None other than the father of Ubuntu Linux, Mark Shuttleworth, announced last night the name and the goals for the next version of this marvelous operating system, Ubuntu 8.10 (codename Intrepid Ibex); scheduled for release in October 2008: "With Hardy now past feature-freeze it's time to start to plan features that are being lined up for inclusion after Ubuntu 8.04 LTS is released in April. And so I'd like to introduce you to the Intrepid Ibex, the release which is planned for October 2008, and which is likely to have the version number 8.10."

For the Intrepid Ibex, the development team will prepare an unbelievable desktop, with an amazing performance, that will work on mostly any computer (be it a high-end workstation or an old and dusty Pentium III machine). Another major feature planned for Ubuntu 8.10 will be the ability to stay connected to the Internet (read: wireless connections) wherever you go: "We want you to be able to move from the office, to the train, and home, staying connected all the way." - said Mark Shuttleworth.

OK, OK.... so what's this so-called Ibex, you may wonder? Well, according to Wikipedia, Ibex is a type of wild mountain goat with large recurved horns (see the article's photo) that are transversely ridged in front. Ibex are found in Eurasia, North Africa, and East Africa. Ranging in height from 27 to 43 inches and weighing 200 to 270 pounds (90 to 120 kg), the ibex can live 20 years.

Ubuntu 8.10, or should I say "The Ibex", will be the ninth release and the fourth anniversary of the first release, 4.10 (if anyone still remembers it). But until then, we have another version that should capture our attention and invade our computers, Ubuntu 8.04 (a.k.a. Hardy Heron), which will be available on April 24th, 2008.

You can read the full announcement here.

About Ubuntu:

Ubuntu is a Linux distribution for your desktop or server, with a fast and easy install, regular releases, a tight selection of excellent packages installed by default, every other package you can imagine available from the network and professional technical support from Canonical Ltd and hundreds of other companies around the world.

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