Last checked and updated on April 15, 2026What Is New in Ubuntu 6.10
Ubuntu 6.10, codenamed Edgy Eft, delivers a significant refresh focused on the latest desktop experience and foundational updates. This release integrates newer versions of core applications and introduces key infrastructure changes that set the stage for future development.
| Category | Key Changes |
|---|---|
| New Features | Upstart init system, Tomboy note-taking, F-Spot photo manager, Firefox 2.0, GNOME 2.16 |
| Improvements | Faster boot process, improved laptop support (hotkeys, suspend/resume), Human theme refresh |
| Under the Hood | Linux kernel 2.6.17, GCC 4.1, Python 2.5 pre-release, X.org 7.1 |
| Security | AppArmor security framework for confining applications |
How does Upstart change the boot process?
Upstart replaces the traditional System V init system, handling the starting and stopping of system tasks and services. It's event-driven, meaning it can start services in response to events like hardware being detected, not just at a fixed point in the boot sequence.
In practice, this means a faster and more dynamic boot process. Services can start in parallel when their dependencies are met, rather than waiting for a rigid serial order. This was a foundational change that paved the way for much faster boot times in later Ubuntu releases.
What desktop applications were introduced?
This release bundled several new applications aimed at improving the out-of-the-box user experience. The note-taking application Tomboy and the photo management tool F-Spot were included by default for the first time.
More importantly, it shipped with Firefox 2.0 and the Evolution groupware suite. The Human theme got a visual refresh with a new brown color scheme, moving away from the earlier tawny look. This matters because it solidified Ubuntu's distinct visual identity.
What are the core platform updates?
Underneath, Edgy is powered by Linux kernel 2.6.17, which brought better hardware support, particularly for newer laptops. It also included a pre-release version of Python 2.5, allowing developers to start testing their applications ahead of the final release.
The toolchain was updated to GCC 4.1, and the X window system moved to X.org 7.1. These updates provided a more stable and performant foundation for both desktop users and developers building software on the platform.
How was security enhanced?
The major security introduction was AppArmor, a mandatory access control system similar to SELinux but considered easier to configure. AppArmor works by confining individual programs to a set of listed resources, limiting the damage from a potential exploit.
For a desktop release, this was a proactive step towards containing vulnerabilities in network-facing services. It provided a practical security layer without the configuration complexity that often plagued other systems at the time.
FAQ
Is Ubuntu 6.10 a Long-Term Support (LTS) release?
No, 6.10 (Edgy Eft) is a standard release with 18 months of support. The previous release, 6.06 LTS (Dapper Drake), is the long-term support version.
Can I upgrade directly from Ubuntu 6.06 LTS to 6.10?
Yes, a direct upgrade path from Ubuntu 6.06 LTS to 6.10 is supported using the update manager or apt-get tool.
What kernel version does Ubuntu 6.10 use?
It uses the Linux kernel version 2.6.17, which includes improvements for hardware support and performance.
Is AppArmor enabled by default in 6.10?
AppArmor is included but may not have comprehensive profiles for all applications yet. It's the beginning of its integration into Ubuntu.
Why was the theme changed from brown to a darker brown?
The Human theme was refined to create a more polished and consistent look, establishing a stronger visual identity for the Ubuntu desktop.