T-18 and counting...

You've probably already noticed the change in the Ubuntu graphic on the blog... The spiral countdown graphic is appropriate, given the code name for the upcoming Ubuntu 8.10 release: Intrepid Ibex.

There's more new in the upcoming Ubuntu than a change to the code name scansion:

• x.org 7.4, which is much smarter about hot-pluggable input devices (speaking of which, it will have a newer wacom driver that works and plays well with the Bamboo)
  
• DKMS, which will get rid of some hassle with kernel upgrades
• a new version of Network Manager, with many useful new features

...and lots more. If you've not tried Linux before, this is a good time, and if you tried it long ago and decided you didn't like it, it's worth another shot.