the Alternate CDs were removed from Ubuntu and some of its features were already implemented in the Desktop CD, such as encrypted installation and LVM partitioning.
The Unity interface has been updated to version 6.4 and it now features a Previews function, new effects when minimizing the apps, and a Photo Lens.
Moreover, the Mozilla Firefox 15.0 web browser, Mozilla Thunderbird 15.0 email client, and the famous LibreOffice 3.6.1 office suite were added in this Beta release of Ubuntu 12.10.
Last but not least, Ubuntu 12.10 Beta 1 also includes XOrg Server 1.13 RC, Mesa 9.0, GLES support in Compiz, as well as updated X libraries and drivers, including the latest Nvidia proprietary video driver.
For more details, take a look at the Ubuntu 12.10 Beta 1 screenshot tour!
For more details, take a look at the Kubuntu 12.10 Beta 1 screenshot tour!
Alternate CD images were also removed from Xubuntu. For more details, take a look at the Xubuntu 12.10 Beta 1 screenshot tour!
The Quantal Quetzal Release Schedule:
June 7th, 2012 - Alpha 1 release
June 28th, 2012 - Alpha 2 release
July 26th, 2012 - Alpha 3 release
September 6th, 2012 - Beta 1 release
September 27th, 2012 - Beta 2 release
October 18th, 2012 - Final release of Ubuntu 12.10
Download Ubuntu 12.10 Beta 1 (Quantal Quetzal) right now from Softpedia.
Download Ubuntu Server 12.10 Beta 1 (Quantal Quetzal) right now from Softpedia.
Download Ubuntu Netboot 12.10 Beta 1 (Quantal Quetzal) right now from Softpedia.
Download Ubuntu Cloud Server 12.10 Beta 1 (Quantal Quetzal) right now from Softpedia.
Download Kubuntu 12.10 Beta 1 (Quantal Quetzal) right now from Softpedia.
Download Edubuntu 12.10 Beta 1 (Quantal Quetzal) right now from Softpedia.
Download Lubuntu 12.10 Beta 1 (Quantal Quetzal) right now from Softpedia.
Download Ubuntu Studio 12.10 Beta 1 (Quantal Quetzal) right now from Softpedia.
Remember that this is a beta release and it should NOT be installed on production machines. It is intended to be used for testing purposes only. Please report bugs to the Ubuntu Bug Tracker.