Ubuntu Netbook Remix

What is Ubuntu Netbook Remix?

Ubuntu Netbook Remix is optimised to run on a new category of affordable Internet-centric devices called netbooks. It includes a new consumer-friendly interface that allows users to quickly and easily get on-line and use their favourite applications. This interface is optimised for a retail sales environment.

Canonical has collaborated with Intel and is working with a number of OEM's to deliver Ubuntu on netbooks in retail. In keeping with the philosophy of our best work being available to everyone, the core remix product is available to all through the Canonical repositories. This version is free to download and modify by any user.
What is a remix?

A remix is a 'respun' version of Ubuntu built for a specific purpose. Although Canonical has encouraged community projects to use this terminology for some time, this is the first time that Canonical has used it. We are using it to differentiate from an 'Edition' which we consider a complete version with daily builds suitable for the average user with no additional work beyond installing the CD. To use the Ubuntu Netbook Remix you need to install packages on top of an existing Ubuntu installation and you may have some compatibility issues depending on your hardware profile. For now we recommend it only for experienced Linux users or commercial OEMs and ODMs engage with Canonical for support and service offerings.

In addition to the Ubuntu Netbook Remix there will be pre-installed remixes made available on manufacturer's machines. These will contain software that is not free and built for specific hardware profiles unique to the OEM. These will not be publicly available as we do not have the right to redistribute the software.

All of the initial Ubuntu Netbook remixes combine optimisations from the Moblin project for Intel® AtomTM processors and it is specially designed for netbooks. Intel and Canonical are working to create a new computing experience across a rapidly expanding category of portable devices.
Reasons to choose Ubuntu Netbook Remix

For OEMs:

* Rapid route to market - UI configured to work with Intel Atom processor-based netbooks so you are ready to go
* Small OS footprint - fits within a 4GB flash drive with room for additional storage
* Expert engineering - based on Ubuntu’s well-tested, globally proven software
* Clean licensing - all work conforms with open source and commercial application licensing with audio and video codecs that are legally licensable

For users:

* New Interface - built for accessing your favourite on and off-line applications rapidly and optimised for the restricted screen size this is a radically different
* No viruses - Ubuntu is a smooth, safe computing and browsing experience
* Optimised for netbook components - built from the ground up to take advantage of speed and power capabilities of the chip set
* Large developer community - gain the benefits of innovation from some of the world’s leading free and open source developers


Technical specifications
Minimum hardware requirements:

* Processor: Intel Atom processor
* RAM: 512 MB
* Storage: 4 GB Flash disk (SSD) or hard disk

Major open source applications included:

* Web browser - Firefox 3
* E-mail client - Thunderbird
* Instant messenger - Pidgin
* Media player - Rhythmbox†
* eBook reader - FBReader
* RSS reader - Liferea
* Photo viewer - F-Spot
* Office suite - OpenOffice.org


Optional market leading applications included:

* Adobe Flash
* Adobe Reader
* Real Player for MID†
* Java JVM

Optional licensable audio and video decoders for OEMs:

* MPEG4 (H.263)
* MP3
* AAC
* Windows Media
* Real Media*

† Choice of one media player
* Only available with Real Player


Availability

You can download the packages for Ubuntu Netbook Remix at https://launchpad.net/netbook-remix (recommended for experienced users with some coding experience only)
How do I find out more?

To find out if Ubuntu Netbook Remix is right for your organisation please contact systembuilder@canonical.com.

source:http://www.canonical.com