Ubuntu 8.04 LTS (Hardy Heron) Alpha 3

The much-anticipated Alpha3 version of Ubuntu 8.04 "Hardy" has just been released and is now available for download via Ubuntu's FTP for testing.

Update List:

* Improved font tweaking and rendering: Personally, I am already very satisfied with the current font display, so I wonder what improvements Hardy will bring in this area.

* Comprehensive support for mobile platforms: Whether it’s applications or power management, Hardy is ready to fully embrace mobile platforms. By the time MID, UMPs, and other mobile devices hit the market, Hardy will also have a presence on them.

* Desktop effects: If Compiz 0.7 is released as scheduled, Hardy will take into account the feedback information of Compiz in Gutsy, combined with the powerful Compiz 0.7, to continue providing better desktop experiences for GNU/Linux desktop users.

* KDE 4 for Kubuntu: The news that KDE 4 would not be integrated into the LTS version seems to be a thing of the past. KDE 4 will be integrated into 7.10 Hardy!

* New theme: Innovations in Hardy cannot be limited to internal changes; the appearance will change as well. It is reported that Hardy will replace the long-used Human theme with a more "modern" one. At that time, icons, controls, borders, and even the login interface will give people a completely refreshed feeling!

* Modular OOo: OpenOffice.org has always been closely integrated with Ubuntu. If a user wants to delete OpenOffice.org but doesn't want to use it, they might accidentally delete some important software packages. However, in Hardy, OOo will undergo significant changes in its relationship with the system, becoming modularized and streamlined, removing a considerable number of Java packages, thus saving disk space. It remains to be seen whether this will make it easier for users to delete it?

* Streamlined software and libraries: Hardy may make some significant changes to the current software and libraries, merging or removing some redundant or substitutable software packages and libraries, thereby saving CD space and streamlining the entire system for greater efficiency.

* X.org 7.3: Hardy will come equipped with the latest X.org 7.3, and will provide better tools for display adjustment. If AMD drivers are released in time, both A-card and N-card users will enjoy near-perfect display support!

* Automatic bug reporting: To build an even more stable system, Hardy will feature an automated bug reporting system. Of course, user privacy will still be the top priority.

* Boot information display: Some people have noted that in Gutsy, even removing usplash does not allow you to see boot messages, making troubleshooting difficult. Hardy will address this issue.