Yesterday Ubuntu released it’s latest version 8.04 also known as the Hardy Heron along with Kubuntu, Xubuntu and Edubuntu. The main difference between these distributions is that Ubuntu uses the GNOME Desktop Environment, Kubuntu uses KDE and Xubuntu uses Xfce Desktop Environment. Edubuntu is simply the educational version on Ubuntu. Since i am a Kubuntu user i will focus mainly on the features of the Latest Kubuntu.
Kubuntu has come with two different releases, one is the stable KDE 3.5.9 and the other one is a Remix Featuring the latest release of KDE 4.0.
Kubuntu 8.04 now features two versions of the K Desktop Environment, a
powerful graphical desktop environment which combines the ease of use,
contemporary functionality, and outstanding graphical design with the
technological superiority of the Kubuntu operating system. The stable
release of KDE in Kubuntu 8.04 is version 3.5.9. The edgier release of KDE
in Kubuntu 8.04 is version 4.0.3.
(This text has been taken from the Kubuntu website)
KDE 4
Some features of the KDE 4 are:
- Plasma – Size and the position of the panel is now configurable
- KHTML – repainting issues addressed and KHTML now supports more non-HTML4-compliant documents
- session switching has been included
- and more…
KDE 4 is available on the Kubuntu 8.04 Remix CD or it can be installed by typing apt-get install kubuntu-kde4-desktop in the Linix Konsole.
KDE 3
The KDE 3.5.9 is the stable version of KDE which includes the following features:
- A favourite email folders view in KMail as well as drag and drop support for the folders
- Easier scheduling in KOrganizer
- KGeography and Kig fixes within the KDE Edu module
- Fixes to KPDF
- and more…
Desktop Special Effects
Kubuntu 8.04 now provides the ability for 3D Desktop Effects such as spinning cube, true transparency, wobbly windows and other special effects. The Compiz Engine is needed to be able to use these Desktop Effects. There are 4 levels of Desktop Effects:
- No Effects – All effects are disabled and the KDE Window Manager (KWin) is used
- Standard Effects – Some simple effects such as shadows or shrinking windows
- Extra Effects – Enhancing the Standard Effects and using more other effects
- Custom Effects – This needs the Compiz Configuration Manager installed in the system to tweak the effects according the the user’s choice.
File System Support
Kubuntu 8.04 provides many new advancements and support for file systems. There are two new features in Kubuntu 8.04. It is now possible to install an encrypted file system during installation. This option is currently available only on the Alternate Installation CD. Every partition can be encrypted apart from the /boot partition providing the user a more secure version of Kubuntu. The second new feature is the ability to easily read and write any NTFS partitions.
Printer Auto Configuration
Kubuntu 8.04 now provides an applet that automatically configures a printer when it is attached to your system. This new applet also provides users with feedback on the status of the printer installation and configuration.
Wubi
Kubuntu 8.04 or Live CD’s provide a new installer for those running Windows. It is now possible to install Kubuntu as if it were any other application to be installed in Windows. There is no need to modify the partitions of the PC or use a different loader.
Some other features
- OpenOffice.org 2.4
- Personal Information Management using Kontact
If u wish to download Kubuntu u can click here
The other distributions can be downloaded in the links given below:
I have already started the download of Kubuntu-KDE4 version… 
Hope you will enjoy using the new version of the Ubuntu distributions 
(All images have been taken from the Kubuntu home page)
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