Ubuntu 10.04 LTS released

A spanking new version of the Linux community favourite Ubuntu operating system has been released: 10.04, aka Lucid Lynx. This version is a "long term support" (LTS) release, meaning of course it will be around for quite a long time. 10.04 comes in standard, notebook and server editions, each free to all, naturally.

There's lots new this time around. First off, the look has been switched thanks to a colour palette swap (now based on purple, red and orange), new logos, icons, backgrounds and themes, a redone notification area, and a "pretty" design. Also, window controls now match OS X in that they're moved to the left instead of the right. Presumably a customization option will be available to switch this in some way or another for those that prefer otherwise.

Application-wise, there are new default selections like Simple Scan and the PiTiVi Movie Editor (currently very buggy). There's also an emphasis on social applications, with tools integrated into your desktop, allowing you to access your favourite networks efficiently. For instant messaging, Empathy now supports Facebook chat and adds multiple other features. Also, iPhone and iPod Touch support are now included, and cloud and sync service Ubuntu One is greatly improved.

Music lovers can now shop through the Ubuntu One Music Store with commercial, DRM-free releases with cloud support, while the updated Software Center is great for tool and game lovers -- providing a rich repository of freeware all in one location. Finally, file manager Nautilus has received significant upgrades which should make navigation that much more pleasant.

There's more, of course, but we'll leave you to discover all the goodies yourself. Hit the source to download the newest version of Ubuntu.