After six months of development, long awaited Ubuntu 10.04 LTS (codenamed lucid lynx) is finally released! Typical Ubuntu versions get 18 months of free security and maintenance updates, but LTS releases are supported for three years on desktop computers and five years on servers.

Ubuntu loads quickly on any computer, but it’s super-fast on newer machines. After loading, opening a browser takes seconds, unlike other operating systems that leave you staring at the screen, waiting to get online.

On the desktop, the most noticeable change is a completely redesigned new themes called Radiance and Ambience with a sleek new look and an updated color palette. They are much easier on the eyes than previous orange and brown color scheme. Window buttons have moved to the left side of the title bar, just like in OS X.

Ubuntu includes Mozilla Firefox – for fast, safe web browsing. You can also choose alternative open-source browsers from the Ubuntu Software Centre.

Get chatting with Empathy. Quickly integrate your chat accounts from Yahoo, Gmail, MSN, Jabber, AOL, QQ and many more. Evolution Mail provides easy, intuitive email.

Read and update your social networks instantly. Ubuntu’s new Me Menu lets you access your Facebook and Twitter accounts (and more) straight away. Connect to your chat channels and make updates through a single window. Being sociable has never been so easy.

Ubuntu’s new music player includes an integrated store, so you can buy and download new tracks with just a few clicks. And thanks to Ubuntu One’s file-sharing magic you can store your music online and listen to it from other computers and music players. Ubuntu works with most music and media players.

OpenOffice.org is fully compatible with Microsoft Office and has everything you need to create professional documents, spreadsheets and presentations. OpenOffice.org is easy to use, packed with the features you need and completely free.

The Ubuntu Software Centre gives you instant access to thousands of free open-source applications. Browse software in categories including: education, games, sound and video, graphics, programming and office. Software is easy to find, easy to install and easy to remove.

URL: http://www.ubuntu.com