After recently installing Ubuntu 8.04 Beta, I have seen numerous improvements that will bring welcome change to users in the near future. Now in beta stage, Ubuntu is stable enough for me or anyone else who is interesting in testing the new version. While I have not seen any problems, it is not recommended for use on production machines. Here are some highlights.

I’m seeking to purchase a Hewlett-Packard all-in-one device (printer, scanner, copier, fax) that is network-enabled and works with Ubuntu Feisty Fawn 7.04. It must also print color and black-and-white. I realize there is an Ubuntu WiKi listing compatible printers (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/HardwareSupport/) but I’d like to hear from Ubuntu users directly.

As a nearly full-time Linux user, it can be frustrating when exciting new hardware comes out. My enthusiasm is often squelched when I find out that the new device offers no support for my beloved OS of choice, Ubuntu.

When Sun announced a major open source initiative targeting small and midsize businesses this week, a lot of people failed to realize that Sun would include servers certified for Ubuntu. Here’s the scoop, from our sister site, The VAR Guy (www.thevarguy.com).

Having multiple computers can be a blessing when trying to multi-task, but trying to control them all at once can take a lot of room. Hardware options are available. They are called KVMs, which is short for keyboard, video, and mouse switches. However these hardware options require a constant hardware connection. This makes it impractical for laptops, or when substituting the KVM for the real keyboard/mouse/screen set up is not desired.

I recently described how I came to purchase a Sager NP2092, after searching high and low for a laptop that would meet my requirements. Now, I’d like to share some first impressions about the laptop, upon which I’ve installed Ubuntu.

When the next version of Ubuntu Linux ships in April, there’s a reasonable chance that server vendors could start jumping on the Ubuntu bandwagon by May or so, according to our sister Web site, www.thevarguy.com. And if Ubuntu gains server traction, it could move more easily into the Software as a Service (SaaS) industry.

Intel’s new Silverthorne and Diamondville processors are due to be released sometime during the second quarter of this year, according to this article on Computerworld. The chips are built and specialized to run Linux.

Google frequently hosts “tech talks” to help employees understand key trends in IT. One recent tech talk, delivered by Ubuntu Community Manager Jono Bacon, focused on Ubuntu.

System76, one of the best-known providers of Ubuntu systems, recently introduced new servers certified to run the operating system. Works With U caught up with System76 President Carl Richell to discuss his views on the Ubuntu server market. The following interview — more of a quick chat — occurred over email: