Ubuntu 9.10 Sets Thursday as Download Date

Users will be able to download Canonical's Ubuntu 9.10 Linux Desktop Edition on Oct. 29, Canonical said on Monday.
The new "Karmic Koala" Ubuntu 9.10 features a redesigned, faster boot and login experience, a revamped audio framework, and improved 3G broadband connectivity, according to Canonical. It will be accompanied by Ubuntu 9.10 Server Edition, also a free download, and based on the same APIs as Amazon's EC2 cloud-based service.
Both can be downloaded via Ubuntu.com.
Finally, the reskinned Ubuntu Notebook Remix will include Empathy, an instant messaging program for text, voice, video, and file transfers designed for notebooks and smartbooks, according to Ubuntu. A list of supported netbooks is listed here.
"Ubuntu 9.10 gives users more reasons than ever to seriously consider Linux at a time when many are thinking again about their operating system options. We are delivering a platform for users interested in an easy-to-use, great-looking, web-friendly operating system," says Jane Silber, chief operating officer at Canonical, in a statement. "A faster, more beautiful boot and login sequence, file and contact synchronisation through online services and great experiences on the most popular notebook, desktop and netbook models continue to drive Ubuntu into the mainstream of computing choices."
Obviously, Ubuntu's launch comes on the heels of Windows 7, an operating system that was sold on the promise of simplicity. Both Windows Vista and Linux and general have struggled with third-party drivers; some have worked wonderfully, but others haven't. Ubuntu has challenged its users to help identify and solve annoyances and more serious hurdles, which it has called "100 Paper Cuts". Over 50 of these annoyances have been found and dealt with; interested users can sign up at the 'Paper Cuts' Web site and help work out the others.
The Server Edition, meanwhile, will appear on the Amazon EC2 environment as an Amazon Machine Image. Ubuntu Enterprise Cloud (UEC) is a cloud-computing technology, powered by Eucalyptus Systems. Additional features include MySQL 5.1, an improved directory stack and single sign-on tools, and Django support. Ubuntu Enterprise Cloud is preparing a store capability that will provide users with easy access to ready-to-deploy appliances in the UEC environment. A first preview of this store is available in Ubuntu 9.10, Ubuntu said.
The cloud has also been brought into the consumer release as well. Ubuntu One, a cloud-based storage service, offers 2 Gbytes of storage for free, and 50 GB for $10 per month.