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Betas Busting Out All Over - Ubuntu and openSUSE

Today, both Ubuntu and openSUSE are releasing beta versions of their upcoming releases.

Ubuntu's 8.10 is in its first beta version, and openSUSE 11.1 plans on issuing its second beta release shortly.

It is important to note that though a patch is available for the Intel e1000e network driver bug, the patch will not be incorporated into the new kernel pre-release version until October 5th. Ubuntu announced that the driver will remain disabled until after the beta release cycle is finished, will be re-enabled in daily builds for the release candidates, and should be resolved by the time Ubuntu 8.10 final is released.

The Ubuntu beta introduces new features and updated packages, such as the GNOME 2.24 desktop environment, X.Org 7.4, encrypted private directories, and a "last successful boot" recovery entry. The "last successful boot" feature saves a copy of the kernel on successful boots, so that when the kernel is updated, previous kernel packages can be easily auto-removed with the package manager, rather than lingering on the system.

openSUSE's 11.1 beta 2 is expected to be released later Friday, and is still expected to only be available in the DVD format. It boasts similar features to Ubuntu's beta (with updated KDE offerings as well) and features several re-written YaST modules.

Beta testers are reminded that these releases are not suitable for production systems, and that input regarding bugs or other issues is greatly appreciated.

Ubuntu's Intrepid Ibex is scheduled for release October 30th, and openSUSE 11.1 will go gold on December 4th.

• open source
• ubuntu
• linux
• novell
• opensuse
• testing
• beta
• experimental

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