Gnome Desktop Version 2.24 Released
Gnome has a new update: Version 2.24 of the free desktop comes with improvements for the user, new communications systems and for the first time, will also serve as a basis for Gnome Mobile, a desktop variation for mobile devices.
Gnome already runs on many handheld platforms, including Maemo, Ubuntu Mobile and the reference platform LiMo. Gnome 2.24 has a new instant messenger on board, called Empathy. This will complement the VoIP software Ekiga that Gnome brings in version 3.0, and is based on the Telepathy framework. Complement because, unlike Ekiga, Telepathy supports various popular protocols, including Google Talk and MSN Messenger. And thanks to the Telepathy framework, the instant messaging function can be integrated in other Gnome applications.
Over the SIP protocol, Empathy will also transfer video data, giving users the ability to communicate with other mobile devices like for example, Nokia’s N800/N810.
For users who need to know exactly how long they spend working on different projects, Gnome has added a panel application that will make it easier to track time spent on each project. New is also that the improved file manager Nautilus now supports tabs for fast switching between directories. The software’s auto-complete function for file names has been improved and there is an added ‘compact’ list view. Many of the changes in Gnome have been made to simplify access for impaired users. Navigation per keyboard is better, mouse gestures are now visible on the screen and the text-2-speech function is compatible with Java programs such as OpenOffice.
Gnome 2.24 will automatically detect characters that FAT 32 filesystems cannot recognize, and convert them into a “_” , cutting down on problems with data transfer. The developers have also added several new plugins to the Gnome Deskbar including a calculator, Google and Wikipedia search. It will also inform users of updates in Twitter.
Anyone who wants to risk a look at the new Gnome version can find a summary of the changes here. Via a BitTorrent site, a live version of the new desktop can be downloaded. Whoever wants to know what Gnome has in store for the future, they can read the roadmap for Gnome 2.26 on the project’s website.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.