Canonical and its glorious Ubuntu development team have released the second alpha of Ubuntu 11.10.
In addition to one of the worst names ever, "Oneiric Ocelot" Ubuntu 11.10 is based on the upcoming version 3.0 Linux kernel.
Alas, it still has the controversial Unity desktop as its default, but at least it comes with Gnome 3 compatibility if you hate Unity as much as we do.
LightDM has now replaced the GNOME Display Manager (GDM) as the display and login manager, and Déjà Dup, the backup utility, is now included in the standard installation.
Another thing which has gone is the GNOME Evolution as the default mail client. Instead is Mozilla's Thunderbird 5.0 which we think is a better choice anyway.
Aimed at developers and early adopters, this development milestone is the second of three planned alpha releases, which will be followed by two betas.
Ubuntu 11.10 will go final on October 13. Users currently running Ubuntu 11.04 on a desktop system can "upgrade" to the alpha by pressing Alt+F2 and typing update-manager -d into the command box. If you can find the command box on Unity.
Ubuntu is currently running 11.04 Natty Narwhal, while the current Long Term Support (LTS) version is Ubuntu 10.04.2 LTS "Lucid Lynx".
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New users must be told that they must spend time (weeks) on this latest version before they are comfortable with it. It truly grows on you.
I had tried it on a live USB for an hour some time earlier but didn't see the new features nor appreciate the true attractiveness of 11.04.
I am eagerly waiting for the latest long term version (11.10). I expect it to be even better than 11.04.
Unity as it is in 11.04 isn't ideal but it is MUCH better than Gnome 2 and at least on par with Gnome Shell. In Ubuntu 11.10 we are seeing some great work being done and I can't wait to till October.
P.S. Ubuntu code names aren't supposed to be all PR magic. They are supposed to be fun and creative for the community. Too many fan boys want Ubuntu to be successful but forget to enjoy being part of it.
Ubuntu has always been an OS to best replace Microsoft and Mac, for users that need an easy to navigate UGI, and Ubuntu 11.04 with Unity is the best at filling that need.
Every install I've done so far with Ubuntu 11.04 was complete and ready to use by anyone with any level of computer experience, WiFi and Ether connections were automatic and secure.
I feel the Ubuntu 11.04 brings us to the most modern interface available and it works perfect everywhere.
My own preference is 'Clear Looks' setting and a PC with AMD CPU and ATI graphics card. I don't know why so many copy cat negative reviews on an OS that is clearly perfect, probably the same type people that worried you would suffocate if you road in a vehicle at more than 35-MPH.