Canonical Releases 5. Pre-Version of Ubuntu 9.10 "Karmic Koala"
In the latest Alpha version of Karmic Koala, Canonical has included a number of software updates, and say testers should expect some substantial bugs.
Steve Langasek announced the release of the new Alpha on the Ubuntu developer list. Alpha 5 comes with Gnome 2.27.91, kernel 2.6.31-rc8 and GCC 4.4. The kernel boots with Kernel Mode Settings, enabling a switch to UXA Intel drivers instead of the EXA used in 9.04. This should solve most performance problems found with Intel graphics, but other difficulties can be expected. More problems will probably occur in the hardware- and power managment. Ubuntu has abandoned the old Hardware Abstraction Layer hal and replaced it with DeviceKit-power, DeviceKit-disks and udev. In these two areas, (Intel drivers and DeviceKit), Canonical is asking users to take particular care when testing and to submit detailed bug reports.
Empathy has definitively taken the place of Pidgin as default IM client and Ubuntu has completely overhauled the GDM login manager. As default also included is the file sharing tool Ubuntu One.
The KDE variant is also available in a new netbook version, with the current 4.3 also included. Alpha 5 comes for the first time with image files for Ubuntu Enterprise Cloud (UEC).
The netbook optimized Kubuntu version in Alpha 5
A few bugs have already been found: in some time zones, the system will carry out a file-system check immediately after installation because the clock shows the wrong time. Various problems have also been discovered by the installation of OEM.
The complete announcement can now also be viewed on the Canonical page.
Download links:
Gnome
KDE
XFCE
Mythbuntu
ARM
Ubuntu Server for UEC and EC2
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
-
First Release Candidate for Linux Kernel 6.14 Now Available
Linus Torvalds has officially released the first release candidate for kernel 6.14 and it includes over 500,000 lines of modified code, making for a small release.
-
System76 Refreshes Meerkat Mini PC
If you're looking for a small form factor PC powered by Linux, System76 has exactly what you need in the Meerkat mini PC.
-
Gnome 48 Alpha Ready for Testing
The latest Gnome desktop alpha is now available with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
Wine 10 Includes Plenty to Excite Users
With its latest release, Wine has the usual crop of bug fixes and improvements, along with some exciting new features.
-
Linux Kernel 6.13 Offers Improvements for AMD/Apple Users
The latest Linux kernel is now available, and it includes plenty of improvements, especially for those who use AMD or Apple-based systems.
-
Gnome 48 Debuts New Audio Player
To date, the audio player found within the Gnome desktop has been meh at best, but with the upcoming release that all changes.
-
Plasma 6.3 Ready for Public Beta Testing
Plasma 6.3 will ship with KDE Gear 24.12.1 and KDE Frameworks 6.10, along with some new and exciting features.
-
Budgie 10.10 Scheduled for Q1 2025 with a Surprising Desktop Update
If Budgie is your desktop environment of choice, 2025 is going to be a great year for you.
-
Firefox 134 Offers Improvements for Linux Version
Fans of Linux and Firefox rejoice, as there's a new version available that includes some handy updates.
-
Serpent OS Arrives with a New Alpha Release
After months of silence, Ikey Doherty has released a new alpha for his Serpent OS.