NUN
Linux presents a number of stumbling blocks for complete newbies. Once the basics have been learned then most users are happy to go wandering on their own, but to help newbies get to this stage, Ubuntu has launched the NewUserNetwork (NUN) project. It features a number of community members who have volunteered as mentors, as well as The Classroom, as special IRC channel for newbies. For a full write-up of the project, see this Linux.com article.
Ubuntu 6.06.1 Released
An updated version of Ubuntu has been released—version 6.06.1. It concentrates on bug fixes, rather than new features. If you’re going to install Ubuntu from scratch then you should definitely use it because the installer has received a large chunk of those fixes. Existing Ubunters who use the update feature will, of course, already be covered. ISO images are available for the usual range of architectures.
Ubuntu billboard
Driving down Freeway 101 between Palo Alto and San Francisco? Then keep your eyes open! (Seriously, it’s quite exciting that Ubuntu is getting its name known in the real world.)
Community Manager Appointed
I would argue that one reason Ubuntu has been so successful is because of Mark Shuttleworth’s management, which applied real-world practices and expectations to the insular world of open source software development. Well, Mark has recently taken that one step further with the appointment of Jono Bacon as Community Manager. Jono’s job will be to manage various community projects that contribute to Ubuntu. Jono explains more on his blog. This can only be a good thing for Ubuntu and again shows how Ubuntu is perhaps more innovative than some people realize.
Panda Desktop Secure Available for Ubuntu
Ubuntu’s parent company, Canonical, has made Panda Desktop Secure available via its repositories. The software includes anti-malware functions along with firewall functionality, and claims to enhance the safety of online shopping. Desktop Secure is proprietary software but three months of updates and services are available for free. To install the software, you’ll need to add Canonical’s repositories via Synaptic. Here’s how this is done. Following that, you’ll need to use the Add/Remove Programs feature to select Panda Desktop Secure.
