Canonical has announced that Ubuntu 10.04 LTS Desktop Edition, the latest version of the popular Linux desktop distribution, which includes 3 years of support through free security and maintenance updates, will be available for free download on Thursday, April 29.
The desktop edition of Ubuntu 10.04 LTS will feature extensive design work, faster boot speed, social network integration, online services and the Ubuntu One Music Store.
"Ubuntu 10.04 LTS challenges the perceptions of the Linux desktop, bringing a whole new category of users to the world of Ubuntu," said Jane Silber, CEO, Canonical. "Changes like the new look and feel and the addition of a music store, layered on top of our relentless focus on delivering an intuitive and attractive user experience for new and existing Ubuntu users - these are the bridging elements to the mainstream market that our community, our partners and our users really want. Long-term support makes Ubuntu 10.04 LTS very attractive to corporate IT as well."
Canonical also announced the upcoming release of Ubuntu 10.04 LTS Server Edition, which includes extended security and maintenance updates free of charge to all users for 5 years (versus 18 months for a standard release). According to Canonical, this third and latest LTS version of the popular Linux server distribution, Ubuntu 10.04 LTS, delivers on the standing commitment to release a long-term support version of Ubuntu every two years. Ubuntu 10.04 LTS will be also available for free download on Thursday, April 29.
Canonical and IBM have partnered on a range of projects. Recently, IBM, Canonical, and Simmtronics announced the Simmtronics netbook, the Simmbook, with initial availability in emerging markets such as South Africa. The Simmbook is preloaded with IBM Client for Smart Work, which includes IBM Lotus Symphony, access to IBM LotusLive cloud collaboration services, and choice of adding other IBM Lotus collaboration software like Lotus Notes and Lotus Sametime.
IBM Client for Smart Work is IBM and Canonical's complete desktop package that's open, easy to use, and offers a security-rich alternative to costly, proprietary PC software, such as Microsoft Windows. It can help lower costs by up to 50% of a typical Microsoft PC.
For more information about Canonical, go here.