The Ubuntu developers have announced the availability of the official release candidate for Ubuntu 8.10, codenamed Intrepid Ibex. This version includes several compelling new features such as a new dynamic kernel module update framework, a guest mode for the fast user switching feature, and better support for mobile Internet connectivity.
We looked at several prereleases during the development cycle and watched Intrepid evolve. The first alpha was released in June and it provided a nice look at some of the planned features. I also tried out a beta release earlier this month and really felt like the pieces were coming together nicely. Some of the problems with we found in Ubuntu 8.04 still haven't been fixed in this release. Desktop search integration, for instance, is still poor compared to some other distributions.
Release candidates are also available today for the Ubuntu server distribution and for other desktop flavors of Ubuntu, including Kubuntu, Xubuntu, UbuntuStudio, and Mythbuntu. Some of the new server features are support for encrypted directories and a new virtual machine builder tool.
The final Ubuntu 8.10 release will take place on October 30, but those of you who want to get a head start can use this release candidate. The developers say that it is considered stable and ready for user testing.
The release candidate is available for download from the Ubuntu web site. For more information, check out the release notes and the official announcement.
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