Updated Ubuntu Linux for desktops launching this week

Starting Thursday, Ubuntu Linux will make the latest version of its separate desktop and server operating systems available for free download.

The updated Version 8.10 desktop operating system will add a host of usability features for users, including improved 3G wireless support for easier detection and connection to wireless networks.

Also included is a new "guest" capability that allows a user to lend his machine to another user to check e-mail and perform other tasks without disturbing the existing programs or settings.

Users will also be able to install Ubuntu Linux on a portable USB drive so they can carry the operating system with them and use it on any machine. A major benefit of that capability is that users will also be able to save new data to the same thumb drive that contains the operating system.

Another useful feature is integration of multimedia content from the BBC that was previously available only on computers running Microsoft Windows Media Player software. Under the 8.10 version of the operating system, some selected, high-quality streamed BBC content will be available free of charge to Ubuntu users through the built-in Totem Movie Player and Rhythmbox applications.
The server version of the operating system includes the following new features:

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