Ubuntu 11.04 'Natty Narwhal': A First Look at the OS

Ubuntu 11.04's new workspace offers windows to accommodate numerous apps.

"Ubuntu 11.04 offers exciting opportunities for businesses to improve the reliability, security, and manageability of desktop, cloud, and server deployments, challenging the traditional license or subscription-fee model and embracing open-source technology," says Jane Silber, CEO of Canonical.

With Ubuntu 11.04, the media player has been integrated into the volume control, allowing users to perform tasks like skipping tracks or changing albums from the same place.

"This release comes at a time of accelerating corporate adoption of Ubuntu, and delivers a range of improvements specifically relevant to the corporate environment," says Canonical CEO Silber.

Ubuntu 11.04's interface features a desktop that's clutter-free by design.

Shotwell is the default photo manager in Ubuntu 11.04.

With the free version of Ubuntu One, users get 2GB of storage capacity to sync files, contacts, bookmarks, and notes between their computer and their personal cloud.

Mozilla's new, market-leading Firefox 4 is the default Web browser in Ubuntu 11.04.

For desktop deployments, Ubuntu 11.04 offers a choice of either moving to Unity--the new, multitouch-enabled, simplified interface--or retaining the "classic" Ubuntu interface.

For older PCs, Ubuntu will automatically determine if the included graphics card supports Unity. If it doesn't, the software will provide the "classic" experience. For machines that support it, Unity lets you personalize a PC with free and paid apps, similar to what has become standard with smartphones and tablets.

Here's what it looks like to search applications. Natty Narwhal differs from its predecessors in that search is integrated directly into the main workings of the OS, giving you an easier way to find files, folders, and applications. With Ubuntu's Dash feature, you need only to enter a few letters into the top search bar and it will display a list of items used today, yesterday, and recently. Can't remember the name of a particular file? Simply search by category instead.

Here's more coverage about Ubuntu 11.04 in particular, and about the world of Linux in general:

Ubuntu 11.04 'Natty Narwhal': The Final Countdown Begins

Four New Features Coming to Ubuntu 11.04 'Natty Narwhal'

News of 'Natty Narwhal' Previews What's Next For Ubuntu

Seven Free Security Tools for Linux

Linux for Laughs

9 Weird Places to Find Linux