Last checked and updated on April 15, 2026What Is New in Ubuntu 8.10
Ubuntu 8.10, codenamed Intrepid Ibex, delivers a major refresh focused on improving the mobile and desktop experience. It introduces a new theme, significant network management upgrades, and updated packages across the board. This release sets the stage for cloud and internet connectivity.
| Category | Key Changes |
|---|---|
| New Features | Guest Session, Encrypted Private Directory, DKMS, X.org 7.4 |
| Desktop & UI | New Dark Theme, GNOME 2.24, Network Manager 0.7 |
| Kernel & Hardware | Linux Kernel 2.6.27, Wacom Tablet Support, Dynamic Kernel Module Support (DKMS) |
| Software & Packages | OpenOffice.org 3.0 RC2, Firefox 3.0.3, Transmission 1.34 |
| Infrastructure | Default X.org Input Hotplugging, Persistent Storage for Live USB |
How is the desktop experience improved?
The desktop gets a major visual and functional overhaul. The new 'Dark' human theme refreshes the look, while GNOME 2.24 brings new apps and panel features.
In practice, the updated Network Manager 0.7 is a game-changer for laptops. It finally supports 3G modems out-of-the-box, making mobile broadband setup a point-and-click affair instead of a terminal struggle.
What are the key security and privacy additions?
Two features stand out for user security: Guest Sessions and encrypted private directories. The guest account provides a temporary, sandboxed session for others to use your machine without accessing your files.
During installation, you can now choose to encrypt your /home/$user directory. This uses ecryptfs to protect your data at rest, which matters because it mitigates the risk of physical theft of your laptop or hard drive.
What's new for developers and kernel modules?
The inclusion of Dynamic Kernel Module Support (DKMS) is a huge win for anyone using proprietary drivers or custom kernel modules. DKMS automatically recompiles these modules when you upgrade your kernel, preventing boot failures.
This move away from the old restricted-modules package simplifies driver maintenance significantly. You can install a driver once and DKMS handles the rest across future kernel updates.
How does the Live USB experience work?
The Live USB creator now supports persistent storage by default. You can install Ubuntu onto a USB stick and have a portion of the drive dedicated to saving your files, settings, and installed applications between sessions.
This creates a truly portable, personalized workspace that you can boot on almost any computer. It's ideal for support technicians, consultants, or anyone who needs a consistent environment on the go.
FAQ
Can I upgrade from Ubuntu 8.04 LTS to 8.10?
Yes, you can upgrade directly from 8.04 LTS (Hardy Heron) to 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex) using the update manager. However, since 8.04 is an LTS release with longer support, weigh the benefits of new features against the stability of long-term support for production machines.
Does the new Network Manager work with my 3G modem?
Most likely. Network Manager 0.7 added support for a wide range of 3G modems. If your modem is recognized by the system, it should appear as a mobile broadband option in the network menu, allowing for graphical configuration.
What happens to my existing drivers with DKMS?
If you had proprietary drivers (like NVIDIA or ATI) installed from the 'restricted' repository, the upgrade should migrate them to the DKMS framework. You might need to reinstall them if you encounter issues, but future kernel updates will be smoother.
Is OpenOffice.org 3.0 the final version?
No, Ubuntu 8.10 ships with OpenOffice.org 3.0 Release Candidate 2. This was the latest stable version available at the time of the release freeze. You can expect to receive updates to the final version through the regular update channels after its official launch.
How do I enable the encrypted home directory after installation?
The encryption option is only available during a fresh installation. If you did not select it then, you cannot easily encrypt an existing home directory post-install. You would need to create a new user with encryption enabled and migrate your data.