Ubuntu Weekly Newsletter #60

Nick Ali nali at ubuntu.com
Mon Oct 8 05:58:04 BST 2007 

Welcome to the Ubuntu Weekly Newsletter, Issue #60 for the week
September 30th - October 6th, 2007. In this issue we cover the freeze
of the Gutsy archive, a Gutsy countdown script for websites, Philipp
Kern joining the MOTU Team, the release of UbuntuBolivia by the
Bolivian LoCo Team, Ubuntu Forums interviews, and, as always, much
much more!

'''UWN Translations'''

 * Deutsch - Start one!
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuWeeklyNewsletter/IssueXX/De
 * Español - Start one!
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuWeeklyNewsletter/IssueXX/Es
 * Français - Start one!
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuWeeklyNewsletter/IssueXX/Fr
 * Italiano - http://wiki.ubuntu-it.org/NewsletterItaliana
 * Português - Start one!
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuWeeklyNewsletter/IssueXX/Pt

== In This Issue ==

 * Archive Frozen for Gutsy Release
 * Gutsy Countdown Script
 * Philipp Kern Joins MOTU Team
 * Bolivian LoCo Team To Release UbuntuBolivia
 * Ubuntu Forums Interviews
 * In The Press and In the Blogosphere
 * Meetings and Events
 * Updates and security for 6.06, 6.10, and 7.04
 * Translation stats
 * Bug Stats

== General Community News ==

=== Archive Frozen for Gutsy Release ===

The archive for the upcoming Gutsy release has been frozen. This
freeze means that only uploads that fix specific release-relevant bugs
will be accepted between now and the release.

https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-devel-announce/2007-October/000345.html

=== Gutsy Countdown Script ===

Matthew Nuzum has added a countdown script to the
http://www.ubuntu.com homepage. You can add it to your website by
copying and pasting the code provided in the link below. Each day the
image will update showing the days remaining before the release. There
are no cookies or any type of tracking involved with the Javascript
code. Modifications to the images are welcome and sharing such changes
are encouraged. Spread the fever!

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/countdown

=== Philipp Kern Joins MOTU Team ===

Having been with Ubuntu for quite a while,  Philipp Kern finally is
part of the MOTU team. Philipp has been actively taking care of his
Debian packages in Ubuntu since 2005. His pet project in Debian and
Ubuntu is Gobby, a collaborative editor, for which he is upstream, and
the libraries needed for it. Philip is also active in the Ubuntu
backmerging team. https://launchpad.net/~pkern


== LoCo News ==

=== Bolivian LoCo Team To Release UbuntuBolivia ===

The Bolivian team, in collaboration with 7th Bolivia's Free Software
National Congress (http://congreso.softwarelibre.org.bo), have created
a custom Ubuntu edition
called "Ubuntu Bolivia." Distribution of 1,000 packs with a hardcover
including two CDs and "Powered by" stickers will begin next week.

The distribution is aimed at people without an Internet connection so
they can enjoy a complete Ubuntu system. The packs include a Live CD
and installer plus an add-on CD with additional software. The next
version will be based on Gutsy Gibbon and will include native language
support for quechua, aymara and guaraní (if available).

More info: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/BolivianTeam/Proyectos/UbuntuBolivia/UbuntuBolivia20070930
(Spanish)

== In The Press ==

 * The Next Leap for Linux - In a widely publicized article, Larry
Magid at the NY Times provides an overview of using Linux and Ubuntu
on the desktop. Jim Zemlin, executive director of the Linux
Foundation, is quoted as saying "Linux is a political idea — an idea
of freedom. They don't want to be tied to Microsoft or Apple. They
want choice. To them it's a greater cause." While "Linux has always
had a reputation of being difficult to install and daunting to
use...those reasons for rejecting Linux are disappearing." Dell is
selling Linux desktops and Lenovo, who already sells Linux machines in
China, will soon offer Linux-based computers in the United States.
Larry states that "Ubuntu is generally regarded as one of the more
consumer-friendly versions of Linux, so the Linux PC experience is
similar to what you would get with a Windows-equipped Dell." While the
article does not emphasize the large community surrounding Ubuntu, it
does describe how to download and order a free CD, and the large
number of applications available without scouring third-party
websites. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/04/technology/circuits/04basics.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

