Ubuntu 13.04 Raring Ringtail released

Some MyGaming forumites and readers do use various versions of Linux, and although gaming on the platform leaves a lot to be desired, free software is always a bonus. Canonical’s new version of Ubuntu, Raring Ringtail, takes things a step further.

Ubuntu 13-04 Raring Ringtail

Many of the improvements to Ringtail over the previous version are done behind the scenes; under the hood where few users peek. There’s some speed-ups to how the OS searches through files and options, and Unity has received some behaviour tweaks and one or two graphical updates.

The OS does lose the WUBI installer which once seamlessly allowed it to dual-boot with your Windows install without you changing anything.

Already ZDNet has run through the OS and have come away pleased, noting that it’s the most stable that Ubuntu’s ever been. Aside from the removed features and the lack of some which were planned for the OS but are backed up to the next release, it’s definitely a keeper for those interested in getting into the world of Linux.

There is also a big change for Nvidia Geforce users. The latest version of the Linux kernel (the heart and foundation of the OS) natively supports Nvidia and Intel graphics cores, allowing for native 3D video acceleration without having to install third-party drivers. Note that the drivers in the kernel won’t work for all games and you’d still be well served by using the proprietary Nvidia drivers available from their website.

Canonical hasn’t said anything about integrating functionality with AMD graphics cards, but it’s not too long before they do. Whether this affects Nvidia’s Optimus technology, which intelligently switches between the onb0ard Intel GPU and the discrete Nvidia GPU in a notebook, remains to be tested.

Ubuntu Touch Preview Nexus

Also available is a touch-centric version of Ubuntu, Touch Preview, which is Canonical’s first proper move into the tablet and smartphone market. Its currently only compatible with the Google Nexus family of devices, owing to their unlocked bootloaders and the breadth of flashing tools available for them. Touch Preview is still a work in progress and is somewhere between the alpha and beta stages of completion.