The latest version of Kubuntu, the Ubuntu Linux distribution featuring the KDE desktop environment, has now moved into a public alpha stage. Version 8.04, or Hardy Heron, is slated for final release in April of 2008. This will be the long-term service (LTS) version following 6.06 (Dapper Drake) with a service life of three to five years (service support for Hardy ends April 2011 for desktops and April 2013 for servers). Aside from being the next LTS version of Kubuntu this version brings a little something new to the Kubuntu crowd.

Two version of Kubuntu will be released under the 8.04 version number. One will feature KDE3, which will offer commercial support to its user base, the other will be a community supported KDE4 version and will offer no commercial support.

The reason for going with KDE3 instead of KDE4 as the official environment for Kubuntu? Stability is a concern for any LTS release and the powers that be feel that KDE4 stable enough yet. So, KDE will be the official commercially supported environment for the upcoming release. KDE4 will most likely be the official candidate for 8.10 code named “Intrepid Ibex” planned for October 2008, that’s right there’s a new version every six months just like regular ol’ Ubuntu.

Of course, you can still use KDE4 as your window environment, a version for Windows is currently being developed as well but is still in alpha stages right now. For more information about KDE4 (currently in version 4.0.1) or KDE3 (currently in version 3.5.9) go to the KDE website. You’ll find screenshots of both versions, information on how to install it to your favorite Unix-like operating system (Linux, BSD, etc.), and a lot more.

If you liked that, try...

1. Ubuntu 6.10 Final Released
2. Ubuntu 7.10 Is Here
3. Ubuntu 8.04 Released
4. Ubuntu 7.04 (Feisty Fawn) Hits Final Release
5. FreeBSD 7.0 Released

1 Comment »

1. 
   Devin de Gruyl
   February 28, 2008 at 7:00 pm

   …”Intrepid Ibex?”

   Well, at least it’s memorable…

   [Reply]

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