Almost eighteen months ago, on the 18th of October 2007, Canonical announced the release of Ubuntu 7.10, codename Gutsy Gibbon. Many important features and updates made Ubuntu fans all over the world extremely happy and eager to upgrade. The default desktop environment for Ubuntu (GNOME) reached then a very important milestone: 2.20, bringing a huge list of changes.

Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon) was the first Ubuntu operating system to include Compiz 3D effects enabled by default. Tracker replaced Beagle as the desktop search tool of choice. Also, the Ubuntu restricted extras package was included, enabling users to install almost all proprietary codecs on their system with just a few clicks. Not only that, but the Adobe Flash Player 9 could be installed just as easily, allowing the increasing number of flash-based websites to display better. Of course, new wallpapers, redesigned Boot Splash and fresh login screen themes were part of Gutsy's menu. Also newly introduced, the Fast user switching function gained many supporters. The monitor and video card configuration got a lot easier with Ubuntu 7.10's new Graphical configuration tool and printers were automatically detected and installed.

It was undoubtedly an awesome release, allowing many to make the switch from other operating systems and plunge into the Linux experience without any regret. But as we all know, all good things eventually come to an end, so here we are today, announcing the end of life for Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon) on April 18th, 2009. This means that starting with April 18th, Canonical will stop "feeding" its Ubuntu 7.10 operating system with security/critical fixes and software updates! Those of you who still use Gutsy and want to upgrade will have to do that incrementally, from Ubuntu 7.10 to Ubuntu 8.04 LTS and from Ubuntu 8.04 LTS to Ubuntu 8.10. Or wait for Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope) and do a clean install with the new EXT4 filesystem.

What is Ubuntu? Ubuntu is an open-source piece of software, 100% FREE to download and use. Users are free to customize or alter the included software in order to meet their needs. Since its launch in October 2004, Ubuntu has become one of the most highly regarded Linux distributions with millions of users in homes, businesses, schools and governments around the globe. To learn more about the upcoming features in Ubuntu 9.04, take a look at our detailed "What You Should Expect from Ubuntu 9.04" article!