Ubuntu is one of the most common distros of Linux available. With its latest release Ubuntu 9.10, Canonical has added new features, including:

1. The Ubuntu Cloud platform, Ubuntu One,
2. A better boot speed and UI,
3. One of the most awaited feature, Ubuntu Software Center, more on the lines of Windows Add/Remove program.

There are many more feature updates in Karmic Koala, you can find them here.

I don’t understand why Pidgin was removed as the default messenger and replaced with Empathy. This might be a result of one of the ideas put up on Ubuntu Brainstorm site.

The Upgrade from Ubuntu 9.04

The upgrade was pretty straight forward using the Upgrade Manager (System > Administration > Upgrade Manager) in Ubuntu. Find the detailed steps to upgrade from Ubuntu 9.04, Jaunty Jackalope to 9.10, Karmic Koala here.

The login splash screen has changed in 9.10, though my personal favourite was the login screen in 9.04.

Ubuntu One

Ubuntu One is service enables users to store and sync files online and between computers. Its same as DropBox. Though Ubuntu One is still in its infancy and has a long way to go, I got an internal server error once on the Ubuntu One site and sometimes the Ubuntu One client on my machine does not connect, so for the time being, I am sticking to DropBox.

If you are planning to upgrade, here are the minimum system requirements:

• 300-MHz x86 processor
• 64MB RAM
• At least 4GB of disk space (for full installation and swap space)
• VGA graphics card capable of 640-by-480 resolution
• CD-ROM drive or network card

Conclusion: Upgrading is worth it.

UPDATE

People are complaining about slow boot time in 9.10 as compared to 9.04, you can solve that problem by the solution posted here

Comment #2 : Bug #432089 : Bugs : ureadahead package : Ubuntu Originally published at utsengar.com on November 2, 2009.