Ubuntu 11.10 Review: Benchmarked Against Windows 7

New Kernel, Login, Email, Backup, And More

Linux Kernel 3.0

Oneiric Ocelot comes with version 3.0 of the Linux kernel. It is, in fact, the first version of Ubuntu to utilize the 3.x series. Linus Torvalds decided to skip what should have been kernel 2.8, signaling big-enough changes to merit a major dot-oh release.

Mozilla Thunderbird

Ubuntu drops GNOME's default email application, Evolution, for Mozilla Thunderbird. Mozilla even polished up its email app specifically for Unity. Thunderbird looks like a hybrid between the simple two-paned email apps found on tablets, complete with large finger-friendly buttons, and a full desktop client with its traditional list view. Through the use of tabs, multiple accounts and folders can be quickly viewed in the same window.

Mozilla Thunderbird

DejaDup

DejaDup is an automatic backup utility included in Ubuntu for the first time with Oneiric Ocelot. While DejaDup is not activated by default, the application occasionally appears in the Launcher to remind you that it's there.

DejaDup Reminder

The DejaDup settings screen has a left-hand sidebar to navigate between different options, including: Overview, Storage, Folders, and Schedule. The Overview screen is where automatic backups are enabled or disabled, and where backups can be restored or updated.

DejaDup Overview

The Storage screen is where the location for backups is chosen. While the default repository for backups is the Ubuntu One folder, you can also use a local folder, an FTP site, SSH, WebDAV, Windows Share, or a custom networked location.

DejaDup Storage

The Folder screen has two panes, the first one is for folders to include in the backup. The second is for folders to ignore within the included folders. By default, your Home directory gets backed up, while the Trash and Downloads folder are ignored by default.

DejaDup Folders

There are options for how often to create backups on the Schedule pane, as well as how long to keep the latest backup. The available intervals are Daily, Weekly, Every 2 Weeks, and Monthly. The available durations are: At least a week, month, two months, three months, six months, year, and forever.

DejaDup Schedule

Other Default Applications

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Application TypeNameVersion
Web BrowserMozilla Firefox7.0.1
Music ManagerBanshee2.2 (2.2.0)
Photo ManagerShotwell0.11.2
Video PlayerTotem Music Player3.0.1
Chat ClientEmpathy3.2.0
File ManagerNautilus3.2.0
Optical Disc UtilityBrasero3.2.0
Partition EditorDisk Utility3.0.2
BitTorrent ClientTransmission2.33 (12565)

LightDM

Along with the GNOME Shell, Ubuntu 11.10 drops GDM (GNOME Display Manager) in favor of LightDM (Light Display Manager). The log-in screen is now both faster and better-looking than GDM.

Speed comes into play because, unlike GDM, GNOME libraries aren't required by LightDM. The better-looking part is due to the fact that LightDM interfaces are created with HTML, which also means that LightDM login screens have nearly limitless customization.

The Ubuntu 11.10 'Oneiric Ocelot' Login Screen
  • compton
    The best part of 11.10 is the renewed appreciation it gave me for Windows 7.
    Reply
  • Gamer Dude
    comptonThe best part of 11.10 is the renewed appreciation it gave me for Windows 7.LOL that bad uh well at leased there is an alternative if the Sopa takes awake my ripped Window 8 copy LOL.
    Reply
  • jasonpwns
    That's the problem, I've always considered Windows king for gaming, but after looking at Doom 3, and the performance boost over Windows 7. Are we sure we're developing for the right platform? I mean games on Linux theoretically would run a lot better.
    Reply
  • indian-art
    Happy with the benchmarks. I feel Ubuntu 12.04 will be even better.

    Just around a couple of months for its launch!
    Reply
  • malimbar
    One major irrelevancy in beginning of the article: while Mint overtook Ubuntu in Distrowatch, it's nowhere near the actual userbase: http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2012/02/stats-show-ubuntu-not-losing-ground-to-linux-mint/

    Interesting article otherwise, and very well done. I particularly like how it highlights major areas that ubuntu developers need to work on, but still gives ubuntu as a OS credit where it deserves it. It's more worthwhile IMO to review LTS releases (and one is coming up soon), but in the meantime it's great to see where Ubuntu is right now.
    Reply
  • Lol. I knew I was gonna see old games on the benchmarks, but all of them id Tech 4? Hahahah.
    Reply
  • rmpumper
    jasonpwnsThat's the problem, I've always considered Windows king for gaming, but after looking at Doom 3, and the performance boost over Windows 7. Are we sure we're developing for the right platform? I mean games on Linux theoretically would run a lot better.
    If you did not notice, all of the 3 tested games are OpenGL which is barely supported in Win7. How about we see some DirectX9 10 and 11 games before making silly conclusions? And in any case, who gives a rat's ass about Doom3 - 7 year old awful game?
    Reply
  • Gamer Dude
    jasonpwnsThat's the problem, I've always considered Windows king for gaming, but after looking at Doom 3, and the performance boost over Windows 7. Are we sure we're developing for the right platform? I mean games on Linux theoretically would run a lot better.To bad Microsoft has a Monopoly on DX architecture.
    Reply
  • nekromobo
    Linux is only free if your time has no value.
    Reply
  • 4870, gtx260, doom 3, did i time travel to 2008?
    Reply