Ubuntu Linux 8.04 final release set for April 24

When they're released in final form on April 24, the new server and desktop variants of Ubuntu Linux Version 8.04 will include features aimed at making the open-source operating system easier to deploy and use.

Available as beta versions since March 20, the new Ubuntu 8.04 versions, code-named Hardy Heron, are scheduled to include a first-time Windows installation option called Wubi, which allows users to install Ubuntu 8.04 on a machine like they would install any Windows application, rather than requiring a separate hard drive partition for a full install.

This option will allow Windows users to try Ubuntu on a Windows-equipped computer without changing their installed Windows operating system. Ubuntu 8.04 can then be uninstalled like any other Windows application, and users can decide to install it on a separate partition if they want.