Introduction

It is almost that time! The next version of Kubuntu 10.10, the Maverick Meerkat, is almost upon us. In preparation for the October 10th release, we are offering users the Release Candidate. This version is appropriate for testing fresh installations and upgrades.

There is quite a collection of updates and changes to be found for Kubuntu fans, even some cool things since the beta was released.

Read on for some of the highlights!

NOTE: This is the Release Candidate. Though it is a close preview of what 10.10 will be, it is still a pre-release version. As such, it's use is NOT encouraged for anyone needing a stable system or for anyone not comfortable running into the occasional breakage. This Release Candidate IS recommended for those who want to help in testing both upgrades and fresh installs, which assists us in squashing any remaining issues. Please do not use this in a production environment with data or workflows that you cannot do without.

Getting the Release Candidate

RC images can be downloaded from the following URL:

• http://releases.ubuntu.com/kubuntu/maverick/

It is always best to check your cd image before you install! The md5sums can be found here.

Upgrades can be made from Kubuntu 10.04 LTS, see https://help.ubuntu.com/community/MaverickUpgrades/Kubuntu

What's New

Combined Desktop/Netbook ISO image

For 10.10, Kubuntu have merged the Desktop and Netbook images into one featuring both the Plasma Desktop and Plasma Netbook workspaces. The appropriate workspace for your machine will be launched at login; you can also change the workspace in System Settings.

New default web browser - Rekonq

Rekonq is now the default web browser for Kubuntu. It is built on both KDE Platform and Qt WebKit technologies and sports a modern, clean interface that maximizes space for web browsing and doesn't get in your way. Both Konqueror and the Kubuntu Firefox Installer are still provided for users WHO prefer these options.

KPackageKit

KPackageKit updates now has an application focused view. You can find individual packages by searching by name. The backend has been changed to the much faster aptcc to ensure your installs are as quick as possible.

Global Menu by default for Plasma Netbook

Plasma Netbook now sports the Global Menu by default. This innovation helps conserve vertical space on small netbook screens. In combination with the Plasma Netbook panel no longer auto hiding by default this represents a significant improvement in Plasma Netbook usability from previous releases.

PulseAudio by default

Kubuntu now uses the PulseAudio sound server by default. Building on the efforts of Ubuntu over the last several release cycles, this system is now used by Kubuntu to give users enhanced configurability, flexibility and ease of use. System settings has been updated to enhance pulseaudio control integration.

BlueDevil

BlueDevil has become the default bluetooth stack.

Ubiquity Installer

Our installer has had a few changes On boot Ubiquity will offer you the option of running the live system or installing directly The installer now lets you download updates and restricted packages such as MP3 playback during the install (of course you will need internet access for this) The installation starts after the disk setup page, before you have completed the other setup pages, so it'll be ready to use sooner.

QApt-batch

Qapt-batch now replaces install-package as the update/batch-installer utility. QApt Batch features improved security features, improved robustness as well as PolicyKit support via QApt.

Known Issues

The live CD "Guided" install option replaces the existing operating system installation in the selected partition (including destroying user data). This is not obvious from the description. See Bug (628864) for details.

The live CD autoresize installation option is not always available (see Bug (628897) for details). To work around this issue, do any needed partition resizing before starting the live CD. Partitions can be deleted and created using the manual partioning option if no data needs to be saved from them.

Due to Bug (608382), if you intend to burn an iso of the Beta to a usb device from a Kubuntu 10.04 LTS system, you will need to make sure you have ubuntu-updates ("Recommended Updates" in KPackageKit's repository settings) enabled to install the bugfix release of usb-creator-kde.

Feedback

We want to hear what you think about the Release Candidate of Kubuntu 10.10. We want to know if it Rocks, if it is just OK, or it is flat out wrong. No matter the feedback, as long as it is in line with the Ubuntu Code of Conduct we would like to hear it.

So what are you waiting for; head on over to the Feedback Page and let us know!