It’s official: Ubuntu 10.04 Long Term Support arrives April 29, and this particular blogger was privy to the press conference about it. Canonical Chairman Mark Shuttleworth and CEO Jane Silber discussed the plans and progress of new operating system, and then fielded some Q and A. The key news:  More than 80 ISVs are supporting Ubuntu. But here’s what it means for the desktop users and Canonical as a whole…

Ubuntu adoption for communities in the “Third World” seems like it should be a no-brainer: how could a functional, free operating system not prove wildly popular in developing countries?  Nonetheless, I believe Ubuntu use outside rich nations remains limited. Here’s a look at some suggested explanations of that reality, and how to change it.

I just finished configuring a Vista laptop for my brother, who needs to run some Windows-only applications for college. Whenever I find myself compelled to deal with proprietary operating systems, I’m reminded why I use Ubuntu. Here’s a short list of some of those reasons.

One good sale deserves another. That’s one way to think of the Ubuntu PC market, where ZaReason is the latest company to offer special Cyber Monday sales to Ubuntu desktop and notebook shoppers. Here are some details.

System76, the Ubuntu PC maker, continues to offer special holiday pricing on selected systems through Monday evening, November 30. Here’s a look at System76’s Ubuntu PC and notebook discounts, which are part of an ongoing Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales promotion.

As Ubuntu 9.10 debuts today, I’d like to spend less time talking and more time listening — to you. What is your initial reaction to Karmic Koala? Desktop and mobile feedback is always welcome. But I’m particularly interested in server, cloud and Landscape feedback from IT administrators. Please feel free to post a comment or email me directly (Joe [at] NineLivesMediaInc.com). WorksWithU intends to develop a series of user case studies exploring Ubuntu 9.10’s business performance across mobile, desktop, server and cloud systems. I look forward to your thoughts.

The Linux Foundation recently announced the second annual Linux Foundation End User Summit, to be held this November.  At face value, it might sound like a conference dedicated to assessing and addressing the needs of the type of people who use Ubuntu and other distributions for day-to-day computing.  Unfortunately, it’s not quite that.

Canonical is preparing to raise the storage limit on Ubuntu One, based on beta tester feedback from those who are using the online storage system. Longer term, Canonical also is listening closely to user feedback requesting Ubuntu One support for Windows, Mac OS X and Apple iPhones. Here’s the update.

More than 600 people registered to attend Atlanta Linux Fest, which was held Sept. 19. Many of the standing-room-only sessions focused on Canonical and Ubuntu. Here are nine Ubuntu-oriented highlights from the event.

Canonical’s Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala) and Microsoft’s Windows 7 are expected to debut within days of each other in October 2009. Some open source pundits will surely hype a showdown between the two operating systems. But Canonical needs to carefully communicate the broader Ubuntu 9.10 story to media, customers and partners. Here are seven potential steps to success for Canonical and the Ubuntu 9.10 launch.