Ubuntu has released a version of its Linux operating system for use with netbook laptops. The Netbook Edition was developed to take into account the limited resolution and smaller screen size associated with netbooks.
Ubuntu is a popular operating system for people who are looking for options other than Windows or Macintosh. The desktop edition is free and is easy to access, install, and operate. There are other versions like 32 and 64bit versions that use the KDE desktop interface instead of the GNOME. But the Ubuntu Netbook Edition is the most different of them all.
The KDE and GNOME versions base their look and feel on Windows and Mac operating systems respectively but the Netbook Edition is taking a risk. The task bar is no longer across the bottom or the top of the screen; it has the dock-like app launcher on the left side of the screen which is different than what typical users may be used to.
In this left-side launch application, the main programs include Firefox, Evolution Mail, Empathy Instant Messenger, Cheese Webcam, Ubuntu Software Center, Rhythmbox music player, Applications folder, Files & Folders, and Trash. This set-up utilizes the available screen area without wasted space.
The Unity Interface that is the base of Ubuntu Netbook Edition is soon to become the basis for all Ubuntu operating systems in the future. The Ubuntu Desktop will be discontinued and all future Ubuntu developments will be based on Unity. Interestingly enough, Fedora and openSUSE have just dropped their plans to integrate the Unity interface into their operating systems.
