Ubuntu's Gutsy Gibbon Moves Linux ForwardUbuntu's Gutsy Gibbon Moves Linux Forward

With each release of Ubuntu, its commercial sponsor, Canonical closes more of the gaps that separate Linux from Windows -- and eliminates more reasons for small and midsize businesses to shun and fear Linux.Ubuntu 7.10, coming Thursday, boasts improved security and better hardware support, including improved support for laptop displays. The upgrade "includes a slew of updates to both the server and the desktop that improve usability and security as the open source startup challenges both its open source peers and commercial competitors," according to Datamation.

Wired says "Gutsy Gibbon is certainly easier to install and set up than Windows Vista, and it's very close to matching Mac OS X when it comes to making things "just work" out of the box."

Desktop Linux has a detailed rundown of Gutsy Gibbon's features; Lifehacker has posted a screen shot tour of Ubuntu 7.10. And the Linux4Coffee blog lists 7 reasons why Ubuntu -- which it crowns "the king of Linux" -- is so successful. For a deep look at the Ubuntu story, see here.

"New features of Server Edition include: enhanced security, including default protection for Apache and Postfix applications; more virtualisation capabilities, including a tailored Linux kernel designed for managing virtual appliances; and quick-start profiles supporting easier email, print and database server set-up. The OS can be deployed as either a guest or host in virtualised environments," writes Computerworld UK.

In a statement last summer, Canonical CEO Mark Shuttleworth said of its open source OS, "Ubuntu has radically changed the economics of IT for small business owners. Integrated, ready-to-work software solutions like Open-Xchange Express on Ubuntu make it easier for non-technical SMBs to increase productivity and spur innovation while reducing their IT costs at the same time."

In May, PC World magazine put Ubuntu 7.04, codename Fiesty Fawn, on its "100 Best Products of 2007" list -- it came in at number 16.

The next Ubuntu release, codename Hardy Heron, is due next year.