Ubuntu 10.04 is Lucid Lynx!

Updated: Lucid Lynx is scheduled for a release on April 29th, 2010. Check out this page for more information.

Mark Shuttleworth, the person who founded the Ubuntu Foundation which started the Ubuntu operating system project, has recently announced at Ubuncon 2009 (hosted at Atlanta Linux Fest 2009) that the next Ubuntu 10.04 will be named as Lucid Lynx! Check out the video below.

On the side note: Ubuntu 9.10 "Karmic Koala" will be out on Sep 29th, 2009.

It's been almost more than 1 year since I've switched to Ubuntu for my work and many other things (e.g. surfing, movies). Win XP is only for the occasional PC gaming. Although adapting to a completely open source environment is not 100% smooth, but it has many rewards. My work productivity has increased, and I don't have to worry about viruses that attack Windows PC.

Via Ubuntu Facebook Group

Video:

Skype Version 2.1.0.47 (Beta) for Linux is Out!

This may probably be old news, but still it's worth a post. Linux users who have used Skype on their Linux distributions should probably know that the last version that the developers at Skype have released was 16 June 2008. That version was 2.0.0.72, and this was more than 1 year ago. Linux users have been patiently waiting for the next version of Skype for linux to come out, which was suppose to fix many bugs and issues. About a month ago, they have finally released Skype 2.1.0.47 Beta for Linux. If you have not upgraded your Skype, what are you waiting for? Get it now =)

If you have been using Skype on Windows, you may have noticed that it is better than its Linux counterpart in terms of features. Nevertheless, the Linux version is still pretty much stable on my Ubuntu, and it works well for me for calls and text chat.

Here's some of the new stuff for Skype 2.1 Beta:

• Skype's SILK codec for outstanding quality with negligible bandwidth usage,
• HQ video support,
• PulseAudio support,
• SMS send support (*Sending SMS requires available Skype Credit),
• Contact groups,
• Contact labels, or tags, for easier contact organization,
• Chat window improvements (typing notification, message editing, s/geeky text/replacement/, new emoticons),
• Nicer contact list with mood messages and video capability icons,
• Nicer tray icon.

For full details, visit the Skype Release Notes page here. We hope to see the next stable release of Skype for Linux soon, hopefully not too long. Anyhow, great job guys!

Linux Skype developer Berkus debunks some myths and answers some questions here on the new release.

Other links:
Skype For Linux Developer Zone