There is no question that nothing is for free in life, well almost, we have a well known linux distribution built on the open source principle which makes it available to you for free as an alternative to using Microsoft's Windows OS or Apple's OSX.  PCWizKid is no stranger to Ubuntu having used it since release version 7.  Today we take a look at the latest stable release 10.04 code named Lucid Lynx.

So what's new in this release?  Apart from having the usual Kernel update, now at version 2.6.32, there are the following items:

• Boot speed improvements - Boot into the OS in less than 10 seconds practically (well at least on my test system it did)
• Ubuntu Software Centre 2.0: Enhancements to the way to find new software, and keep track of it once it’s installed in a new, sleeker interface. Users can also single out software provided by Ubuntu, by Canonical partners or by developers who use Canonical’s Launchpad Personal Package Archive (PPA) hosting service.  Though I did find that Adobes flash 10 was not available for the AMD64 bit version of the OS that I had , and had to get an alternative 3rd party flash enabler.
  
• Social from the start: 10.04 LTS consolidates the process of accessing and updating social networks and chat.  This includes Facebook, Digg, Twitter and Identi.ca. The integration of chat channels so users can talk with friends or colleagues on Google Talk, MSN, IRC and nearly every network is also available.
• Ubuntu One: Enhanced desktop integration for the online service means files and folders can be shared and saved on the cloud more easily.  Sign up free and get 2Gigs of space to put your stuff on.  Bookmark and contacts sharing has been added, speeding the move from personal computer to personal computing.
• Ubuntu One Music Store: Music from the world’s largest labels and greatest bands available direct to Ubuntu users through the default music player. Purchase tracks, store in Ubuntu One and share DRM-free music from one location across multiple computers and devices. think about this as Ubuntu's version of a mini iTunes Apple Store for mostly beginner bands of music.
  
• Ubuntu 10.04 Netbook Edition (UNE): As well as benefiting from the improvements in the Desktop Edition, netbook users will see even faster boot speeds on SSD-based devices, faster suspend/resume that will extend battery life – and the industry-leading interface for these smaller screens.

Ubuntu 10.04 Review.  Part 1 - The installation

What can you do with Ubuntu 10.04?

Browse the web

Ubuntu includes Mozilla Firefox – for fast, safe web browsing. You can also choose alternative open-source browsers from the Ubuntu Software Centre.

Included software:

Firefox web browser

Supported software:

Flash

Create professional documents and presentations

OpenOffice.org is fully compatible with Microsoft Office and has everything you need to create professional documents, spreadsheets and presentations. OpenOffice.org is easy to use, packed with the features you need and completely free.

Included software:

OpenOffice.org

Get free software

The Ubuntu Software Centre gives you instant access to thousands of free open-source applications. Browse software in categories including: education, games, sound and video, graphics, programming and office. Software is easy to find, easy to install and easy to remove.

Featured applications from the Ubuntu Software Centre:

GIMP – Advanced image editing for graphic designers, photographers or simply for retouching your pictures.

Jokosher – Your very own home studio. Record, edit, mix and export.

Stellarium – A 3D planetarium for your computer.

Email and chat

Get chatting with Empathy. Quickly integrate your chat accounts from Yahoo, Gmail, MSN, Jabber, AOL, QQ and many more. Evolution Mail provides easy, intuitive email.

Included software:

Empathy IM

Evolution Mail

Gwibber Microblogging

Supported software:

Skype

Social from the start

New in 10.04. Read and update your social networks instantly. Ubuntu's new Me Menu lets you access your Facebook and Twitter accounts (and more) straight away. Connect to your chat channels and make updates through a single window. Being sociable has never been so easy.

Included software:

Facebook

Twitter

Identi.ca

Buy music while you listen

New in 10.04. Ubuntu's new music player includes an integrated store, so you can buy and download new tracks with just a few clicks. And thanks to Ubuntu One's file-syncing magic you can store your music online and listen to it from other computers and music players. Ubuntu works with most music and media players.

Included software:

Ubuntu One Music Store

Rhythmbox music player

View, store and edit photos

Ubuntu is ready for all your gadgets. Connect your phones and cameras to download your pictures. You can organise your photos with F-Spot and use popular tools like Picasa, Facebook and Flickr. For advanced photo editing, find a free application from the Ubuntu Software Centre.

Included software:

F-Spot

Mobilise your digital life!

All Ubuntu users get a free Ubuntu One account. Ubuntu One allows you to sync all kinds of files online so you can access them anywhere. Sync bookmarks, contacts, music and pictures across all your computers. Take everything everywhere with Ubuntu One.

Make, play and edit video

Watch all your favourite content from YouTube, iPlayer, and MSN Player. Play your own videos with Movie Player or use Pitivi to edit your videos.

Included software:

Pitivi video editor

Movie Player

Start fast with Ubuntu

Ubuntu loads quickly on any computer, but it's super-fast on newer machines. After loading, opening a browser takes seconds, unlike other operating systems that leave you staring at the screen, waiting to get online.

Choose from hundreds of free games

The Ubuntu Software Centre offers hundreds of games, including puzzles, adventures, tactical challenges and more. All free to choose and free to use.

Accessibility in Ubuntu

At the heart of Ubuntu's philosophy is the belief that computing is for everyone, whatever your circumstances. Ubuntu is one of the most accessible operating systems and is fully translated into 25 languages with more being added all the time.