Ubuntu 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex)
by gmosx, at 05 Nov 2008Following a long standing ritual, some days ago, I backed up my home directory and installed a fresh copy of the new version, Ubuntu 8.10, aka Intrepid Ibex. After a quick customization session, here I am, up and running:
Positive impressions:
- For the first time, Compiz Fusion runs, without crashing, for more than 30 minutes. I have enabled the default special-FX options, yay! The desktop feels much smoother, albeit a bit slower.
- The 1440x900 resolution on my Lenovo monitor at work is supported.
- A few small improvements here and there make life easier (service command, the new user menu, nautilus tabs and eject, etc).
- I like the encrypted directory.
- It generally feels more robust.
- I like the dark skin, check out the screenshot.
Negative impressions:
- Firefox still crashes from time to time, especially when I open tabs with flash content.
- Some long awaited improvements are still not here (search in selection in gedit, create directory / thumbnail view in file selector).
- The dark skin has problems even after extensive customization. The dark buttons and different colors render many web pages unusable (or just plain ugly).
- No Open Office 3 by default.
The conclusion? One more step towards Open Source computing nirvana. Even though I would prefer a bolder step I still feel more productive (and happy) using Ubuntu 8.10. What more is there to say ;-)
