With the release of Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Fawn, many users might be considering making the switch to Linux. But one particular user who has decided to blog about his switch is worth noting.

He's a Microsoft employee who has decided that he needs to try something new for his own peace of mind. And the new thing he's trying is Ubuntu.

Now, there are a lot of folks out there who will try to make this into something bigger than it is. He's not giving up on Windows or quitting his job at Microsoft. He's installing and learning to use a new operating system. He even posts that he considered switching to Mac OS X but wasn't ready to buy any new hardware.

But the blog is still worth a read if you've recently installed Ubuntu or are considering making the switch. As he documents his progress, you'll find a good set up tips for using Linux from someone who's used to Windows.

[via digg]

With Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Fawn released last week, bloggers, journalists, and users are asking the inevitable question: How does it compare with the other major OS update this year, Windows Vista.

Serdar Yegulalp at Information Week have written up a detailed comparison of the two operating systems. We have to agree with most of the points made. Here's the bullet point version, with our two cents thrown in at the end:

Those crazy developer kids with their cheeky prototype names. Mark Shuttleworth announced that Ubuntu's next release will carry the development code name Gutsy Gibbon, following in the footsteps of Feisty Fawn, Edgy Eft and Dapper Drake (see a pattern?)

Gutsy Gibbon is scheduled for release in October of 2007, following Ubuntu's rigid and rapid release cycle. To be known in production as 7.10, Gutsy Gibbon will also take "an ultra-orthodox view of licensing: no firmware, drivers, imagery, sounds, applications, or other content which do not include full source materials and come with full rights of modification, remixing and redistribution"

For those of us that still want to get our non-GNU on, Automatix will no doubt be available for the new platform but, we're forced to wonder what code in the current;y circulating Ubuntu might get the heave-ho under a renewed focus on open and transparent source code.

What else is on the table for this next cycle of the fastest growing Linux distribution? An unattended, enterprise-geared installation package named Ubiquity which should make Ubuntu even more attractive to large corporate clients. Shuttleworth is also pushing -- third time is the charm -- for "composite by default", using the somewhat revolutionary Compiz 3D desktop environment. Although he's pushed for a default composite desktop before, he seems more realistic this time around, "There's a reasonable chance that Gutsy will deliver where those others have not. I remain convinced that malleable, transparent and extra-dimensional GUI's are a real opportunity for the free software community to take a lead in the field of desktop innovation "

[via Digg]

We're drawing ever closer to the full release of Ubuntu 7.04 (known lovingly as "Feisty Fawn"), and if you're one of those spirited early adopter types, the Beta release is now available.

Proud papa of Ubuntu, tech mogul Mark Shuttleworth said recently, "Ubuntu's Feisty release will put the spotlight on multimedia enablement and desktop effects. We expect this to be a very gratifying release for both users and developers." Many of the Ubuntu 7 goals are aimed squarely at competing with Mac OS while running on off-the-shelf PC hardware.

Ubuntu's rigid development and release schedule means this Beta signals a one month warning for the fully supported final version.

Ubuntu 6.10 final is about to be released this Thursday, marking the journey's end for the "Edgy" release, and a new beginning for the next Ubuntu version, 7.04, dubbed the "Feisty Fawn." No, seriously, don't laugh, that is what they are calling it. Sorry, but I still love the name "IceWeasel" a little too much, and "Feisty Fawn" is even better. At the Ubuntu developer's conference Nov. 5th - Nov. 10th. Feisty Fawn will be the topic of debate and discussion fo-sho. Ubuntu 7.04 is set for a release date of April 19th, 2007. Everyone is invited to the developer's conference to get in on the next version of Ubuntu and voice your opinion on the features and fun included in the next Ubuntu, so get your tickets now and reserve a seat. Something tells me the Ubuntu will be offering telekinesis support long before Microsoft's codename Vienna ever sees the light of day. Somehow Ubuntu developers are so blazing fast and keep cranking out releases, which doesn't put me in a bad mood at all. Be looking for more news on 7.04 right here in coming months, we'll keep bringing it to you as we hear it. While we're on the subject, what would you name the next release of Ubuntu after "Feisty Fawn?" Any brilliant ideas? "Kool Komodo" or "Krazy Kelp" or "Kunning Kangaroo" perhaps?