Distribution Release: KNOPPIX 6.2

Klaus Knopper has released KNOPPIX 6.2, a new version of the popular Debian-based live CD/DVD with LXDE as the default desktop: "The current version 6.2 has been completely updated from Debian 'Lenny', 'Testing' and 'Unstable', and uses kernel 2.6.31.6 and X.Org 7.4. Microknoppix is a complete rewrite of the KNOPPIX boot system from version 6.0 and up, with the following features: high compatibility with its Debian base; accelerated boot procedure; LXDE as graphical environment - a very slim and fast desktop with extremely short start time and low resource requirements; amount of installed software greatly reduced in the CD edition; network configuration handled by NetworkManager...." Read the rest of the release notes for more details. Download the DVD, CD or the special ADRIANE edition with accessibility features for the visually impaired: KNOPPIX_V6.2DVD-EN.iso (3,675MB, MD5, torrent), KNOPPIX_V6.2CD-EN.iso (691MB, MD5, torrent), KNOPPIX-ADRIANE_V6.2CD-EN.iso (691MB, MD5, torrent).

Distribution Release: Fedora 12

Fedora 12, the latest version of the popular open-source operating systems for desktops and servers, has been released: "The Fedora Project, a Red Hat, Inc. sponsored and community-supported open source collaboration, today announced the availability of Fedora 12, the latest version of its free, open-source operating system distribution. Fedora 12 includes a robust feature set for desktop users, administrators, developers and open source enthusiasts alike. New enhancements available in Fedora 12 include next-generation Ogg Theora video, virtualization improvements and advancements to NetworkManager, among numerous others." See the press release, release announcement and release notes for further information. Download (mirrors, torrents): Fedora-12-i686-Live.iso (654MB, SHA256, torrent), Fedora-12-i686-Live-KDE.iso (681MB, SHA256, torrent), Fedora-12-x86_64-Live.iso (656MB, SHA256, torrent), Fedora-12-x86_64-Live-KDE.iso (685MB, SHA256, torrent).

Development Release: openSUSE 11.2 RC2

Joe Brockmeier has announced the availability of the second and final release candidate for openSUSE 11.2: "This is it folks! We're almost there for openSUSE 11.2. Time to grab the final 11.2 release candidate and shake out any remaining bugs to get the lizard ready for release. This release includes an updated kernel, Samba, Firefox, and more. Release Candidate 2 includes a few new packages, and several of the 'most annoying bugs' in RC1 have been fixed. New packages include: Linux kernel 2.6.31.5, SeaMonkey 2.0, Firefox 3.5.4, Samba 3.4.2, X.Org Server 1.6.5." Read the rest of the release announcement for more information and known issues. Download (mirror list): openSUSE-KDE4-LiveCD-Build0339-i686.iso (678MB, MD5, torrent), openSUSE-GNOME-LiveCD-Build0339-i686.iso (696MB, MD5, torrent), openSUSE-KDE4-LiveCD-Build0339-x86_64.iso (689MB, MD5, torrent), openSUSE-GNOME-LiveCD-Build0339-x86_64.iso (694MB, MD5, torrent).

Distribution Release: Edubuntu 9.10

Edubuntu has been labelled as "discontinued" ever since it became just an add-on to Ubuntu rather than a complete, installable operating system. As of yesterday, its status is once again "active": "For the past few releases, it has been an add-on CD to Ubuntu. Our users have made overwhelming requests for a full-blown installation CD again and we have listened. Edubuntu 9.10 is now a DVD that contains a full Ubuntu installation plus the Edubuntu packages and the LTSP server packages." Other new features include: "Ubuntu users can install Edubuntu's age-appropriate educational application bundles by searching for 'Edubuntu' in the Ubuntu Software Center; Sabayon, the GNOME user profile manager, has been fixed; LTSP Cluster, available from the Ubuntu repositories in 9.10, provides an easy to use load-balancing solution for LTSP servers." Here is the release announcement. Download (MD5): edubuntu-9.10-dvd-i386.iso (3,399MB, torrent), edubuntu-9.10-dvd-amd64.iso (3,434MB, torrent).

Distribution Release: Xubuntu 9.10

Xubuntu 9.10, an Ubuntu variant featuring the latest Xfce desktop, is now also available: "Xubuntu 9.10, code-named the 'Karmic Koala', is the latest and greatest version of Xubuntu. It integrates the latest Xfce desktop release with the high-quality and feature-rich core of Ubuntu, resulting in a light-weight and easy-to-use Linux distribution. New features: Xfce 4.6.1; includes the Exaile 0.3.0.x music player to make enjoying podcasts, streaming radio, audio books, and music library easier than ever before; Xfce power manager provides a more integrated power management experience; improved notify-osd integration with the Xfce desktop; faster application load times and reduced memory footprint for a number of your favorite Xfce applications...." See the release announcement and release notes for more details and upgrade notes. Download (MD5): xubuntu-9.10-desktop-i386.iso (664MB, torrent), xubuntu-9.10-desktop-amd64.iso (673MB, torrent).

Distribution Release: Ubuntu 9.10

Canonical has announced the release of Ubuntu 9.10, the latest version of the project's flagship operating system for desktops, laptops and servers: "Ubuntu 9.10 brings changes small and large that all have a common purpose - to make Ubuntu the most user-friendly operating system available. Ubuntu 9.10 features a redesigned, faster boot and login experience, a revamped audio framework, and improved 3G broadband connectivity, all of which contribute to a first-class user experience. Furthermore, the innovative '100 Paper Cuts' initiative organised with the Ubuntu Community allowed users to nominate minor annoyances that impacted their enjoyment of the platform. So far over 50 fixes have been committed, removing minor irritants such as inconsistent naming or poorly organised application choices." See the press release, release notes and feature overview for more information. Download (MD5): ubuntu-9.10-desktop-i386.iso (690MB, torrent), ubuntu-9.10-desktop-amd64.iso (691MB, torrent).

NEW • Distribution Release: Kubuntu 9.10

 Welcome to the Ubuntu release day! The first of several expected announcement comes courtesy of the Kubuntu project: "Kubuntu 9.10: stable, social and beautiful. Kubuntu is built with the latest KDE desktop on top of a solid Ubuntu core. We believe this combination delivers a fantastic all-round home desktop experience. Our selection of tools and applications will provide you with all that you need for most of your tasks, with many more available just a few clicks away! Whether browsing the web, playing your music, composing an e-mail or connecting with your friends on social networks, Kubuntu 9.10 brings you an innovative and attractive platform for all your desktop needs." Read the full release announcement which includes a detailed overview of the new version. Download (MD5): kubuntu-9.10-desktop-i386.iso (683MB, torrent),  kubuntu-9.10-desktop-amd64.iso (696MB, torrent).