Every six months when a new version of Ubuntu Linux gets released, long-time users and curious toe-dippers ask the same questions: "What's new?"; "Is it worth upgrading?"; and, "Will my wireless card finally work with this version?" Having grabbed the newest beta release of Ubuntu and spent a few hours looking around, I can answer, "A few great things," "Yes, once it's officially released," and, well, "Hopefully." Version 8.04, or "Hardy Heron," is more a compilation of stable-ish features and proven apps than a showcase for the latest and greatest in Linux technology. But for those seeking a usable, steady system in which to get things done, that's a real killer app in itself. Follow through the jump to see what's new, and what just works (and doesn't) in Hardy Heron.
If there's one area where the latest version of the GNOME-based Ubuntu distro has made great strides, it's in installation. Pop a live CD into your drive before you boot up, and you no longer see a confusing "Start or Install Ubuntu" option; instead, newcomers will see more descriptive choices, like "Try Ubuntu without any change to your computer" and a straight-up "Install Ubuntu" that doesn't bother loading the whole desktop, just the install prompts.
Click for the Full Story
http://lifehacker.com/371194/first-look-at-ubuntu-804-hardy-heron-beta
Ubuntu 8.04 Beta Review
http://osnews.com/story/19524/Preview-Ubuntu-8.04-Beta