Last checked and updated on April 15, 2026What Is New in Ubuntu 11.10
| Category | Key Changes |
|---|---|
| Desktop Environment | New Unity desktop, GNOME 3, LightDM login manager |
| Applications | Thunderbird as default email, Banshee replaced with Rhythmbox |
| Development & Cloud | Juju cloud orchestration, Python 3.2, updated toolchain |
| Infrastructure | Kernel 3.0.4, updated X.org stack, improved ARM support |
| Accessibility | On-screen keyboard, improved Orca screen reader |
What's the new desktop experience in Ubuntu 11.10?
Ubuntu 11.10 ships with a significantly refined Unity desktop interface. The Launcher now includes quicklist support for applications, and the Dash has been improved with better search functionality and lens integration.
This release replaces the GNOME 2-based desktop with GNOME 3, though it uses the Unity shell by default. The switch to LightDM as the default display manager provides a cleaner, faster login experience with guest session support.
Which applications were updated or replaced?
Mozilla Thunderbird replaces Evolution as the default email client, offering better integration with the desktop environment. The music player switched from Banshee back to Rhythmbox, which had better performance and integration.
Firefox 7.0, LibreOffice 3.4.3, and Gwibber 3.1.4 are included with various stability and performance improvements. The Ubuntu Software Center received UI enhancements for easier application discovery and installation.
What development tools and cloud features are included?
Juju (formerly Ensemble) provides service orchestration for deploying cloud services. Python 3.2 is now the default Python 3 implementation, while Python 2.7 remains available for legacy applications.
The toolchain includes GCC 4.6.1, binutils 2.21.53.20110810, and eglibc 2.13. These updates bring better optimization and support for newer hardware architectures.
How does the underlying system infrastructure improve?
The Linux kernel 3.0.4 includes better hardware support and power management improvements. The X.org stack was updated to version 1.10.4 with various driver enhancements.
ARM support was expanded with the introduction of the ARM hard-float (armhf) port, which provides significantly better performance on ARMv7 processors. This was crucial for the growing Ubuntu on ARM ecosystem.
FAQ
Why did Ubuntu switch back to Rhythmbox from Banshee?
The change was made because Rhythmbox offered better integration with the Unity desktop, improved performance, and more reliable library management for large music collections.
Is Python 2.7 still available in Ubuntu 11.10?
Yes, Python 2.7 remains fully available alongside Python 3.2. The system maintains both versions to ensure compatibility with existing applications and scripts.
What are the hardware requirements for Unity in 11.10?
Unity requires a GPU capable of 3D acceleration. For systems without 3D support, Ubuntu offers the 2D fallback mode or the classic GNOME desktop session.
How does Juju differ from traditional package management?
Juju focuses on service orchestration rather than package installation. It handles relationships between cloud services, making it easier to deploy complex application stacks across multiple machines.
Can I still use the classic GNOME desktop in 11.10?
Yes, the classic GNOME desktop session is available by installing the gnome-session-fallback package, which provides the traditional GNOME 2-like interface.