Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Alpha: A First Look

X Server 1.4 didn't make the cut for Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon, but X.Org 7.3 will be fully integrated in time for Hardy Heron. As X Server 1.4.1 is running behind schedule, v1.4.0 is present in this first development release. Alpha 1 is also shipping with the Linux 2.6.22-14 kernel as opposed to a Linux 2.6.24 RC kernel.

This Ubuntu release has also been updated to include GIMP 2.4.2 compared to the GIMP 2.4 release candidate found in Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon.

Aside from these package updates and a few other changes, there isn't too much to get excited about with Ubuntu 8.04 "Hardy Heron" Alpha 1. However, with quite a few interesting features on the Hardy Heron Roadmap, it will certainly be an interesting next few months. In addition to new Ubuntu theme, among the many planned features is an improved startup and shutdown experience, displayconfig-gtk improvements for multiple monitors, an improved installation process, and other enhancements across the board. This will also be the first LTS (Long Term Support) release since Ubuntu 6.06 Dapper Drake.