Last checked and updated on April 15, 2026What Is New in Ubuntu 12.10
Ubuntu 12.10 (Quantal Quetzal) delivers a refined desktop experience, major developer toolchain updates, and deeper cloud integration. This release focuses on polishing the Unity shell and connecting the desktop to online services.
| Category | Key Updates |
|---|---|
| Desktop & UI | Updated Unity, Online Search in Dash, Web Apps integration |
| Developer Tools | Python 3.2, GCC 4.7, Go 1.0.2, Dart, updated toolchains |
| Cloud & Server | OpenStack Folsom, Juju GUI, Eucalyptus 3.1, QEMU 1.2 |
| Applications | LibreOffice 3.6.2, Firefox 16.0.1, Thunderbird 16.0.1 |
| Kernel & Hardware | Linux Kernel 3.5, improved ARM support |
How is the desktop experience improved?
The Dash now includes online search results from sources like Amazon, Facebook, and YouTube by default. This integration means you can start searching for files, applications, and web content from a single place. You can manage privacy settings for these features in the Security & Privacy panel.
Web app integration allows sites like GMail, Facebook, and BBC News to be treated more like desktop applications. They get their own launcher icons and messaging menu integration, which makes the desktop feel more connected to your online workflow.
What's new for developers in 12.10?
This release ships with Python 3.2 as the default python3 interpreter, a significant push towards the Python 3 ecosystem. The GCC 4.7 toolchain is included, bringing improved C++11 support which is crucial for modern systems programming.
New language additions include Google's Go 1.0.2 and Dart. For web developers, the latest versions of Apache 2.4.3, PostgreSQL 9.1, and MySQL 5.5.28 are available. These updates provide a solid foundation for both development and deployment.
How does 12.10 enhance cloud deployment?
Ubuntu 12.10 features the OpenStack Folsom release, which is a major update for building private and public clouds. The Juju GUI is now included by default, making service orchestration and deployment visually manageable right from the start.
For those building AWS-compatible private clouds, Eucalyptus 3.1 is available. The inclusion of QEMU 1.2 also provides better virtualization performance and feature support, which is the backbone of any cloud infrastructure.
What about kernel and hardware support?
The Linux 3.5 kernel underpins this release, offering better power management and hardware compatibility. This is particularly noticeable on newer laptops where battery life should see an improvement.
Support for ARM architecture continues to mature, paving the way for Ubuntu on a wider range of devices. In practice, this means the foundation is being laid for future Ubuntu mobile and embedded offerings.
FAQ
Is Python 2.x still available in Ubuntu 12.10?
Yes, Python 2.7 is still installed and remains the default for the python command. Python 3.2 is installed as python3, allowing developers to choose which version to target for their scripts and applications.
Can I disable the online search results in the Dash?
Absolutely. You can turn off online search results by going to System Settings > Security & Privacy > Search tab and toggling the 'Include online search results' option. This gives you full control over your privacy.
What is the advantage of the Web Apps integration?
It reduces context switching. A web app like GMail gets its own icon in the launcher and can display message counts in the messaging menu. This blurs the line between web and desktop applications, making your workflow smoother.
Is upgrading from 12.04 LTS to 12.10 recommended?
For developers and enthusiasts wanting the latest tools, yes. For production servers or stable desktop environments, sticking with the Long Term Support (LTS) release 12.04 is generally advised due to its longer support cycle and higher stability.
How do I try the Juju GUI for service orchestration?
After installing Ubuntu 12.10, you can deploy the Juju GUI by running juju deploy juju-gui and then juju expose juju-gui. This will provide you with a URL to access the web-based management interface for your services.