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The first beta version of Ubuntu 11.10 Oneiric Ocelot has landed right on time, and if everything goes to plan a second beta build will be released on September 22, and the final build will emerge on October 13. If you’re still a believer in version numbers, the most significant change is the inclusion of Linux kernel 3.0.3.

If you’re more interested in the actual changes, however, here’s a nice long list for your delectation: Firefox 7 beta is now the default browser, and Thunderbird 7 beta, having unseated Evolution, is the default email client (both will go stable on September 27, in time for the Ocelot’s final build); GNOME has been updated to the unstable version 3.1.5; Compiz and Canonical’s Unity 2D and 3D skins have been updated; “Places” has been renamed “Lenses,” to represent its new, broader scope (they can now use sources such as social networks or music collections); and the Software Centre has been updated a bit, too, gaining a new “Top Rated” view.

A bunch of new features have been added with Beta 1, as well: there’s a new Alt+Tab interface; Multiarch support has been added (you should be able to run 32-bit x86 programs on 64-bit AMD64 Ubuntu); Deja Dup is now the default backup tool — and finally, Ubuntu 11.10 has a beautiful, minimal login screen thanks to LightDM. For a complete list of changes and additions, and known issues, check the Oneiric Ocelot technical overview.

Finally, on a more logistical note, 11.10 Beta 1 also sees the introduction of smaller, sweeter Ubuntu Desktop DVD images that have been trimmed down from 4GB to a positively-svelte 1.5GB.

Download Ubuntu 11.10 Beta 1 or dive into some pretty screenshots