Ubuntu 7.10 Released, Delivering the Best of Open Source Software

LONDON, October 15, 2007 – Canonical Ltd. announced today the upcoming availability of version 7.10 of the Ubuntu Server, Desktop, Kubuntu and Edubuntu Editions. All will be available for free download on Thursday 18 October. Canonical is the commercial sponsor of Ubuntu.

New features since Ubuntu 7.04

Desktop 3D effects
Compiz Fusion is enabled by default and will bring 3D desktop visual effects that improve the usability and visual appeal of the system. Ubuntu 7.10 automatically detects whether the hardware is capable of running compiz; if not, it falls back to normal desktop. Additional effects can be enabled in “System/Preferences/Appearance” under the “Visual Effects” tab. There you can also disable the effects entirely.

Desktop search

Fast user switching

Fully automatic printer installation

And many more. For more information, visit http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/releasenotes/710tour

Google ‘the most improved brand’

BBC, Google is the brand that has gained the most in value over the past year, according a survey of global brands.

The report from Interbrand found that Google’s brand value had risen 44% in the past 12 months to $17.8bn (£8.8bn), which put it in 20th place.

Coca-Cola came top of the league for the seventh year running, despite its value falling 3%.

Nokia is the highest-ranking brand from outside the US, while American brands made up more than half of the top 100.

The brands are valued using sales and a consideration of how important the brand is in the sector.

In soft drinks, for example, branding is considered very important, while it is much less important to people buying garden tools.

The biggest faller was Ford, whose brand value fell 19%, putting it at number 41 in the league.

The report says that Ford’s long-term decline demonstrates how an iconic brand can lose its way.

It highlights the carmaker’s permanent discount policy in the US as a factor that has eroded the value of its brand.

BEST GLOBAL BRANDS 2007

1. Coca-Cola
2. Microsoft
3. IBM
4. GE
5. Nokia
6. Toyota
7. Intel
8. McDonald’s
9. Disney
10. Mercedes-Benz