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There's no denying that Ubuntu is fast become *the* distro for Linux switchers and today sees the [release of the first beta for Ubuntu 7][1]. The final version of Ubuntu 7 won't be out for almost a month, but this preview release contains most of the improvements slated for the April release.
Standout new features include a Windows migration assistant and much improved wireless networking support.
The Windows migration assistant allows users to import bookmarks, desktop wallpapers, instant messaging contacts and more when installing the operating system alongside Windows on a dual-boot machine.
The new plug-and-play network sharing utilizes [Avahi][2] to automatically discover and join wireless networks for music sharing, printer services and more.
Other new features listed on the Ubuntu site include:
* A <b>disk usage analyzer</b> that shows you where your hard drive space is being used (why doesn't every OS include this feature?).
* <b>Much improved codec support</b>: When attempting to play media files, Ubuntu's new codec wizards will try to install the necessary codecs automatically.
* New improved help center.
* One-click 3D desktop effects
Improvements have also been made to the [Edubuntu][3] distro, a server and thin client version targeted at education customers, including a new printing architecture, dubbed Jetpipe and improved documentation with tips and best practices for educators.
KDE fans can check out Kubuntu which swaps Ubuntu's Gnome desktop for the KDE version. The Kunubtu beta features nearly the same enhancements with the exception of the one-click 3D desktop effects, which are thus far limited to Ubuntu.
Free DVD disc images of the new beta can be found [here for Ubuntu][5], [here for Kubuntu][4] and [here for Xubuntu][6].
[1]: http://www.ubuntu.com/news/Ubuntu704Beta "Ubuntu 7.04 BETA"
[2]: http://avahi.org/ "Avahi"
[3]: http://www.edubuntu.org/ "Edubuntu"
[4]: http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/kubuntu/releases/feisty/beta/ "Kubuntu 7.04 (Feisty Fawn) Beta"
[5]: http://releases.ubuntu.com/feisty/ "Ubuntu 7.04 (Feisty Fawn) Beta"
[6]: http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/xubuntu/releases/feisty/beta/ "Xubuntu 7.04 (Feisty Fawn) Beta"
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