I have Ubuntu installed on my laptop as a dual-boot and on my work PC inside a VirtualBox. I use it for all kinds of things that Ubuntu just does better – especially heavy development.
After yesterday’s public release of Ubuntu 10.04 LTS I decided it was time to get my hands dirty and install the new version.
A few things stuck out during the first boot and installation process:
- Slick Graphical Interface during installation (see screenshot)
- More emphasis on making the user aware of features: sliding panels explaining features and benefits during installation just like Windows OS install process
- Seems more readily geared towards a wider user base – features like music store, built-in social networking and instant messaging platforms
- It boots up in seriously just a few seconds. Really great benefit.
- Default theme and desktop configuration are attractive…and surprisingly not orange/brown!
- Tweaked window layout: note the ‘close’, ‘minimize’ and ‘maximize’ buttons in the top left
- The feel of the OS seems much more familiar than it used to. I’m impressed and I think this is a great leap towards a wider user-base.
Well, those are some first-impressions. I’m really excited about the level of polish that has been reached with Ubuntu 10.04. Props to everyone involved in the project.