Ubuntu GNU/Linux Claims 12 Million Users, Rising
Ubuntu Linux may grab more users once Lucid Lynx enters the scene.
Chris Kenyon, vice president for OEM at Canonical (which is the lead commercial sponsor for Ubuntu), told InternetNews.com (via LinuxPlanet) that 12 million people are using Ubuntu GNU/Linux as their primary operating system. The number is significantly higher than 2008's numbers, jumping up 4 million over the last two years. This may be a good indication that end-users are desperately seeking alternatives to Microsoft's Windows platform and Apple's Mac OS.
But the number of users may actually grow at an even faster rate once Ubuntu GNU/Linux incorporates "Lucid Lynx," a codename assigned to the Ubuntu 10.04 update. Scheduled for distribution by the end of the month, the update will overhaul Ubuntu GNU/Linux's interface and provide multiple new features on the desktop. Lucid Lynx will also be the first new Long-Term Supported (LTS) release in two years, providing three years of support for Ubuntu Desktop and five years for Ubuntu Server.
LinuxPlanet goes into more detail about the changes coming to the Ubuntu desktop, reporting that the traditionally brown-colored interface will be replaced with a "aubergine" purplish look. There will also be the new Me Menu, combining chat and social networks into one user interface button. This new feature will be compatible with Facebook, Digg, IRC, Google Talk, and more.
Kenyon also added that users still running the 8.04 LTS will probably upgrade to 10.04 LTS when it becomes available. The 8.04 release, codenamed "Hardy Heron," first made its debut back in April 2008.
I'm not a linux fanboi, but how is it Ubuntu's fault that ATI can't release functional linux drivers?
can't wait for 10.04 just not looking forward to purlish look. oh well I'll just change it back to the "Dust" I have now.
i used to have a separate pc as my home firewall using fedora
Some times I come out like Linux zealot, but I think it is bad idea for every one to use Linux. I hope you met if everyone was using open platforms, where data structures are open and well documented. Open standards like ODF, open APIs like OpenGL, OpenCL and etc. Where programmers are focusing on implementing the new ideas instead of building 'walls' or reverse engineering or worst reinventing the wheel again to ovoid some stupid patent. If this is what you mean using Linux I am all for it. There are other open platforms like FreeBSD, OpenSolaris and etc. that could use some help from everyone.
If that's the case what's awesome about it? Enlighten me please, what's so awesome about an OS that can't run properly on "common" hardware?
I'm not a linux fanboi, but how is it Ubuntu's fault that ATI can't release functional linux drivers?
I couldn't use it on my main PC though.. it would be a waste of graphic card.
Or at least too much trouble to install a game.
Besides that I love Ubuntu, it's great for every day task and doesn't push hard on the lil' netbook.
i prefer mint because i do not have to spend my days on ubuntu forums figuring out why hibernation does not work, or my wlan card does not support returning from stand by, etc
ubuntu is demo, mint is polished end user product