== In The Blogosphere ==

 * Ubuntu beta, now with flash and flashiness - Stephen Shankland at
CNET, talks about the inclusion of Compiz Fusion, and a preview
version of Gnash, an open-source incarnation of Adobe Systems' Flash
software for animations and video streaming. Compiz Fusion "uses
OpenGL graphics technology to make windows transparent, map desktops
to the faces of a cube, let windows wobble as if made of JELL-O or
zoom them for quick magnification. Various 3D effects can be
downloaded and plugged in."
http://www.news.com/8301-13580_3-9788692-39.html

 * Upcoming Ubuntu release to improve features for educators, general,
power users - Christopher Dawson says "Ubuntu continues to emerge as a
leader in mainstream Linux distributions and is increasingly friendly
to the average end user." Usability continues to improve with Gutsy
Gibbon and is still an important issue because "if all of the money
saved by using an open source OS in your school is eaten up by
training and setup costs, and the good will of the open source
community is negated by your angry, confused users." Advances in video
and driver components, including PDF printing from any application,
make Ubuntu more user friendly for schools.
http://education.zdnet.com/?p=1250


 * Is Linux right for your mother?  - Michael Horowitz, at CNET,
believes that the cost of running Linux is only 20% of running a Mac.
The claim is based on the fact many vendors are selling refurbished
computers for very low prices, that can run Ubuntu easily, but not
other operating systems. Applications like Open Office and Firefox
provide a free alternative for web browsing and productivity suites.
Some previously purchased software may be able to run under Wine.
http://blogs.cnet.com/8301-13554_1-9792477-33.html

 * Upgrade Ubuntu from Feisty to Gutsy - The How-To Geek covers many
of the features of the upcoming Ubuntu release. Screenshots of
upgrading from Ubuntu 7.04 to 7.10 are shown. Caveats are mentioned
such as reinstalling kernel modules needed for vmware and conflicts
caused by previously installing Automatix.
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/linux/upgrade-ubuntu-from-feisty-to-gutsy/

 * Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon and Linux on the Desktop - Prashanth Ellina
talks about his experience of upgrading from Feisty to Gutsy beta,
commenting that "the first thing [he] noticed after upgrade was the
amount of polish and attention to detail." The ability to group
windows with Compiz Fusion allowed him to greatly reduce window
clutter. Easy installation of codecs mitigates the problem of playing
videos for new Ubuntu users. Prashanth says with hardware prices
dropping, the cost of software will stand out, and coupled with the
disappointment with Vista, users will be driven to Linux.
http://blog.prashanthellina.com/2007/10/06/ubuntu-gutsy-gibbon-and-linux-on-the-desktop/

== Meetings and Events ==

=== Wednesday, October 10, 2007 ===

==== Forum Council Meeting ====
 * Start: 12:00 GMT
 * End: 13:00 GMT
 * Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-meeting

==== Launchpad Users Meeting ====
 * Start: 16:00 GMT
 * End: 17:00 GMT
 * Agenda: Come find out what we've got planned for Launchpad 1.1.10
and ask your questions of the Launchpad team.

==== QA Team Meeting ====
 * Start: 16:00 GMT
 * End: 17:00 GMT
 * Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-meeting
 * Agenda: The Ubuntu QA Team, which deals with bug triage, iso
testing and other testing activities.

=== Thursday, October 11, 2007 ===

==== Community Development Team Meeting ====
 * Start: 15:00 GMT
 * End: 16:00 GMT
 * Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-meeting

==== Nebraska LoCo Meeting ====
 * Start: 21:00 US/Central
 * End: 22:00 US/Central
 * Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-nebraska

== Community Spotlight ==

Ubuntu Forums has started a series of interviews, to get to know a
little better who's behind a nickname. These interviews have been
discussed among UF staff and K.Mandla has got them rolling with
ubuntu-geek [1] and aysiu [2], both of them well known and part of the
UF soul. More will follow, with other staff members and regular and
long term UF contributors.

