One of the main reasons why we, at QBurst, use Ubuntu on 75% of our computers is the stability it provides. Canonical, the Ubuntu company, has always made sure that their users get updates every six months with a lot of changes.

The latest release 11.10, which was just released yesterday, October 13, 2011, brings major updates to its Unity Shell. The improvements include better polish and a new transparency effect in addition to the little icons at the bottom called Unity Lenses (Apps, Files, a new Music lens and Gwibber). The Ubuntu button is now on the launcher and there is also a new minimize/maximize/close button for Unity dash.

With Ubuntu Unity Shell, it is very easy to search and open an installed program. It also replaces the old task bar that was in the Ubuntu Classic theme. Close, minimize and maximize buttons are hidden by default and will be visible only when the user moves the cursor over the window.

The latest version also includes an updated version of the Ubuntu Software Center from where the user can install additional software with just one click. Installing an app has never been easier.

One of the main attractions of Ubuntu 11.10 is the redesigned Alt-Tab view. Ubuntu developers have given extra care to redesign the Alt-Tab view, which looks very attractive now.

Other than these visible design changes, Ubuntu 11.10 certainly has some cool under-the-hood updates. Ubuntu 11.10 uses the Linux Kernel 3 and many components from Gnome 3. The good news for Mozilla Thunderbird fans is that Ubuntu 11.10 now ships with Thunderbird as the default email application. Empathy is replaced with Thunderbird which will increase the email client users Ubuntu has. The GNOME login manager has also been replaced with the more flexible and Unity style LightDM. They have also updated the front-end of the social networking client application Gwibber.

With the release of Ubuntu 11.10, Canonical developers are now going to start working towards the future release 12.04. Ubuntu founder Mark Shuttleworth announced that the codename for 12.04 will be Precise Pangolin which will also be a long-term support (LTS) release. LTS means that it will be supported with updates for five years on servers and three years on desktops.

At QBurst, we always use the latest stable versions. We are very excited about the release of this Debian based operating system and have already started upgrading our Linux based systems to 11.10.

For existing Ubuntu users, the update is available through the Ubuntu Update Manager, and for new users download is available on Ubuntu website.

What is Ning?

Ning is an online platform for creating social networks. More than 2.5 million networks have been created so far and there are 41 million registered users. The number of people visiting Ning sites  in a month come to around 92 million. Similar to Facebook, Twitter and Linked in, Ning also does not have a direct competitor. However Crowdvine, KickApps, CollectiveX, ONESite and few more companies offer similar services. Let us capture few of the features that Ning provides.

1. White Label – Ning allows its platform users to customize it with their own brand. There is no fixed frame or color scheme which has to be followed. The entire site can be created in the user’s interests.

2. Domain Name – There’s more than just vanity URLs in Ning. It provides options to create new  domain names and map already existing ones. Community links for most of the companies in their website are mapped to the Ning site.

3. Even More Social Experience – Ning provides a deeper social experience. Interaction with brands, celebrities, musicians go to the next level here: Personal profiles, events, forums, chats and many more.

4. Ads and Other Premium Features – Best of all, Ning platform also allows its network creators to generate money from their networks through ads. Premium features like virtual gifts also does the same.

None of the popular social networks offer all of the above features. It convinces us to conclude that Ning stands in a different dimension without aligning itself along any other already existing social networks and therefore compel businesses to be a part of it. Let us also look at a few networks created in Ning.

Ning Networks

(a) Gaither

Gaither.com is the official website of the Gaither vocal band. The band has a Ning network for its community. The community has sub-groups, micro blogging, forums, latest events and many more for their fans. The Connect section in the snapshot below shows links to various social media links from the Gaither website including Ning.

(b) Ellen Degenres show

One of the popular show in the United States, the Ellen Degeneres Show has many active members in its Ning community. The sub domain http://community.ellen.tv is being mapped to the Ning network.

The above snapshot is taken from the Ellen official website. We can see the links to Twitter, Facebook, Ning (community) along with the other main links .

(c) Techcrunch (Zorapcrunch)

Techcrunch, one of the leading reporters of web developments and happenings are also having their presence in Ning.

(d) Content Wrangler

Content Wrangler is a popular destination for communication professionals seeking information about content management. This is an initiative of Scott Abel, a content management strategist. The screen shot below shows the community created in Ning where a global network of content professionals from around the world meet and collaborate.

Similar to these communities, there are more than 2.5 million networks created so far. Celebrities,  politicians and established organizations have already made their presence. For more information on Ning, visit Ning Help.