Ubuntu Karmic Koala in First Alpha
The first alpha release of the successor to Ubuntu 9.04 is available for download. Ubuntu 9.10, code-named Karmic Koala, includes Kernel 2.6.30 and GNOME 2.27.1.
Karmic Koala, aka Ubuntu 9.10, is expected to appear in its final version some time in October of this year. Developer Martin Pitt announced its first alpha only weeks after Ubuntu 9.04 shipped.
Alpha 1 is first and foremost for developers only, albeit stable, and as a rule includes a whole bunch of bugs. A collection of prior postings and a chance to subscribe for posting new ones are on the Karmic-changes page.
The alpha currently has the developer version of Kernel 2.9.30, GNOME 2.27.1 and the driver architecture for Intel processors that should migrate from the EXA to UXA acceleration method over the course of the Karmic Koala release cycle.
Ubuntu especially needs testing of the new "kernel mode setting" feature designed to reduce the flicker of video mode switching at boot-up and speed up suspend/resume. Karmic Koala also uses GCC 4.4 as the default compiler, which also went through some fundamental changes.
CD images are available for Ubuntu, Kubuntu and Xubuntu. There are also images for ubuntu versions for ARM processors, Netbook Remix, MIDs and server systems. Live CD versions are unfortunately not yet available because Kernel 2.6.30 lacks support for the aufs filesystem.
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
-
elementary OS 7.1 is Now Available for Download
The team behind elementary OS has released the latest version of its operating system with a focus on personalization, inclusivity, accessibility, and privacy.
-
The GNU Project Celebrates Its 40th Birthday
September 27 marks the 40th anniversary of the GNU Project, and it was celebrated with a hacker meeting in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.
-
Linux Kernel Reducing Long-Term Support
LTS support for the Linux kernel is about to undergo some serious changes that will have a considerable impact on the future.
-
Fedora 39 Beta Now Available for Testing
For fans and users of Fedora Linux, the first beta of release 39 is now available, which is a minor upgrade but does include GNOME 45.
-
Fedora Linux 40 to Drop X11 for KDE Plasma
When Fedora 40 arrives in 2024, there will be a few big changes coming, especially for the KDE Plasma option.
-
Real-Time Ubuntu Available in AWS Marketplace
Anyone looking for a Linux distribution for real-time processing could do a whole lot worse than Real-Time Ubuntu.
-
KSMBD Finally Reaches a Stable State
For those who've been looking forward to the first release of KSMBD, after two years it's no longer considered experimental.
-
Nitrux 3.0.0 Has Been Released
The latest version of Nitrux brings plenty of innovation and fresh apps to the table.
-
Linux From Scratch 12.0 Now Available
If you're looking to roll your own Linux distribution, the latest version of Linux From Scratch is now available with plenty of updates.
-
Linux Kernel 6.5 Has Been Released
The newest Linux kernel, version 6.5, now includes initial support for two very exciting features.