[1] http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2007/09/24/an-interview-with-ubuntu-geek/

[2] http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/an-interview-with-aysiu/

== Updates and security for 6.06, 6.10, and 7.04 ==

=== Security Updates ===

 * USN-523-1: ImageMagick vulnerabilities - http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-523-1
 * USN-524-1: OpenOffice.org vulnerability - http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-524-1
 * USN-525-1: libsndfile vulnerability - http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-525-1
 * USN-526-1: debian-goodies vulnerability - http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-526-1

=== Ubuntu 6.06 LTS Updates ===

 * openldap2.2 2.2.26-5ubuntu2.3 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/dapper-changes/2007-October/012527.html
 * vlc 0.8.4.debian-1ubuntu6.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/dapper-changes/2007-October/012528.html
 * dokuwiki 0.0.20050922-4ubuntu1.2 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/dapper-changes/2007-October/012529.html
 * ircii-pana 1:1.1-4ubuntu0.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/dapper-changes/2007-October/012530.html
 * imagemagick 6:6.2.4.5-0.6ubuntu0.7 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/dapper-changes/2007-October/012531.html
 * openoffice.org-amd64 2.0.2-2ubuntu12.5-1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/dapper-changes/2007-October/012532.html
 * openoffice.org 2.0.2-2ubuntu12.5 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/dapper-changes/2007-October/012533.html
 * libsndfile 1.0.12-3ubuntu1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/dapper-changes/2007-October/012534.html
 * debian-goodies 0.23ubuntu0.6.06.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/dapper-changes/2007-October/012535.html
 * lilo-installer 1.14ubuntu4 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/dapper-changes/2007-October/012536.html

=== Ubuntu 6.10 Updates ===
 * apticron 1.1.16-0ubuntu0.1~prop1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/edgy-changes/2007-October/008425.html
 * dokuwiki 0.0.20060309-5ubuntu0.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/edgy-changes/2007-October/008426.html
 * ircii-pana 1:1.1-4ubuntu1.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/edgy-changes/2007-October/008427.html
 * imagemagick 7:6.2.4.5.dfsg1-0.10ubuntu0.4 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/edgy-changes/2007-October/008428.html
 * upstart 0.2.7-7.2 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/edgy-changes/2007-October/008429.html
 * openoffice.org 2.0.4-0ubuntu7 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/edgy-changes/2007-October/008430.html
 * libsndfile 1.0.16-1ubuntu0.6.10.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/edgy-changes/2007-October/008431.html
 * debian-goodies 0.23ubuntu0.6.10.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/edgy-changes/2007-October/008432.html
 * vnc4 4.1.1+xorg1.0.2-0ubuntu1.6.10.2 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/edgy-changes/2007-October/008433.html

=== Ubuntu 7.04 Updates ===

 * dokuwiki 0.0.20061106-6ubuntu0.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/feisty-changes/2007-October/008747.html
 * ircii-pana 1:1.1-4ubuntu2.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/feisty-changes/2007-October/008748.html
 * imagemagick 7:6.2.4.5.dfsg1-0.14ubuntu0.2 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/feisty-changes/2007-October/008749.html
 * openoffice.org 2.2.0-1ubuntu5 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/feisty-changes/2007-October/008750.html
 * libsndfile 1.0.16-1ubuntu0.7.04.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/feisty-changes/2007-October/008751.html
 * debian-goodies 0.27ubuntu0.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/feisty-changes/2007-October/008752.html
 * vnc4 4.1.1+xorg1.0.2-0ubuntu4.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/feisty-changes/2007-October/008753.html
 * xen-3.0 3.0.3-0ubuntu10.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/feisty-changes/2007-October/008754.html

== Bug Stats ==

    * Open (32745) +805 # over last week
    * Critical (18) +1 over last week
    * Unconfirmed (17204) +590 # over last week
    * Unassigned (24674) +771 # over last week
    * All bugs ever reported (125747) +2308 # over last week

As always, the Bug Squad needs more help. If you want to get started,
please see  https://wiki.ubuntu.com/BugSquad

== Translation Stats ==

 1. Spanish (21346) +1786 # over last week
 2. French  (40781) +1058 # over last week
 3. Swedish (50559) -907 # over last week
 4. English-UK (58005) +1447 # over last week
 5. German (65426) +1566 # over last week

Remaining string to translate in Ubuntu 7.10 "Gutsy Gibbon", see more
at: https://translations.launchpad.net/ubuntu/gutsy/


== Archives and RSS Feed ==

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== Additional Ubuntu News ==

As always you can find more news and announcements at:

 http://www.ubuntu.com/news

and

 http://fridge.ubuntu.com/

== Conclusion ==

Thank you for reading the Ubuntu Weekly Newsletter.

See you next week!

== Credits ==

The Ubuntu Weekly Newsletter is brought to you by:

 * Nick Ali
 * Isabelle Duchatelle
 * And many others

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