Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Beta Released

For those using Ubuntu or looking to use Ubuntu, the beta release for the forthcoming 8.04 "Hardy Heron" release is now available. This beta release battens down the hatches on this server and desktop Linux distribution and will be succeeded by the Ubuntu 8.04 release candidate one week prior to the final release in April. We've already talked extensively about the features that can be found in Hardy Heron, so for more details check out our Ubuntu 8.04 articles or search Phoronix. The main highlights are GNOME 2.22 integration, Linux 2.6.24 kernel, X.Org 7.3, virtualization enhancements, and default use of PulseAudio. Also reaching beta today is Edubuntu, Kubuntu (KDE 3), Kubuntu (KDE 4), Ubuntu JeOS, Xubuntu, Ubuntu Studio, and Mythbuntu. The Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Beta release announcement can be read on the mailing list and additional details on the Ubuntu Wiki.

The final release of Ubuntu 8.04 is planned for April 24, 2008. Following the release of Hardy Heron, major development efforts then turn towards Ubuntu 8.10, which will be known as Intrepid Ibex.