Ubuntu 9.04 was released yesterday to much fanfare! There are TONS of new features and improvements. Included are the new Linux kernel (2.6.28), the updated Gnome desktop environment (2.26), X.org server 1.6 which will now allow a number of video cards to transition to free drivers (vs. proprietary ones) and improved boot performance. The feature that I am most looking forward to, however, is playing around with the built-in Eucalyptus which is open source technology that lets you experiment with cloud computing. It will allow you to use your own server(s) to deploy, experiment and test your own private cloud that matches the Amazon EC2 API. You can read about all of the new features here.

Reports are even starting to filter in from renowned tech sites like CNET about how slick the new interface is- which is saying something, as Ubuntu 8.10 was already on par with Mac OSX. A post from someone on the CNET story put it best: "Ubuntu > OS X 10.5 = Windows 7 > Windows Xp > Windows Vista > Windows ME" So get 'em while they're hot! There are options to download for desktop, server and even the Netbook Remix versions. As always, you can choose between 32-bit & 64-bit versions (if you're not sure what your hardware is, go with the 32-bit version). My full review of 9.04, aka Jaunty Jackalope, will be coming soon.

ps. Did I mention that the Ubuntu website was made with Drupal? :)